Following a year that will be remembered for the record-breaking FIFA Women’s World Cup, the state government is backing more Victorian women employed in sport and recreation to further their careers.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence recently announced that 70 recipients will undertake a range of professional development and training through the 2023/24 Change Our Game Professional Development Scholarships Program.
The recipients represent a wide range of sports and organisations, including lacrosse, lifesaving, basketball, cricket, sport climbing and disability sports.
“We are driving gender equality in sport, and to achieve this, we need more women in leadership roles,” Spence said.
“This program supports women in their pathway to leadership, no matter what career stage they are in.
“Equality in sport is non-negotiable in Victoria, and the Change Our Game Professional Development Scholarships Program will ensure more women have the skills to thrive in sport and recreation.”
Four streams of development opportunities to support women at every stage of their careers were offered as part of this year’s program, from early careers to aspiring and current executives and directors.
The grants include professional development, sports governance courses, and access to leading career coaches to help develop their career pathways and skills.
Football Victoria metropolitan development coordinator Sophie Byrnes will undertake a new leader development course to gain skills and insights into effective leadership as part of the program’s learning stream.
The Change Our Game Professional Development Scholarships Program supports women to develop and strengthen the specialist skills needed for their roles in the sport and recreation sector – placing them in the best position to secure and thrive in leadership positions.
For more information, visit changeourgame.vic.gov.au/the-initiative/change-our-game-grants
