At this month's Council Meeting, Bass Coast Shire Council unanimously adopted a comprehensive Fair Access Policy and Action Plan aimed at enhancing gender equity within the local community.
Already a leader in gender equality, Bass Coast Shire Council became the first council in Victoria to demand the same prize money for men and women for all sporting competitions held at council owned or managed facilities in the region.
The policy builds upon Council's existing commitments outlined in initiatives such as Active Bass Coast and the Gender Equality Action Plan, and is a proactive response to the State Government's new Fair Access requirements, which mandate gender-equitable access and use policies for all Victorian Local Government Authorities (LGAs) to qualify for state infrastructure funding, effective from 1 July 2024.
"This policy is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for all community members," said Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Clare Le Serve. "It reflects our commitment to ensuring fair and equitable access to local facilities, promoting active participation and community engagement."
Central to the Fair Access Policy and Action Plan is a collaborative approach involving key stakeholders such as GippSport, State Sporting Associations, local clubs, leagues, and community management committees. This partnership aims to implement gender equity audits and facilitate necessary changes within local clubs and facilities to meet the policy's objectives.
Community voices were heard in the development of this initiative through a comprehensive community consultation process. Feedback from residents, clubs, and stakeholders played a crucial role in shaping the Bass Coast Fair Access Policy and Action Plan.
Key components of the plan include updating Council's community grants criteria to support fair access initiatives, providing training to clubs for conducting gender equity audits and developing action plans, and revising existing policies to foster inclusivity across all community activities.
"Council is committed to empowering local clubs to undertake meaningful gender equity audits and implement necessary changes," Cr Le Serve said. "Through this proactive approach, we aim to eliminate barriers and ensure that every community member has fair access to enjoy and benefit from our local facilities."
