The Victorian Government on Thursday confirmed an injection of $11.6 million in the Victorian Budget 2021/22 to continue the pioneering work of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation.

Change Our Game scholarships further leadership opportunities for women ranging from community sport volunteers to senior leaders at state associations with successful applicants receive grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.

Life Saving Victoria has achieved gender parity among its 37,000 members and also has majority women membership on its board. The community service and sporting institution will provide training opportunities for seven volunteers attached to local clubs courtesy of its Change Our Game support.

Director of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Sarah Styles said Victoria leads the way in realising a future where women and girls have equal choices and opportunities to lead and participate in sport and active recreation as the men and boys in their lives.

The latest round of 24 scholarships confirmed today also includes Rana Hussain – Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Cricket Australia and a member of the Collingwood Football Club Anti-Racism Advisory Committee – and Dr Philippa Inge, the team doctor for the Australian women’s cricket team.

Ms Hussain will take part in the ChangeUp Leadership Program while Dr Inge will participate in a leadership development program at the Melbourne Business School.

Some 380 people and organisations have received a Change Our Game scholarship since 2017, including Jaimie Collins of the Bicycle Network who in February participated in a workshop to build her management skills.

Change Our Game scholarship recipient Jaimie Collins said when we see more women in visible leadership positions, we are creating opportunities for the next generation to access mentors and see a pathway for all.

The Victorian Government has also backed female sports participation by building 130 female friendly facilities across the state since 2015 – part of a $1 billion community sport infrastructure roll-out.

For more information about the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation visit Change Our Game