Yarra Ranges Council, along with Inspiro, hosted a special International Women’s Day event featuring a screening of the Trailblazers documentary, alongside the launch of the Sport for All Gender Inclusive Toolkit.
The free community event took place on Thursday 6 March, at the Aunty Dot Peters Auditorium at Box Hill Institute Lilydale and was attended by Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Cr Jim Child, and CEO, Tammi Rose.
Highlights of the day included guest speaker Sarah Styles Director of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Victoria, discussing levelling the playing field for women and girls in sport and active recreation in Victoria.
Film Producer Lucy Maclaren shared a special screening of the Stan Original Documentary Trailblazers, showcasing the rise of the Matildas and their fight for equality in Australian football.
The Yarra Ranges Council Recreation Team also introduced the Sport for All Gender Inclusive Toolkit which was developed by Inspiro, Yarra Ranges Council, Maroondah Council, Manningham Council, and Knox Council.
The toolkit helps sporting clubs and active recreation settings take positive action towards gender equity and fair access for all genders.
Ellie Ingwersen, Recreation Development and Liaison Officer at Yarra Ranges Council said that, among the seven council areas in the eastern region, the Yarra Ranges boasts the highest participation in AFL football for women and girls but said that challenges remain.
“In many communities, girls participate in sports at significantly lower rates than boys, with 50 percent of girls dropping out of sport by age 17,” she said.
“While at the elite level, female athletes receive less pay, support, and media attention. Women are also underrepresented in leadership positions at all levels.”
Yarra Ranges Mayor Cr Jim Child said in his address by stating that achieving gender equality is not just a women’s issue.
“It’s a community issue that benefits us all. Let’s break down barriers and create a community where everyone has the opportunity to lead, succeed, and thrive,” he said.
