$500,000 to help more Australian women excel in sports leadership

The Australian Government is encouraging women’s sporting groups across the country to submit their application for this year’s $500,000 Sports Leadership Grants for Women.

This year’s grants and scholarships program was announced today by , Tanya Plibersek and Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis.

The 2009-10 round of the Sports Leadership Grants and Scholarships for Women help provide accredited training and development in coaching, officiating, governance, media/communications and management.

The funding also increases the opportunities for more Australian women to become leaders in sport.

The grants have increased by $100,000 from last year and include new scholarships for women in upper sports management of up to $10,000 a year for three years, one-off grants of up to $5,000 for individuals and up to $10,000 for approved organisations.

Ms Plibersek said these grants for sportswomen are already a proven success story, with funding this year bumped up by 25 per cent.

“Women sporting leaders become role models who encourage and inspire other women to make their mark in Australian sport,” Ms Plibersek said.

“Sports Leadership Grants have helped more than 15,000 women from across Australia to develop highlevel skills in their sport since the beginning of the program.

“Last year’s Sports Leadership Grants helped deliver the Tasmania Cricket Association’s highly successful Female Captaincy / Leadership Seminar. The project enabled 30 women to be trained in public speaking, communications, coaching, officiating and be mentored in sports leadership.”

Ms Ellis said many local communities have benefited from the grants program.

“The Government is committed to promoting the role of women in sport and these grants will help empower many more women to step up into leadership and decision-making roles in sport,” Ms Ellis said.

“These grants provide a concrete step to drive the involvement and professional development of women across all levels of Australian sport and will help boost the depth and diversity of Australian sport.

“Recipients last year included Port Pirie Regional Council employee Jean Smith, who gained a Certificate IV in Sport and Recreation (event management) with her Women in Sport Leadership grant. Ms Smith is now director of the Port Pirie State Masters Games.”

Applications close on Monday, 11 May 2009. Terms and conditions apply.

Details are on Australian Sports Commission website (www.ausport.gov.au)or call 1800 224 412 for more information.