The Andrews Labor Government continues to lead the charge in levelling the playing field for women and girls in sport.
Speaking at the inaugural Change Our Game Networking Forum today, Minister for Sport John Eren announced $100,000 to deliver a new program to further improve opportunities for women and girls in sport and recreation.
The Change Our Game Community Activations Grant program will support initiatives that bring communities together to promote and boost gender equality through sport.
Grants of up to $5,000 will be available to clubs and community groups across Victoria, providing an opportunity for more women and girls at the grassroots level to achieve their full potential, on and off the field.
‘You can’t be what you can’t see’ was the underlying theme of the Change Our Game Networking Lunch, which brought 300 emerging leaders together, including twelve high profile ambassadors of the campaign.
This program adds to existing Change Our Game grants including $380,000 already committed to the Change Our Game Leadership Scholarships and the Change Our Game Champions program.
The Labor Government recently announced the biggest investment in community sport in Victoria’s history – with well over $100 million in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 to improve facilities and access for women.
This includes a further $15 million for the Female Friendly Facilities Fund, which has increased funding available to clubs from $100,000 to $500,000.
The Budget invests $64.6 million to upgrade the State Netball and Hockey Centre, $20 million to redevelop Ikon Park into the home of women’s football, as well as upgrades for AFLW at Moorabbin Oval, Casey Fields, Whitten Oval and Victoria Park.
There is also $12 million to build a Rugby League Centre of Excellence in Broadmeadows, paving the way for a Melbourne Storm women’s team.
And for those who love the world game, we’ve invested $10 million to build the Melbourne Victory Football Academy in Footscray Park, providing a home for the Victory W-League side and juniors.
Change Our Game Community Activation Grants will open in the coming days. For more information visit sport.vic.gov.au.
Quote attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“We know how important community sport is in shaping our society and instilling the right values – and these grants will help local clubs to do their part in improving gender equality at the grassroots level.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins
“The Change Our Game campaign shows ways we can level the playing field for women in sport on and off the field and will get more women and girls involved in sports and leadership positions.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020