The Allan Labor Government is encouraging women and girls of all backgrounds to participate in community sport through the 2023-24 Change Our Game Community Activation Grants program. Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence has announced the opening of applications for grants of up to $10,000, which aim to increase participation, promote gender equity, and support the professional development of women and girls in sports. The program also emphasizes the inclusive inclusion of women and girls from diverse backgrounds. The grants are part of the Government’s Change Our Game initiative, which aims to make sport more accessible and provide leadership opportunities for all Victorians in their local sporting communities. Since its inception, the Change Our Game Community Activation Grants program has allocated over $2.2 million to 461 grants benefiting community sports clubs and organizations throughout the state.
One outstanding initiative supported by the program was carried out by the Benalla Golf Club. The ‘Fun on the Fairways – Girls in Golf’ program saw 75 women and girls participate in a 9-week program aimed at teaching golf skills, game play, and course etiquette. This initiative provided a safe and supportive environment, resulting in a 20 percent increase in competition rounds played by women. The Change Our Game Community Activation Grants program, alongside the Fair Access Policy launched by the Labor Government, offers clubs and organizations the opportunity to improve access to community sports infrastructure and enhance participants’ skills and knowledge.
The Government has invested $18.8 million in the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation and the Change Our Game initiative since 2016. Minister Spence believes that this program presents an excellent opportunity for community sports clubs to take significant steps towards inclusivity and accessibility for everyone.
Director of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Sarah Styles emphasized that the Change Our Game Community Activation Grants program plays a crucial role in supporting women and girls to participate, engage, and access sports and active recreation. By implementing this program, Australia continues to lead in creating a level playing field for all.
Applications for the program will close on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 5pm AEDT. For more information about the Change Our Game programs, interested parties can visit the website changeourgame.vic.gov.au.
This article was written with the purpose of informing readers about the opportunity for community sports clubs to receive grants that promote gender equity and increase the participation of women and girls in sports. It highlights a successful initiative previously supported by the program and emphasizes the Government’s commitment to making sport more accessible. The quotes from Minister Spence and Director Styles provide additional insight and support for the initiative.
