The Allan Labor Government is taking significant steps to promote gender equity in the sports sector by launching the 2024-25 Change Our Game Professional Development Scholarships Program. This initiative offers grants of up to $10,000, aimed at helping women enhance their skills and advance their careers within the industry.
Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence, announced that over 100 women will benefit from this program, which is designed to cater to various stages of professional development. It includes support for those beginning their careers, individuals returning after a break, and those aiming for executive positions or board membership. Recipients will have access to a wide array of professional development opportunities, such as governance training, career coaching, and specialized courses that empower women to thrive in their careers.
The Change Our Game Program is designed to provide professional development resources that equip women with the skills necessary to thrive in various capacities within the sports industry. Previous recipients have engaged in a diverse range of training, including effective business writing, risk management, communication enhancement, and understanding Indigenous perspectives in business.
Since its launch in 2018, the program has successfully facilitated over 600 professional development opportunities for women, underscoring its impact in the sector. This year, the initiative introduced six distinct streams, including two new categories: Women with a Disability and Community Leaders. These streams cater to women at various stages of their careers, from those just starting out to executives and aspiring board members.
Among this year’s recipients is Erin Clout, Head of Player Relations at Professional Footballers Australia. Clout will be taking the Foundations of Directorship course, which aims to bolster her governance knowledge and support her goal of becoming a board director in the sport and recreation sector.
Sarah Styles, Director of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, emphasized the importance of female representation in leadership roles. “By increasing the representation of women in leadership positions, we not only benefit from their incredible skill and insight, but we also create a more inclusive sporting environment that fosters innovation and growth,” she stated.
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