FUNDING ROLLS OUT FOR GREATER FEMALE PARTICIPATION IN SUNSHINE COAST SPORT

• Funding from the Queensland Government’s $15 million Active Women and Girls Program is being rolled out for projects across the state
• So far, across Sunshine Coast and Noosa, 100 local projects are receiving a combined $750,000
• The program aims to boost participation opportunities for women and girls, including playing, coaching, volunteering, umpiring and team management

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

The Queensland 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, across Sunshine Coast and Noosa, 100 local projects are receiving a combined $750,000.

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.

Organisations such as Yandina Cricket Club, Sunshine Coast Water Polo Association, Woodford Golf Club and Suncoast Spinners Wheelchair Basketball 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.

Many local governments, including Noosa Shire Council, Gympie Regional Council and South Burnett Regional Council are also receiving funding to benefit their communities.

The new 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.

Quotes attributable to Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt:
“I’m so pleased that clubs such as Dicky Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Golden Beach Netball Club, Caloundra Cricket Club and have been successful with their applications for funding.

"We love our sport, and the Active Women and Girls Program will undoubtedly have a profound impact on our region through greater female participation.

“Certainly, our clubs are the lifeblood of our communities, and this funding will help to include more women and girls across a broad spectrum of involvement.

“An active community is a healthy community, and the Active Women and Girls Program will help to ensure many more members of our communities are being active.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton:
“Congratulations to all the organisations that received funding including the Nambour and District Tennis Association, Cooroy Gymnastics Club and Yandina and District Pony Club.

“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.

“Active Women and Girls is a fantastic initiative that is designed to see more women and girls become active, and potentially help produce future high-level female athletes as well as create pathways for aspiring female coaches and officials.”