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