The Karingal Bulls Junior football Club and Long Island Cricket Club will benefit from a recent funding boost aimed at enhancing facilities for country sports across Victoria. More than $1.4 million has been allocated for seven projects through the Country Football Netball Program, with the goal of improving football and netball infrastructure in rural and regional areas. This includes the redevelopment of the Ballam Park East oval to support increased participation from local youth, a project praised by Leigh Gage, President of Karingal Bulls. The funding, part of a long-standing partnership between the Victorian Government, AFL, and Netball Victoria, has so far contributed over $41.5 million to more than 580 projects since its inception in 2005. Minister Ros Spence emphasized the importance of these upgrades in bringing communities together and improving access to sports facilities. The next funding round will close on July 7, 2025.