By Parker McKenzie
Local councils will be required to ensure equitable access to sporting facilities for people of all genders to continue receiving infrastructure funding from July 2024 as part of the Victorian State Government’s new Fair Access Policy Roadmap, a proposal which has been welcomed by Yarra Ranges Council.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence announced the three-phase initiative alongside representatives from state sporting organisations and local government and Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins.
“The Fair Access Policy Roadmap will deliver greater health outcomes for all Victorians, a stronger community sport and recreation sector, and fairer use of public sporting assets.” Ms Spence said.
The State Government’s Fair Access Policy Roadmap was developed to create a state-wide foundation to improve access and use of community sports facilities for women and girls.
“This landmark policy will ensure all Victorian women can fully participate in and enjoy the benefits of community sport, with fair opportunity and access to their local facilities.” Ms Hutchins said.
The first phase of the initiative will see the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation provide training, education and support to local councils, sporting bodies and facilities to implement the roadmap.
Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Director Sarah Styles said the landmark policy will ensure community sporting environments are welcoming, accessible and inclusive for everyone.
“We’re looking forward to working with all stakeholders, wherever they are on their journey,” she said.
The second phase will require local councils to develop equitable access and use policy and action plans, with stage three seeing local councils lose access to infrastructure funding if they don’t guarantee equitable access.
Yarra Ranges Council Environment and Infrastructure Director Mark Varmalis said the council is committed to improving opportunities for gender-diverse participation in sport and recreation across the LGA.
“Over the past few years, council has invested significantly in new sporting infrastructure to support the growth of participation of women and girls,” he said.
“This has included seven new pavilions, nine temporary change facilities and lighting upgrades to 12 ovals. This has resulted in a 68 per cent increase in female football participation, with over 1300 female players now regularly using these facilities.”
Olinda-Ferny Creek Football Netball Club President Simon Gilson, who also coaches the women’s football team, said while he isn’t across the changes yet he believes on principle it will be good for women’s sport.
“It’s been resolved slowly over time, but a lot of clubs don’t have specific changing facilities for girls and women’s sport,” he said.
“Our club rooms were redeveloped fairly early on in the council’s redevelopment program. There’s a lot of clubs out there that don’t have those facilities and it would be better to have some.”
Monbulk Soccer Club Senior Women’s team coach Aaron Jones said the club has excellent facilities for women, but not everyone in the community knows they can access them.
“Not just in this area but in Victoria, I would say there are some limitations in terms of facilities,” he said.
“There is access for the general community to use as well. We’ve got to try and use facilities like these, have it open to the public so that more people are aware that they’re there.”
Mr Varmalis said Yarra Ranges Council looks forward to working with the state government to continue this important work.
“Yarra Ranges Council has also partnered with Knox and Maroondah Councils, along with local health providers Inspiro and Each, to launch Our Codes, Our Clubs: Equality is the game, a resource to help clubs provide gender equitable environments,” Mr Varmelis said.
