Grants for macedon local sports clubs to level the playing field

The Victorian Government is backing more women and girls in Macedon to get involved in community sport and recreation.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced that applications for the 2022-23 Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program had opened.

Offered through the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, the grants help local sport clubs and eligible organisations run initiatives that promote participation by women and girls.

The grants also help build capability, equity and leadership at grassroots level.

Now in its sixth year, the Program has already funded activations and events at more than 350 organisations across the state.

One such initiative was with Birchip-Watchem Netball Club, a club that prides itself on being a nonbiased and welcoming organisation, embracing members of all abilities, nationalities and sexual orientations.

The club used its grant to host an umpire and coaching session, to reward its dedicated and hardworking volunteer workforce, and inspire them to support further participation in netball.

Together with the Fair Access Policy Roadmap, launched in August 2022, the Program provides a great opportunity for clubs and organisations to extend equitable access to community sports infrastructure, and build participants’ skills and knowledge.

For more information on the 2022-23 Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program visit the website at changeourgame.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"I encourage eligible clubs and organisations across Macedon to consider applying for grants, and I look forward to seeing them taking positive action to make community sport accessible and inclusive for more women and girls in our local community."

"Sport and recreation organisations are a big part of our local community, bringing us together, and driving positive change, and that’s why this program is so important."

Quotes attributable to Head of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, Sarah Styles
"The Office for Women and Sport and Recreation is ensuring more women and girls can access, participate in and enjoy community sport and recreation whether it’s on the field, volunteering or umpiring. Community sport and recreation brings people together and fosters respect and inclusiveness, and with the Fair Access Policy Roadmap, will be the frontier of advancing equality in sport in the coming years."