Bass Coast Shire Council could not be prouder of our very own Ella Angarane, Recreation and Open Space Planner, who has been awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her outstanding contribution to achieving gender equality in Australian Rules football. The OAM is a prestigious honour that recognises exceptional service and achievement on what is now the King’s Birthday.
Ella, the president and coach of the Bass Coast Breakers Women’s Football Club, founded the club in 2017 to address the inequality she experienced as a young girl with dreams of playing football.
Ella shared her journey, saying: “I don’t strive for recognition, so this award is humbling. I just wanted to be a representative for the whole of the shire, to start an open-age team. We now provide for a diverse demographic, I’m proud of the safe and inclusive space, and this means our passionate players have local opportunity.”
Greg Polson, Coordinator Recreation and Community Planning, expressed his congratulations to Ella:
“I could not think of a more worthy recipient who dedicates so much time and effort in ensuring youth girls and women have an opportunity to pursue their love of Australian Rules Football.
“It is a privilege to work with Ella and see first-hand the passion that she brings to not only her role at Council but also the passion she has for her local community and the respect she holds within it.”
Ella’s role at Council as Recreation Planner has spanned 15 years. In that time, she has overseen the design and delivery of a multitude of open space projects, including the award-winning Guide Park Regional Playspace.
Ella has delivered many recreation and open space master plans, recreation strategies and capital upgrades to recreation facilities. Her expertise and dedication have contributed significantly to the design and implementation of numerous outstanding projects, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Here at Bass Coast Shire Council, we are privileged to work alongside an OAM recipient like Ella and remain dedicated to promoting the inclusivity of sport in our region.
Over the past two years, we have implemented equal pay initiatives and ensured equal prize money for all sporting events held in the shire. Ella’s incredible achievements align perfectly with our commitment to gender equality in sport.
We congratulate Ella on her well-deserved recognition and express our gratitude for her immense contributions to women’s Australian Rules football in Bass Coast Shire.
