Applications are now open for the 2022-23 Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program!

The program supports local clubs and eligible organisations to run initiatives that promote participation from women and girls in community sport and recreation. The grants can also be used to build capability, equity and leadership at a grassroots level.

The Director of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, Sarah Styles, said, “The Office for Women and Sport and Recreation is ensuring more women and girls can access, participate in, and enjoy community sport and recreation, both on and off the field. Community sport and recreation brings people together and fosters respect and inclusiveness, and with the Australia-first Fair Access Policy Roadmap right here in Victoria, will be the frontier of advancing equality in sport in the coming years.”

Now in its sixth year, the Program has already funded activations and events at more than 350 organisations across the state.

One such initiative was with Birchip-Watchem Netball Club, a club that prides itself on being a non-biased and welcoming organisation, embracing members of all abilities, nationalities and sexual orientations.

The club used its grant to host an umpire and coaching session, to reward its dedicated and hard-working volunteer workforce, and inspire the community to support further participation in netball.

Birchip-Watchem Netball Club representative, Kylie Walsh, said, "Living rurally, opportunities to upskill and be inspired by specialist coaches and umpires is unique. This grant has motivated our leaders to engage further participation in netball, which plays an integral part to our community's health and well-being. Bringing outside specialist coaches into the club has helped to inspire and give confidence to our players both on and off the court, improving the club's participation and engagement. We want to continue to reward and inspire these women who give so much to our sport."

Together with the Fair Access Policy Roadmap, launched in August 2022, the Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program provides a great opportunity for clubs and organisations to extend equitable access to, and use of, community sports infrastructure, and build participants’ skills and knowledge.

For more information and to apply, click HERE.