Insurer Vero has given Harcourt Football Netball Club its $25,000 community grant this year, as part of its sponsorship of the NIBA young broker of the year awards.

The funds will support repairs and replacement of club facilities, including the installation of a barbecue, new netting and safety poles.

The Victorian club was selected by a cohort of this year’s state winners in the National Insurance Brokers Association of Australia young broker award program.

Lisa Harrison, CEO of commercial insurance at Suncorp-owned Vero, says the club has played an important role bringing a bushfire-hit community together.

“Spending time in Harcourt, I’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact the fires had on homes, businesses and much-loved community places, but I’ve also seen the resilience and strong community spirit that has carried people through,” she said.

Federal MP for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said: “From January’s harrowing bushfires and beyond, the club has solidified itself as the heartbeat of this town, opening their doors and uplifting the community in a time of need.

“It has become far more than a sporting club – it has become the centre of the community’s recovery effort, providing a safe haven and meeting space for our people.

“We thank Vero for their generous support in allowing the club to refresh its facilities, and ensuring this thriving hub can continue to be a place of unity for the community.”