Applications for the Federal Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program are now open, supporting local governments and community, not-for-profit and sporting organisations to deliver projects that make sport more welcoming and equitable for women and girls.
Grants are available for programs that encourage women and girls to participate and remain involved in sport and physical activity for life, and for facilities for women and girls’ sport that better meets their needs.
Play Our Way grant applications will be assessed through an impartial and transparent process led by the Federal Department of Health and Aged Care.
The grant program was designed with the assistance of experts across sport and government, including former Australian netball captain Liz Ellis AO, Australian basketballer Lauren Jackson AO, former Matildas star Tal Karp, and wheelchair racer and Paralympian Madison de Rozario OAM.
Applications will close 2pm (AEST) on Monday, 29 April 2024.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said that for every two men who played sport, only one woman did and too many girls dropped out of sport and never came back as women.
“Our $200 million Play Our Way investment is designed to turn this around, and will not only help women and girls maintain better physical and mental health, but will contribute to a sporting culture that treats women with equality, fairness and respect.
“By driving gender equality in sport, Play Our Way will allow women and girls to stay active and participate in sport for longer, and make our communities fairer, more inclusive and more harmonious.
“I encourage all local sporting clubs, community groups and councils that are involved in women’s and girls’ sport to consider applying for a grant through this fantastic new program,” Mr Neumann said.
Play Our Way program grants will be available in two streams:
Facilities: For projects that establish and improve sporting facilities for women and girls and further encourage them to take part in sport and physical activity by better meeting their needs.
Participation and equipment: For programs that encourage women and girls to participate and remain involved in sport and physical activity for life, by tackling barriers such as disadvantage or lack of equipment, and for programs that will lead to sustained cultural change in sport.
