Federal Government announces three-year funding to expand Women Leaders in Sport Program

Federal Minister for Women, Michaelia Cash, and Minister for Sport, Sussan Ley, have announced funding of over $2 million over three years to expand the Women Leaders in Sport program aimed at increasing female representation in sport leadership.

Introducing the additional funding, Minister Cash stated “the revamped 2017 Women Leaders in Sport program includes a funding increase of $300,000 as well as more development options for individuals and sporting organisations.”

The new program will consist of three components. For the first time a Targeted Leadership and Development program will provide an intensive 12 month opportunity for identified women leaders in sport to further develop their leadership capabilities and provide valuable networking opportunities.

This is complemented by Individual Development Grants of up to $3,000 and Organisation Leadership Development Grants of up to $20,000 to enable women to undertake learning and development opportunities to increase their leadership potential.

Minister Cash continued “these expanded options create development opportunities for women across the entire sporting sector, from coaches and officials making decisions on the field of play to chief executives and board members making strategic administrative decisions.

“The Government’s investment in the Women Leaders in Sport programme not only benefits the recipients – it will assist in breaking down the real and perceived barriers to getting more women into leadership positions in sport.

“The Women Leaders in Sport program has a proven history over 14 years, having supported the development ambitions of more than 23,000 women since its inception in 2002.”

Minister Ley said the program was co-led by the Federal Government and Australian Sports Commission, and has seen a growing number of women in senior roles in sport.

Shee added “it doesn’t matter whether your sport is big or small, or whether you’re contributing at a regional or national level, the Women Leaders in Sport program gives every woman a chance to try and develop their own opportunities in sport. It also provided a valuable experience for networking with other women in sport.”

Applications for the individual and organisation grants opened on 1st Septemberand close on 5th October 2016.

For more information and applications go to www.ausport.gov.au/wlis.

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21st August 2013 - AWRA CALL FOR GOVERNMENT BACKING TO PROMOTE MORE FEMALE LEADERS IN SPORT