The Australian Government will provide more than $210,000 in grants as well as expanded workshop opportunities to develop hundreds of female sporting leaders in 2018.
Federal Sports Minister, Senator Bridget McKenzie, and Minister for Women, Kelly O’Dwyer, have congratulated successful applicants for the 2018 Women Leaders in Sport program, which provides women with development opportunities to reach their leadership potential in the sports industry.
“More than 300 women from every Australian state and territory, and across 37 different sports, will directly benefit from the expanded Women Leaders in Sport program in 2018,” Minister McKenzie said.
“This funding includes grants to 68 projects, enabling almost 240 athletes, coaches and officials to attend professional development courses in their chosen fields.
“It has been fantastic to see the rise of women’s sport in recent years through professional leagues in AFL, cricket, netball and football, among many other sport. The Women Leaders in Sport program continues the Australian Government’s commitment to helping women pursue their ambitions across other areas of our sporting industry.
“Australian Paralympic Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin, Australian cricket representative Alex Blackwell and Paralympic gold medal swimmer Prue Watt are among the 60 individuals who have been given a grant to pursue professional development courses in leadership, management and governance.”
The Women Leaders in Sport Program is jointly funded by the Australian Sports Commission and the Office for Women. The program has helped more than 23,000 women since its inception and O’Dwyer said the program was being expanded in 2018.
“In addition to the grants, in 2018 the program has selected more than 80 women to attend Women Leaders in Sport workshops around the country,” Minister O’Dwyer said.
“Women Leaders in Sport has an extensive reach over many years, bringing women together from various backgrounds, including regional and metropolitan areas and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Sport unites them.
“It’s encouraging to see women from grassroots participation sport take the opportunity to join the interactive workshops, joining elite athletes like Paralympic gold medal cyclist Carol Cooke and tennis star Casey Dellacqua who are taking proactive steps in their professional development.”