Greater Shepparton Council invites community opinion on future of women only swimming

After a forced hiatus due to COVID restrictions, Greater Shepparton City Council has announced that Women Only Swimming will return to its Aquamoves aquatic centre from 5.30pm to 8.30pm this Sunday - 28th November 2021.

Between August 2018 to June 2020, Greater Shepparton City Council partnered with 'This Girl Can - Victoria' to bring Women's Only Swimming to Aquamoves on a monthly basis. The campaign was aimed at women in the local community and empowered them to get active and overcome feelings of judgement.

At the time of the program’s introduction, then VicHealth Chief Executive, Jerril Rechter advised that the fear of judgment - as well as actual experiences of judgement - prevents too many women from being physically active.

Rechter, who later moved to Basketball Australia, explained “over half of Victorian women worry about being judged while exercising and for over 40% this feeling of embarrassment or intimidation is so strong it actually stops them from taking part in sport or exercise.”

Between 2018 and 2020, an average of 160 people attended Women’s Only Swimming sessions at Aquamoves. Council continued to provide monthly Women’s Only Swimming from March to May this year with an average of 73 people attending.

The Council would now like to hear from the community as to how they best continue supporting and encouraging women of all ages and abilities to get active.

Encouraging community feedback via a short survey now available on Council’s Shaping Greater Shepparton website, Greater Shepparton City Council Director Community, Kaye Thomson commented “the survey is a really great opportunity to share your input and ideas and help Council determine the best way to empower women in our community to enjoy the fantastic programs and facilities available at Council’s aquatic facilities.

“Even if you are not interested in swimming, you will have the opportunity to let us know what other women’s only activities you would like to participate in.”

Submissions close as of 5pm on Sunday 19th December 2021. They can be made at www.shping.greatershepparton.com.au

Images courtesy of Greater Shepparton City Council.