SPORTS participation among women and girls in South Gippsland is set for a boost, thanks to the Play Well Participation Grants secured by South Gippsland Shire Council with support from GippSport.
The funding, provided by the Australian Sports Commission as part of its first National Sport Participation Strategy, aims to ensure that everyone has a place in sport.
GippSport Executive Officer Dan Poynton said his organisation was proud to partner with South Gippsland council to deliver such impactful projects.
“Women and girls have been underrepresented in community sport for too long, so this is a great opportunity for us to work with the council and local clubs to highlight the importance of sport for women and girls in our communities,” Mr. Poynton said.
The Play Well Participation Grant is a national initiative designed to break down barriers and increase access to sports for underrepresented groups, particularly women and girls. The program focuses on fostering inclusive environments where women and girls feel welcomed and supported as they embark on or continue their community sport journey.
South Gippsland Shire Council has a proud history of supporting sport, and Mayor Clare Williams sees this initiative as a valuable opportunity.
“This initiative not only allows us to showcase the sports opportunities we offer for women and girls, but it also helps us encourage more of them to get involved in playing, coaching, and
officiating,” Ms. Williams said.
In South Gippsland, the focus will be on Australian Rules football, cricket, and soccer, with an emphasis on engaging women and girls through community events and partnerships with local clubs.
To kick off the initiative, free “Come and Try” events will be held this November, with additional events planned for February and October next year. These events are open to women and girls of all ages, offering a chance to try new sports in a supportive and welcoming environment.
In addition to these events, GippSport, in partnership with the council, will offer no-cost, fully subsidised workshops and capacity-building support for local sports clubs. These workshops will focus on creating welcoming and inclusive club environments that attract and retain women and girls.
GippSport’s Senior Sports Consultant, Michelle Harris, emphasised the importance of these workshops alongside the Come and Try days.
“The Play Well strategy focuses on creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive sports environments. We encourage all clubs interested in supporting women and girls to sign up for the workshops, ensuring they are ready to welcome participants who enjoy the Come and Try days and want to take the next step in their community sport journey,” Ms. Harris said.
GippSport will collaborate closely with State Sporting Associations, Leongatha & District Cricket Association, South Gippsland Junior Football Association and Gippsland Soccer League to ensure the
Play Well initiative reaches as many women and girls as possible. This collaboration will also help build sustainable programs that continue to benefit the community long after the initial grant period.
Get Involved
GippSport invites all community members to get involved in the Play Well initiative, whether by participating in events, volunteering, or attending workshops.
Don’t miss out! Register for our upcoming events and workshops today! To learn more about the project, visit gippsport.com.au or contact us at 5176 3020.
