Why we're consulting

The Draft Sport and Recreation Fair Access Policy seeks to address known barriers experienced by women and girls in accessing and using community sports infrastructure.

The policy aims to progressively build capacity and capabilities of the council in the identification, and elimination of systemic causes of gender inequality in policy, programs, communications, and delivery of services in relation to community sports infrastructure.

The policy intends to establish the expectation that gender equality is considered and prioritised in all current and future planning, policy, service delivery and practice as they relate to community sports infrastructure.

We are now seeking feedback from community regarding the Draft Sport and Recreation Fair Access Policy.

The Fair Access Policy Roadmap aims to develop a statewide foundation to improve the access to, and use of, community sports infrastructure for women and girls.

The draft policy aligns with the objectives of the Gender Equality Act 2020.

From July 1, 2024, all Victorian councils will need to have gender equitable access and use policies in place to be considered eligible to receive infrastructure funding.

These policies will ensure that women and girls can fully participate in and enjoy the benefits of community sport, with fair opportunity and access to their local facilities.

The Fair Access Policy is defined by six principles as developed by the Victorian Government.

1. Community sports infrastructure and environments are genuinely welcoming, safe, and inclusive.
2. Women and girls can fully participate in all aspects of community sport and active recreation, including as a player, coach, administrator, official, volunteer and spectator.
3. Women and girls will have equitable access to and use community infrastructure.
4. Women and girls should be equitably represented in leadership and governance roles.
5. Encourage and support all user groups who access and use community sport infrastructure to understand, adopt and implement gender equitable access and use principles.
6. Prioritise access, use and support to all user groups who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to gender equitable access and use of allocated community sport infrastructure.

The council recognises that gender equality is the attainment of equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of women, men, trans and gender diverse people. Equality does not mean that women, men, trans and gender diverse people will become the same but that their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities will not depend on their gender.

The council recognises that gender equity is the provision of fairness and justice in the distribution of benefits and responsibilities based on gender. The concept recognises that people may have unique needs and power related to their gender and these differences should be identified and addressed in a manner that rectifies gender related imbalances.

Fair access for all users has been a key focus of Wodonga Council. A substantial number of project designs and infrastructure have been developed and completed as female-friendly, including sports pavilions and improved lighting.

Wodonga Council has also secured significant state funding specific to female friendly facilities in recent times. Wodonga’s newest facility, Baranduda Fields, has many female-friendly design elements, including multiple changeroom options and configurations for players and referees.

This consultation is open from Wednesday, March 20 to 5pm Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

Anyone who lives, works, studies or invests in Wodonga or visits the municipality and uses the facilities, is invited to review the information provided, ask questions and provide feedback during this time.

Ways to provide feedback

• Complete the online submission form below.
• Email: makewodongayours@wodonga.vic.gov.au
• Phone: (02) 6022 9300