Helping More Women and Girls in Melton Get Into Sport

The Allan Labor Government has launched the 2024-25 Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program to boost female participation in sports. Offering grants of up to $10,000, the initiative supports community clubs in promoting gender equity and inclusive sporting opportunities. Applications are open until February 26, 2025.

The Allan Labor Government is taking significant steps to increase female participation in sport, with a new round of funding aimed at encouraging more women and girls to engage in the sports they love. Member for Melton, Steve McGhie, today announced that applications are now open for the 2024-25 Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program, which will provide vital support to local sporting clubs and organisations.

The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to community sport and recreation clubs, encouraging the development of programs that inspire women and girls to get involved in physical activity. This funding can support new women’s initiatives, host special women’s sporting events, or even create leadership opportunities within clubs.

Now in its eighth year, the Change Our Game initiative has already made a significant impact, providing over $2.9 million in grants to 580 clubs across the state. With an emphasis on gender equity, this program aims to break down barriers and foster a more inclusive sporting environment, allowing women and girls to have an equal footing in community sport.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy under the Fair Access Policy Roadmap, which has seen all Victorian councils and Alpine Resorts Victoria adopt local gender-equitable access policies. The goal is to create an environment where women and girls have the same opportunities to participate in sport as their male counterparts.

Since 2018, the Labor Government has invested over $18.8 million into the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation and the Change Our Game program, continuing its commitment to improving access and participation in sport for all Victorians.

Steve McGhie, the Member for Melton, expressed his support for the program, urging local clubs to apply for the funding.

“The Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program is a fantastic opportunity for our Melton community sport and active recreation clubs to showcase the important roles women and girls play in sport. I encourage all eligible organisations to consider applying and help us drive gender equity in our local sporting landscape,” said McGhie.

Applications for the program will close at 5pm AEDT on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Eligible organisations can find more details and apply online at changeourgame.vic.gov.au.