“For as long as male-only sports are prioritised over women, women will continue to fall short of their full potential.”
Following Cr Fern Summer’s compelling remarks in its June meeting, Greater Shepparton City Council adopted the Sport and Recreation Facilities Fair Access Policy and Action Plan.
The policy seeks to identify and abolish known sidelines, blocks and barriers experienced by women and girls in accessing and using community sports facilities.
Whether facilitating new change rooms or ensuring fair scheduling, council seeks to identify and eliminate the causes of gender inequality in policy, programs, communications and service delivery.
“We know a lot of gaps are surrounding infrastructure investment – appropriate change rooms and toilet facilities that can accommodate both men and women and young boys and girls,” Cr Shane Sali said.
“Our facilities are traditionally designed to support men or boys in competition, and that’s just historic over time.
“There’s a big push to get more women and girls playing sports – coming into the Olympics and off the back of the Matildas – and to allow that to happen, we need funding to upgrade our facilities.
“The policy has been developed, and now this is when we see what actions can be delivered.”
The action plan has 12 steps to cement the place of women’s sports in the region.
They are to be achieved by council, user groups and local sporting organisations, with each assigned a time frame for completion.
Besides backing athletes, a key aspect of the plan is to find avenues of support for women and girls aspiring to hold positions of responsibility across management, coaches, officials, and umpiring.
These strategies align with the Fair Access Policy Roadmap, which mandates that all Victorian Councils must have gender-equitable access and use policies.
Cr Sali believed it wasn’t just a requirement but an essential policy for council and one with great relevance in the community.
“Our region lives and breathes sport,” Cr Sali said.
“Sport and active recreation are such visible and valued parts of Greater Shepparton’s culture and identity, and this policy and accompanying action plan ensure active participation for all community members.
“We want to be more inclusive and enable young girls to continue progressing into adult sports.”
Supporting girls as they transition into adult sports is not only a win for gender equality, health, and socialisation, but it also creates opportunities for more women to play in a professional capacity.
Who knows, the next Matildas star could be right under our nets.
To view the Sport and Recreation Facilities Fair Access Policy and Action Plan, visit https://greatershepparton.com.au/community/recreation