Funding boosts female participation in sport

MORE local women and girls will be inspired to take up sport and recreation activities with 944 applications in Queensland, sharing in an initial $8.9 million aimed at boosting participation.

The Government’s $15 million Active Women and Girls program is set to deliver greater opportunities for playing, coaching, volunteering, officiating, team management and club management, attracting 
more women and girls to get involved.

So far, around Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Bundaberg and Gympie, 46 local projects are receiving a combined $345,000.

The applications have come from clubs, local governments, and state-level sport and active recreation organisations, with funding going towards education and training, resources and equipment.

Clubs such as Fraser Coasters Wheelchair Basketball and Wide Bay Bulls Rugby League are being supported to develop greater pathways for female inclusion and participation.

State level organisations such as Surfing Queensland, Australian Trail Horse Riders Association and Queensland Gymnastic Association are receiving funding through the program to improve participation, promotion and employment opportunities.

The program was launched in November 2023 and aims to boost participation across all facets of sport and active recreation.

More successful applicants are expected to be announced in the coming months. 

Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari said, “I’m so pleased that clubs such as Hervey Bay Triathlon Club and Hervey Bay Surf Life Saving Club have been successful with their applications for funding”.

“The health and wellbeing of Queenslanders is the top priority of the Miles Government, and it’s vital we improve active participation opportunities for women and girls”.

“The benefits of increased physical activity can be felt throughout the community, and this program will play a significant role in helping to create pathways to improve female participation through clubs, local governments and sporting bodies.”