The Australian first Fair Access Policy Roadmap is set to deliver equitable access to publicly owned community sports infrastructure across the state, helping to level the playing field for women and girls in community sport.

The Fair Access Policy Roadmap aims to develop a statewide foundation to improve the access to, and use of, community sports infrastructure for women and girls. From 1 July 2024, all Victorian councils will need to have gender equitable access and use policies in place to be considered eligible to receive infrastructure funding. These policies will ensure that women and girls can fully participate in and enjoy the benefits of community sport, with fair opportunity and access to their local facilities.

The Roadmap is being delivered through the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, in partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria and VicHealth, and aligns with Victoria’s Gender Equality Act 2020. It features three key phases: Education, Readiness and Progress. These phases will guide Victorian councils and sport and recreation organisations on how to collectively work towards creating a foundation of gender equity in community sport and active recreation.

Throughout the Education Phase the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation delivered:

-  Sector-wide information sessions as part of the Fair Access Policy Roadmap launch

-  A series of gender impact assessment workshops for councils

-  Forums for sport and active recreation organisations; and

- The Fair Access Roadshow, which saw the team travel more than 3,500 kilometres across the state to deliver 14 workshops to councils.

To mark the beginning of the Readiness Phase, the Fair Access Community of Practice (CoP) is open for registrations. The CoP will focus on supporting councils to navigate challenges that come with gender equality change management and will provide the opportunity for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Those leading and supporting the development of their council's gender equitable access and use policies are encouraged to attend and can register via the link below:

-  Registration for metropolitan councils 

-  Registration for regional councils

The CoP will run over 4 sessions from September 2023 – April 2024. Each session will have a different focus and all councils will benefit from attending all four sessions.

While the Education Phase for the Roadmap has formally concluded, the support and education of local councils, community clubs and the sport and active recreation sector is ongoing.

RESOURCES:

What Fair Access means for Clubs

What Fair Access means for Local Government Authorities

What Fair Access means for peak bodies

Fair Access Policy journey for Local Government Authorities

Fair Access Principles in Action

Fair Access Policy Criteria for Local Government Authorities

What Fair Access means for Committees of Management

What Fair Access mean for aquatic and leisure centres

For more information, please reach out to the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation: FairAccess@sport.vic.gov.au

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Download the Fair  Access Policy Roadmap (PDF) Download the Fair Access Policy Roadmap (Word)	Download the Fair Access Policy Template (Word)