Official launch of 2018 Active Women and Girls’ Strategy

An impressive line-up of female sportswomen and industry representatives will gather this evening to officially launch the City of Ballarat’s Active Women and Girls’ Strategy.

More than 150 people are expected to attend the launch of the recently adopted strategy, which was developed following extensive community consultation about how best to guide future initiatives aimed at increasing female participation in sport and physical activity within Ballarat, while promoting equitable opportunities in the sporting environment.

Adopted at an Ordinary Council Meeting in April, the strategy provides a tailored response to priority issues identified within the municipality that may be constraining women and girls’ involvement in sport or physical activity, either as leaders or participants.

Four ambassadors, who will play a key role in advocating for the inclusion and promotion of women and girls’ sport, will also be announced this evening. An ambassador has been chosen for each of the four focus areas of participation, culture and environment, infrastructure and media – these focus areas were identified during the consultation phase to help guide the City of Ballarat over the next four years on projects to be delivered.

Participation – Rochelle Eime, Associate Professor- Sport Participation at Federation University and Director of the Sport and Recreation Spatial program of research. Rochelle will help advocate for initiatives to encourage active participation, athlete pathways and data collection.

Culture and Environment – Sue Brown, Associate Dean – Engagement for the Faculty of Health and Program Coordinator and AFL Goldfields Commissioner board member. Sue will help advocate for initiatives that support women and girls in leadership and 

governance roles, positive female role models, club education, development and volunteer support. Infrastructure – Rhonda Cator, Ballarat Badminton Stadium Manager and former Olympian Rhonda will help advocate for equitable access to suitable facilities to support increased female participation. Rhonda is a former Olympian representing Australia, as well as a current WestVic Academy of Sport Coach, WestVic Academy of Sport Board Member and a member of Ballarat Badminton Association.

Media and Action – Bryley Murrell, Sales Manager, Radio Ballarat (3BA) Bryley will focus on promotion, exposure and positive messaging to motivate and change behaviours by increasing local media exposure and enhance positive messaging associated with women and girls sport and active recreation.

You will also hear from the expert panel of female sports representatives, including AFLW North Melbourne footballer Kaitlyn Ashmore and Western Bulldogs’ footballer Katie Brennan, Michelle Hawkes of the Wendouree Athletics Club and Sue Brown, Associate Dean – Engagement for the Faculty of Health and Program Coordinator and AFL Goldfields Commissioner board member.

ABC presenter Prue Bentley will MC the night of speeches, panels and discussion.

This evening’s event will also be used to thank the many local and state sporting and recreational groups, associations and organisations, schools, women’s health networks and local community members who contributed to the strategy’s development.

The 2018 Active Women and Girls’ Strategy is available to view online at ballarat.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to City of Ballarat Mayor Samantha McIntosh:

“With more and more women and girls choosing to participate in sport, particularly sports often previously dominated by males, it’s important we provide adequate infrastructure, opportunity and initiatives. 

“It’s also important women and girls in our community know we support their health and wellbeing, and are committed to focussing on promotion, exposure and positive messaging to provide positive role models for young women and girls in sport and active recreation.

“That’s exactly why we have developed this strategy. It seeks to create equitable opportunities for female participation in sport, so women and girls have equitable opportunities to participate in the sporting environment.

We know sport and physical activity participation can play an important role in supporting gender equity, re-shape stereotypes, empowering participants and supporting women and girls – and with the help of our four new ambassadors we will continue advocating for safe sporting environments, and welcoming and inclusive places that support participation by all members of the community.”