Equality in action in our club

Women cheering for a women's sporting team

During 2019 - 2020, Maroondah Council participated in the Victorian Government’s Gender Equality in Victorian Sport and Recreation pilot program.

The Maroondah pilot program involved applying a gender lens to the engagement and design process when undertaking sporting pavilion projects, where support and guidance is provided within sporting and recreational club environments in order to ensure accessibility improvements are achieved.

As part of the pilot program, a tool kit of four tip sheets was developed to support conversations with committee and leadership groups regarding working towards gender equality.

Equality in action in our club tool kit

This tool kit includes four "how to" guides to get you on the path to equality:

  1. Understanding our gender equity policy. What it means for a club to have Gender Equity Policy, and how to embrace it as a club.
  2. Game changers: our club leaders. Find out more about the role of club leaders in influencing change. 
  3. Creating a positive club culture. Explore the definition of Club Culture, and the behaviours and attitudes which the club accepts as the norm.  
  4. Using social media to promote gender equality. Tips for encouraging positive behaviour, responding to disrespectful comments and downloadable social media tiles to demonstrate the club’s commitment to being welcoming and inclusive of genders and abilities.

Equality in action in our club tool kit(PDF, 7MB)

Sporting Club gender self assessment tool   

Creating a Place for Women in Sport and Recreation self-assessment is a practical tool that helps clubs identify strengths and opportunities to promote gender equality and to create an action plan for change. 

The Self Assessment Tool was developed by Yarra Ranges Council, Inspiro and EACH with support from Maroondah and Knox Councils as part of the 2018 Our Code Our Clubs Project and then updated in 2022.

Sporting Club Gender - Self Assessment Tool(PDF, 2MB)

Creating a place for women in sport - Survey Tool(PDF, 3MB)

Gender Equity Action Plan template(PDF, 908KB)

Melbourne East Regional Sport and Recreation Strategy

This four-year policy will guide a consistent regional approach to fair access and allocation of community sport and recreation infrastructure and to address known participation barriers experienced by women and girls, transgender, and gender diverse people.

Melbourne East Region Sport and Recreation Fair Access Policy

Further information

Council is committed to supporting local clubs to action change within their organisation to become safe, welcoming environments for everyone.

For further information on support and resources contact the Sport & Recreation team on 9294 5720 or jeanette.ingram@maroondah.vic.gov.au.

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