Councils looks to increase women's sport and active recreation opportunities in Melbourne's West

Wyndham City Council has teamed up with other Council’s and organisations in Melbourne’s west to undertake a study into women and girl’s participation in sport and active recreation.

Wyndham City, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Melton, Moonee Valley councils, Women’s Health West, and the Victorian Government, have worked together on the Women’s Participation in Sport and Active Recreation in Melbourne’s West: An Action Plan for Change study and completed a draft action plan to increase the level of representation of women and girls in sport.

Wyndham City Sports Development portfolio holder Councillor Peter Maynard said the draft plan, adopted by Council earlier this month, aimed to improve women and girl’s participation in sport and create more gender equitable opportunities and environments in Melbourne’s West.

Advising that he wanted Wyndham residents to have their say on the draft plan before it is finalised, Councillor Maynard stated “now more than ever, we’re looking at ways to identify initiatives that motivate and unite friends, colleagues and whole communities to be more inclusive.

“Melbourne’s West has historically been an area that is under-represented by women and girls when it comes to sport.”

“By developing this action plan, as a region we hope to be able to initiate change to address this disparity, build on the work already achieved in the field and target further change that is tailored specifically for our local communities.”

“I look forward to seeing the action plan finalised and working with all of the partner Councils and organisations to implement real change in Melbourne’s west.

Following public consultation, the action plan will be finalised later in 2020. The project has been supported by a $45,000 contribution from the Victoria Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.

Click here to provide feedback on the plan before 5th April.