By Senator Jana Stewart's Office: (03) 9070 1920

11 December 2024

The Hon Anika Wells MP
Minister for Aged Care
Minister for Sport


Senator Jana Stewart
Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba
Senator for Victoria


MEDIA RELEASE

$1.44m to support more women and girls to get into sport in Central Victoria

Women and girls in Central Victoria will find it easier and more enjoyable to play sport and
be active as a result of a $967,250 grant to Mitchell Shire Council and a $475,015 grant to
Murchison-Toolamba Football Netball Club Incorporated.


These two organisations were selected to receive the funding under the Australian
Government’s $200 million Play Our Way Program. This program is designed to remove
barriers, address discrimination and promote equality for women and girls to participate in
sport and physical activity.


Mitchell Shire Council will use the money for the Harley Hammond Reserve Netball Courts
and Lighting Upgrade and Play Space Project. This will deliver two new fit-for-purpose and
compliant netball courts, addressing current and future participation needs for females in
Broadford.


The Murchison-Toolamba Football Netball Club will build an all-abilities accessible female
change room and toilet block to provide for the needs of female participants, officials,
volunteers and community.


Funding will complement the $55.6 million offered to 124 organisations under Stream 2:
Participation and Equipment, and will be offered nationwide, with a focus on facilities for
women and girls who face additional barriers to participation. This includes women and girls
who have a disability, are First Nations people or from culturally and linguistically diverse
communities.


Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:


“Play Our Way is all about creating greater opportunities for women and girls to have an
equal chance to get the fun, satisfaction and health benefits sport offers."


“The huge response to the grants, and the range of great project ideas, show that Australian
communities want to be more supportive of women and girls.”


Quotes attributable to Senator Jana Stewart:

“Having grown up in the regions myself, I know how important this funding is for our
beloved regional sporting clubs. Sport brings our communities together, and this funding will
help unite even more of us.”

“I am confident that this funding will be a gamechanger for our women and girls, especially
in our regions, to thrive and grow through sport.”

“Regional Victoria is home to some of the best sporting clubs and talents, and I am thrilled
that the Albanese Labor Government is supporting clubs to promote inclusivity and
accessibility, and nurture some of our future sporting stars!”

[ENDS]

 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Minister Wells Chris Garry 0472 840 665

Senator Stewart Hannah Purdy 0438 003 83