The Victorian Budget 2017/18 will invest $6.2 million to continue implementation of the Inquiry into Women and Girls Sport and Recreation: a Five Year Game Plan for Victoria, and deliver further Change Our Game initiatives.  

The funding supplements the initial $1 million investment that kick started the campaign in November last year.

This new funding boost will provide more participation opportunities for women and girls and will ensure grassroots clubs are a welcoming and inclusive places for people of all backgrounds, genders, ages or abilities.

The funding will also help more women and girls take on sports leadership roles and will investigate the idea of a Centre of Excellence for Women’s Sport Leadership.

While female participation rates are soaring in Victoria – women are still under represented on boards, in administration roles and other leadership positions.  The campaign is all about encouraging the sector to challenge gender stereotypes and encourage more women and girls to reach their full potential, get fit and healthy.

Change Our Game initiatives that will get a boost include the:

• Continuation of the Champions Program over the next four years.
• Community initiatives that aim to challenge unconscious bias, promote role models and showcase success.
• Education and cultural change initiatives, including an annual “Play, Lead, Succeed” landmark event to inspire, network, learn and showcase success (including awarding annual leadership scholarships), a new leadership forums series, and strengthening female friendly coaching efforts.

The 2017-18 budget also provides an additional $4 million to expand the existing $10 million Female Friendly Facilities Program, to build and upgrade women’s change rooms and facilities. This builds on previous infrastructure investment, including the $9.6 million Inner City Netball Program that will deliver 64 netball courts across the municipalities of Darebin, Melbourne, Moreland and Yarra City.

The Victorian Budget 2017/18 will also invest $1 million to kick start planning and design work to transform the ageing State Netball and Hockey Centre into a world class venue for elite athletes, grassroots teams and fans.

Revamping the state’s premier netball and hockey venue in Parkville will be another massive win for women and girls, providing more opportunities to get active and play and strive for the best, on and off the courts.

More than 500,000 people a year participate in or watch netball, hockey and other events at the centre. With over 80 per cent of its users being female, this centre stands alone as the only major venue supporting majority female activities.