Jennifer Pittorino
Maribyrnong council has endorsed its draft of a new Fair Access Policy, which looks at ways to improve access to, and use of, community sports infrastructure by women and girls in the community.
Council said the policy aims to ensure equitable access to all council-owned facilities that deliver community sports, by implementing welcoming, accessible and inclusive environments.
It will do this by ensuring the facilities have appropriate infrastructure to support women and girls, by include female-friendly change facilities and equitable training and competition timetables.
Mayor Cuc Lam said the policy would help ensure women are able to fully participate in and enjoy the benefits of community sport, with fair opportunity and access to their local facilities.
“Sport is a valued feature of our community’s culture and identity, and every member of our community should have the infrastructure, access and support they need to participate,” she said.
“Sport and active recreation provide opportunities for enriching our communities through the promotion of respect and fair mindedness for all people, while also supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of everyone in our community.”
Councillor Michael Clarke said women are unrepresented in the area of organised sport and better representation is needed.
“We know that we’ve got to have greater representation of females in coaching, as officials, as administrators and as board members,” he said.
“We have to do this because quite simply, they are unrepresented when compared to the male cohort that’s out there.”
Cr Bernadette Thomas agreed the policy is long overdue.
“I will be most interested in the third principle of the policy which says something about women and girls having access to the highest quality available … The most convenient sports infrastructure and the best and most popular competition and training grounds and locations.
Residents can have their say on the policy until midnight, Wednesday, May 22.
Details: yourcityyourvoice.com.au/fair-access
