- Published:
- Friday 18 June 2021
More community sporting organisations will be able to level the playing field for women and girls, through a Victorian Government initiative backing dozens of projects across Victoria.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced 86 community sport and recreation organisations will receive grants of up to $10,000 each to drive participation, provide training and development, and showcase women’s and girls’ achievements.
Applications for this round of the Change Our Game Community Activation Grants broke records with more than $1.1 million in submissions received, reinforcing the demand for programs that celebrate and showcase women and girls at all levels of sport.
Successful initiatives range from come-and-try days and leadership workshops to gala dinners and awards nights – all designed to inspire the next generation of leaders in sport and active recreation.
Among them is the Fatemiya Cultural Centre in Dandenong which will deliver the Afghan Women Walking Group, a program providing Afghan women access to active recreation in a safe and supportive environment.
The program will run for 20 weeks and participants will share life skills and gain confidence while building body strength, balance and increasing flexibility.
Since 2017, more than 240 Change Our Game grants have been awarded and this work will continue following the recent Victorian Budget 2021-22 announcement of $11.6 million to fund the important work of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation.
For more information about the Change Our Game programs, visit changeourgame.vic.gov.au.
Quote attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“Women and girls deserve equal opportunities to lead on and off the field – we’re making sure they feel comfortable and confident when it comes to getting involved in sport and pursuing their goals.”
Quote attributable to Office for Women in Sport and Recreation director Sarah Styles
“The demand for Change Our Game grants shows that equality is front of mind in Victorian sport and active recreation. We’re building a society where we all have equal choices and opportunities to participate and lead.”
Quote attributable to Fatemiya Cultural Centre treasurer Laila Mosawi
“This program is an important step forward in promoting autonomy and freedom for women in our community. It’s about fitness, wellbeing and having choices.”