Sporting and community organisations that support women and girls in the Gilmore electorate are being encouraged to apply for a Play Our Way grant.

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said, following the success of the Diamonds and Matildas, the Albanese Labor Government announced the $200 million Play Our Way grant program, one of the country’s largest and most comprehensive investments in women’s sports.

Mrs Phillips said the program would support local governments and community, not-for-profit and sporting organisations to deliver projects that make sport more welcoming and equitable for women and girls.

“The Play Our Way grants will provide an opportunity for women in Gilmore to benefit from sport at all levels by addressing the barriers they experience when participating in sport and physical activity,” she said.

“I urge local groups to apply for grants to help establish and improve sporting facilities which will encourage women and girls of all ages to take part in sport and physical activity.

“Funding is also on offer for programs that encourage women and girls to participate and remain involved in sport and physical activity for life, by tackling barriers such as disadvantage or lack of equipment, and for programs that will lead to sustained cultural change in sport.”

Mrs Phillips said many girls dropped out of sport and never joined back up as women. “We often see teenage girls move away from the sports field, and this was really noticeable during the COVID-19 lockdowns when many just didn’t go back,” she said.

“I hope these grants will go a long way towards encouraging girls and young women to get back into their chosen sport, or to try something new.

“Being involved in a sports team is obviously great for health and fitness, but it’s also important for your wellbeing. It’s a great way to build connections and make friends no matter your age.

“I love sport and will always do what I can to encourage and promote sport and wellbeing right across our region.”

Organisations of different sizes and capacity can apply, and each would be assessed on their own merit against the policy objectives of the Play Our Way program.

Grants for participation and equipment programs will be from a minimum of $50,000 up to a maximum of $1.5 million. Facilities projects in small rural towns and remote communities will be able to apply for up to $2 million.

Mrs Phillips said the Matildas success at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, coupled with the Diamond’s 2023 Netball World Cup win, showed Australia the power of women’s participation in sport and inspired a nation. “It’s time to support our grassroots clubs and organisations to harness this moment and open their doors to new and returning participants,” she said.

“The Albanese Labor Government’s $200 million investment through the Play Our Way program will change the game, making sport more safe, equitable, accessible, inclusive and sustainable.”

The grant program was designed with the assistance of experts across sport and government, including advice from Liz Ellis AO, Lauren Jackson AO, Tal Karp and Madison de Rozario OAM.

The Play Our Way Program Grant Opportunity is now open for applications and will close 2pm (AEST) 29 April 2024. For more information and to apply head to GrantConnect or https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/play-our-way-program