Federal Government announce funding of $2M to expand Women Leaders in Sport Program

Federal Minister for Women, Michaelia Cash, and Minister for Sport, Sussan Ley, announced last week the funding of over $2 million over three years to expand the Women Leaders in Sport program aimed at increasing female representation in sport leadership.

“The revamped 2017 Women Leaders in Sport program includes a funding increase of $300,000 as well as more development options for individuals and sporting organisations,” Minister Cash said.

The new program will consist of three components. For the first time a Targeted Leadership and Development program will provide an intensive 12 month opportunity for identified women leaders in sport to further develop their leadership capabilities and provide valuable networking opportunities.

This is complemented by Individual Development Grants of up to $3,000 and Organisation Leadership Development Grants of up to $20,000 to enable women to undertake learning and development opportunities to increase their leadership potential.

“These expanded options create development opportunities for women across the entire sporting sector, from coaches and officials making decisions on the field of play to chief executives and board members making strategic administrative decisions,” Minister Cash said.

“The Government’s investment in the Women Leaders in Sport programme not only benefits the recipients – it will assist in breaking down the real and perceived barriers to getting more women into leadership positions in sport.”

“The Women Leaders in Sport program has a proven history over 14 years, having supported the development ambitions of more than 23,000 women since its inception in 2002.”

Minister Ley said the program was co-led by the Federal Government and Australian Sports Commission, and has seen a growing number of women in senior roles in sport.

“It doesn’t matter whether your sport is big or small, or whether you’re contributing at a regional or national level, the Women Leaders in Sport program gives every woman a chance to try and develop their own opportunities in sport. It also provided a valuable experience for networking with other women in sport,” said Minister Ley.

“Olympic medallist and rower Kim Brennan (nee Crow) is a great example of someone who has progressed through the Women Leaders in Sport program, a world-class athlete who is also a board member with the Australian Olympic Committee,” said Minister Ley.

Applications for the individual and organisation grants opened on September 1, 2016, and close October 5, 2016. For more information and applications go to www.ausport.gov.au/wlis. Successful grant recipients will be notified in November.