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Kicking Goals: Buloke Progressing Towards Equality in Grassroots Sports

Kicking Goals: Buloke Progressing Towards Equality in Grassroots Sports

Publish Date: 12 August 2024

Wyche girls 3

On Thursday, August 8, the Charlton Park Function Room buzzed with energy as the Council hosted event "Celebrating Women and Girls in Sport Brunch."

It was a momentous occasion for celebrating the dedication of local volunteers and community groups in advancing gender equality in sports and marked the official launch of the Buloke Shire Council’s Fair Access Policy.

Attendees included a diverse mix of community members from Buloke and surrounding areas, with students from Wycheproof P-12 College, Birchip School, and Charlton College adding to the vibrant atmosphere. The brunch was facilitated by Travis Fitzgibbon, former Buloke Shire Council Director and AFL broadcaster, who ensured the event's success.

Jenna Allan, Acting CEO and Director of Corporate & Organisational Performance, spoke on behalf of the Council about the Fair Access Policy. Her opening remarks included a poignant reflection: “This morning I asked my son Cooper, ‘what do you think a girls’ sport is?’ He replied, ‘there is no girls’ sport, Mum, there’s just sports and personalities’,” showcasing the hopeful perspective of our emerging community members.

Guest speaker Trevor Ryan, formerly involved with both the AFL and NRL, shared his extensive experience with women in sports, particularly through the AFLW. Trevor highlighted the growth of women’s football in the Sunraysia area, noting how it evolved into the Sunraysia Women’s Football League. He praised Buloke Shire’s progress in breaking down barriers for women and girls in grassroots sports, including the establishment of the women’s team in Birchip-Watchem. He expressed optimism that Buloke could develop a robust women’s AFL team, similar to successful models in surrounding areas.

Trevor said, “To the girls in the room, knuckle down and do what you need to do to improve and get better at whatever sport that you want to play. Be determined and strong willed and don’t take no for an answer - don’t let someone else stop you from progressing.”

Dr. Louise Bibby, an Advanced Sports Osteopath and Director of Central Mallee Osteopath, also addressed the brunch attendees. Having grown up in the Mallee and succeeded in the Victorian Football League with the Western Bulldogs, Louise reflected on the crucial support she received from the community. She shared her journey and the challenges she overcame.

“One part is definite hard work and dedication. The other is only through repetition alone will you get better at anything. Whether its practising kicking the footy on the left foot, whether it's speaking with confidence and conviction or whether it's having a vulnerable conversation and actually asking some questions. The things that you're uncomfortable with, through repetition alone, will you get better at anything in life” she said when asked about her advice for young people.

Louise’s powerful message resonated as she discussed the barriers faced by women and young girls in sports. Despite significant obstacles, including breaking into VFLW in her late 20s, Louise's determination and resilience have made her a trailblazer and role model.

The Council's Fair Access Policy and Action Plan, adopted on July 1, aims to enhance community sport access and infrastructure for women and girls. This policy follows extensive community consultation, with 161 responses to the 'Community Engagement Survey,' reflecting strong local support and dedication.

The event concluded with an engaging ‘Come and try session’ led by Trevor Ryan. Students gathered outside Charlton Park to learn football skills, with Trevor emphasizing the importance of mastering the basics, “Learn to kick a football, it’s essential to your game.”

Buloke Shire Council remains committed to supporting and empowering women and girls in sport, fostering a thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

End release
For further information contact Manager Customer Engagement, 1300 520 520 or buloke@buloke.vic.gov.au

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