Macedon ranges clubs receive further support to promote gender equality

Community sporting organisations across the state will benefit from further funding to help level the playing field for women and girls, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s Change Our Game initiative.

86 community sport and recreation organisations from across Victoria have been successful in receiving a Change Our Game Community Activation Grant, funding more than $430,000 worth of grants.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, announced that locally, Woodend-Hesket Football Netball Club and Riddells Creek Tennis Club will share in $7,550.

Woodend-Hesket Football Netball Club has received $5,050 to "Celebrate Women at the Nest" – an event to celebrate women and girls by bringing together players, parents, supporters and volunteers from the three clubs in Woodend to support active participation, pathways for the future and further gender equality at the club.

Riddells Creek Tennis Club received $2,500 for a tennis coaching program for girls – providing tennis coaching lessons with a qualified coach for one hour a week for 10 weeks during the school term for 10 girls aged between 10 and 12 years.

Applications for this round broke Change Our Game records with more than $1.1milion worth of submissions registered, reinforcing the demand in providing programs that celebrate and showcase women and girls in all levels of sport and recreation.

This round offered three streams of funding to support clubs in driving participation, providing organisational training and development, and to showcase women and girls’ achievements.

Since 2017, more than 380 Change Our Game grants have been awarded and this work will continue following the recent 2021-22 Victorian State budget announcement of $11.6 million to fund the continuation of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation.

For more information about the Change Our Game programs, visit www.changeourgame.vic.gov.au

Quote attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"Community sport plays a vital role in uniting our communities and driving positive social change. The Change Our Game initiative is providing opportunities for Victorian women and girls to lead on and off the field."

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"Congratulations to both Woodend-Hesket Football Netball Club and Riddells Creek Tennis Club on their successful applications – it’s fantastic to see so many women and girls in the Macedon Ranges getting active and involved in grassroots sport."