Birchip-Watchem Netball Club among recipients of Victorian Government funding

Birchip-Watchem Netball Club is among a number of community sport clubs across Victoria being supported to increase participation for women and girls with grants from the State Government.

Victorian Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence opened applications for the 2022-23round of the Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program and noted “removing the barriers facing women and girls getting into community sport has huge benefits on and off the field – from the grassroots to the elite level.

“These grants help create more opportunities for women and girls at a local club level and help to inspire the next generation of female sporting stars.”

The State Government program backs clubs to deliver events and initiatives that promote gender equality.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available to eligible clubs and community groups across Victoria to help them create more opportunities for women and girls at the grassroots level.

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

The Birchip-Watchem Netball Club is a club that prides itself on being an inclusive 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 help boost participation in netball and reward its dedicated and hard-working volunteer workforce.

Birchip-Watchem Netball Club President Kylie Walsh added “Living rurally, opportunities to upskill and be inspired by specialist coaches and umpires is unique.

“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.”

Together with the Fair Access Policy Roadmap, launched by the Government in August 2022, the program provides a great opportunity for clubs and organisations to expand equitable access and use of community sports infrastructure.

Go to changeourgame.vic.gov.au/ for more information on the 2022-23 Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program.

Image. Credit Birchip-Watchem Netball Club