Sporting clubs encouraged to apply for Act@Play program

Published on 02 June 2025

Northern Grampians Shire Council leaders are encouraging sporting clubs in the municipality to apply to participate in a unique program designed to create cultural change and foster respectful, equitable relationships.

Act@Play is a six-month gender equality, cultural change initiative that recognises the power regional sporting clubs have when it comes to influencing attitudes and beliefs about what is acceptable behaviour.

The council is partnering with Women’s Health Grampians to deliver the Act@Play program, designed to help sporting clubs to prevent gender-based violence, challenge stereotypes, empower women, girls and gender-diverse people, build respectful relationships and promote gender equality.

Mayor Karen Hyslop said gender inequality was a significant driver of violence against women and gender-based violence, and work to encourage respectful and equitable relationships at community level was a key aspect of violence prevention.

“This is a fantastic program that has benefited several clubs throughout the Wimmera and Central Highlands, and I’m pleased to announce that council will be providing funding for two clubs to participate this year,” she said.

“We understand the financial commitment can often be a barrier for clubs wanting to undertake additional education and training and we want to remove this barrier so they can reap the benefits.

“We believe regional sporting clubs can play a major role in influencing what is and what is not acceptable behaviour, and we encourage our clubs to promote respectful and inclusive environments.”

Cr Hyslop said two sporting clubs would be selected to participate in the six-month Act@Play program.

“Council wishes to support local sporting clubs to participate in Act@Play by offering two fully funded positions in the program,” she said.

“Sporting clubs located in Northern Grampians Shire that are committed to fostering an inclusive, family-focused club culture are encouraged to apply.”

Cr Hyslop said participation in Act@Play would help give clubs the ability to attract and retain more members, volunteers and resources, and foster an environment where everyone felt welcome, safe, respected and valued.

“If this sounds like your club, please submit an expression of interest,” she said. 

Selected clubs will need to commit to a one-hour leadership briefing, and 90-minute bystander training sessions for committee and leadership group members, coaches, players and members.

Club representatives will also have regular meetings with Women’s Health Grampians staff to develop a gender equality action plan that is fit-for-purpose for their club.

Expressions of interest for the Act@Play program close on Friday, June 27 and can be made online, here. 

Applicants must be willing to start the program by September 1, 2025.

People can call Dee Micevski at Women’s Health Grampians on (03) 5322 4100 or 0493 546 21 for more information about Act@Play, or Lucy Gorrie at council on (03) 5358 9027 for more information about the application process.