Community sport and active recreation clubs nurturing and promoting opportunities for women and girls, on and off the field, are again eligible for funding from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today opened applications for the 2021-22 Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program, as the Labor Government aims to drive and grow female participation in sporting clubs.
The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to eligible organisations providing more opportunities for women and girls at the grassroots level, to further gender equality in community sport.
Previous grant recipient Birchip Neighbourhood House used the funding for a leadership program, a series of inclusive sporting events and to also establish 'Birchip Safe and Well', a community program that hosts sporting events in a safe and respectful environment.
Royal Park Tennis Club in Parkville used their grant to introduce a low-cost women's beginner coaching and social play program, which attracted 64 new players to their club during 2021.
Bendigo's Kangaroo Flat Football Netball Club played a 'Change Our Game Women's Round' in May 2021, using their grant to celebrate the empowerment of women in sport by showcasing the junior and senior women's teams and with a special appearance by AFLW North Melbourne player Grace Campbell.
The Office for Women in Sport and Recreation supports initiatives that bring together communities to celebrate gender equality in women's sport, promote participation options for women and girls, and provide opportunities for clubs to gain relevant skills and knowledge of gender equality practices.
The Change Our Game Community Activation GrantsProgram highlights the Labor Government's ongoing commitment to gender equality across all levels of the Victorian sport and active recreation sector.
Since the Program was established in 2018, 242 grants have been provided to support community sport and recreation organisations to host initiatives ranging from come-and-try days to community forums and educational sessions.
These grants are part of the Government's $18.8 million investment in the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation and the Change Our Game initiative.
For more information about Change Our Game programs visit changeourgame.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"Grassroots sport plays a pivotal role driving positive social change and these grants are a fantastic opportunity for community clubs to showcase what women and girls can achieve both on and off the field."
As stated by Birchip Neighbourhood House Manager Simone Christie
"The greatest benefit of this grant has been to see the commitment from sporting clubs and several community groups about making sport and leadership more inclusive while addressing the barriers and stigmas that exist in rural communities collectively."
