Active Women and Girls
Our vision is that every resident of the Glenelg Shire can participate in sport and active recreation regardless of their personal circumstances or attributes. Council is committed to actively pursuing opportunities to increase women’s and girls’ access and participation in a diverse range of sports, in both on and off the field roles.
Research has proven that women worry about being judged when they exercise, and often are too embarrassed or intimidated to exercise in public. The former 'This Girl Can Victoria' campaign was launched in 2018 and concluded in 2024. This campaign was all about giving it a go and getting active; no matter how well you do it, how you look, or how sweaty you get. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a gym sesh, a killer run, or gathering a few gal pals for a game of netball, there are so many ways to get active.
In mid-late 2025, Council will once again be partnering with Portland District Health's Health Promotions Team to co-ordinate another 'week' for local sporting clubs, organisations and recreation groups to offer activities and programs exclusively for women and girls within the Glenelg Shire. More details will be distributed to local sporting clubs, organisations and recreation groups in the coming months.
Access Policy
Glenelg Shire Council's Recreational Reserves and Recreational Facilities Access policy governs access to recreational reserves and recreational facilities that are owned or managed by Glenelg Shire Council. The policy aims to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for our community by promoting access to recreational reserves and facilities for sports clubs, community groups, organisations and individuals, that foster participation in active recreation.
This policy also aims to address the principles identified within the Victorian State Governments Fair Access Policy roadmap, and align with requirements under the Gender Equality Act 2020.
You can download the policy here(PDF, 162KB).
As part of the Access Policy development, an action plan has also been implemented specifically targeted at increasing sport and recreation opportunities for Women and Girls within the Glenelg Shire. For more details on the Access Policy Action Plan, including recommendations and ideas to make your sport club or facility more inclusive for women and girls, reach out to our Recreation Team via email.
Change Our Game
The Victorian State Government is committed to increasing the number of women and girls participating in sport and active recreation, from grassroots through to senior leadership roles.
The Inquiry into Women and Girls in Sport and Active Recreation was established in late 2014 to advise the Victorian Minister for Sport on practical actions that the sector could adopt to enhance participation by women and girls to increase their engagement in leadership and governance roles.
Following the Inquiry the Change Our Game initiative was launched, designed to encourage the sport and recreation sector to challenge gender stereotypes and help women and girls become leaders.
The Change Our Game website has valuable resources to assist community sport and recreation organisations to develop strategies towards equitable access for women and girls.