Shire policy to boost women’s access to sports

FACILITIES to support the increasing and more diverse participation by women in sports, in the Bass Coast Shire, are not up to scratch, according to Cr Brett Tessari, who is also the Operations Manager for the West Gippsland Football Netball League.

Speaking to the Sentinel-Times ahead of the tabling of Bass Coast’s Fair Access Policy at council next Wednesday, Cr Tessari said there was still a lot to be done.

“Certainly, the changerooms situation for women is appalling,” said Cr Tessari.

“I know before we opened the new soccer rooms at the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve, the girls were coming to the game already dressed or changing in their cars and that’s still the case at a lot of the places you go.

“I don’t know what the female footballers do at Wonthaggi for example, and at a lot of the other clubs.

“We need to be encouraging the participation of girls and women in a wide range of sports and this policy is a step along the way,” Cr Tessari said.

As background, the Council has explained the need for the new policy:

“Council’s Fair Access Policy and Action Plan 2024 has come about as a result of the State Government’s new Fair Access requirements. These requirements aim to develop a statewide foundation to improve the access to and use of community infrastructure such as sport and recreational facilities for women, girls and gender diverse people.

“From July 1, 2024, all Victorian LGAs (councils) must have a gender equitable access and use policy in place to be eligible to receive infrastructure funding from the State Government. These policies will ensure that women, girls and gender diverse people, can fully participate in and enjoy the benefits of community sport, with fair opportunity and access to their local facilities.”

Currently, Bass Coast Shire Council has applications for $1.734 million submitted to Sport and Recreation Victoria for grants for recreational infrastructure across the shire.

Without a Fair Access Policy and Action Plan they will not be eligible to receive funds.

Development of the policy has undergone significant community consultation, according to the council.

It included a comprehensive online survey and four drop-in sessions (one in each ward plus one on-line). This allowed shire officers to chat to clubs and the community about the local issues they face.

“The community response was strong with 77 surveys completed, three written responses and 15 people attending the drop-ins,” said Council.

Following consultation, the updated draft was circulated to the Office of Women in Sport and GippSport for their final feedback, with both providing endorsement of the action plan and Fair Access Policy in general.

Click here to read the Bass Coast’s Fair Access Policy HERE