GANNAWARRA Shire residents are being urged to help kick start its fair access policy and action plan, which will help reduce the barriers women, girls and people of all cultures experience in accessing community sports infrastructure.
Developed in response to the Victorian Government’s Fair Access Policy Roadmap, the two documents aim to increase participation in sport and active recreation throughout the shire.
Council co-ordinator of community partnerships Katrina Thorne said the council must adopt a fair access policy and action plan to remain eligible for future Victorian Government funding programs relating to community infrastructure from July 1, 2024.
“The Victorian Government has indicated its commitment to developing an environment for all Victorians to live in a safe and equal society, have access to equal power, resources, and opportunities and be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness,” Ms Thorne said in a report to the council.
“The Change the Game reform agenda has been developed to change the systems that have perpetuated gender inequality by designing an enduring structure that requires implementation and tracking of progress over time.”
As a defined entity under the Gender Equality Act 2020, the council is required to conduct gender impact assessments on all new policies, programs, communications, and
services, including those up for review, which directly and significantly impact the public.
“Sport and active recreation provides great health and social benefit to residents, however for many people, it can be difficult to take part in these activities,” Mayor Ross Stanton said.
“The growing popularity of women’s sports, driven by AFLW, the WBBL and the Matildas’ success at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, highlights the need for increasing opportunities for all residents to access sport and active recreation locally.
“Council’s fair access policy and action plan will help our local clubs to attract new players, volunteers and officials, as well as ensure these groups remain eligible for future funding opportunities.”
Draft versions of both documents are online at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/fairaccess, with a four-week community engagement program to help develop the final version of the policy and action plan.
The key element of this engagement program is the survey, which residents can complete between now and 5pm on Monday, July 22, online at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/fairaccess. Hard copies are also available at the council’s customer service centres.
A further two drop-in sessions will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 3pm-5pm, at Gateway to Gannawarra Visitor Centre in Cohuna and on Thursday, July 18, 10am-1pm, at Victoria Square (Victoria Street) in Kerang.
An online Zoom session will also be available, with the time and date of this to be confirmed. To register your interest in attending an online session, email partnerships@gsc.vic.gov.au
Feedback can also be provided before 5pm on July 22 by writing to the council. Email council@gsc.vic.gov.au or write to PO Box 287, Kerang 3579.
