The Andrews Labor Government is helping level the playing field for women leaders in sport and recreation, with a professional development scholarship program creating more opportunities for women’s development and training across the sector.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today officially opened the latest round of the Change Our Game Professional Development Scholarships Program, encouraging women working in sport across Victoria to apply.
The Professional Development Scholarship Program supports women to take on and succeed in leadership roles in the sport and recreation sector no matter their career stage – from joining the workforce, returning from a career break, current senior executives and new or aspiring board members.
The program offers several development opportunities including grants of up to $5,000 and $10,000 to complete professional development courses through the Learning and Executive streams.
A Next Generation Leaders stream offers career coaching to help aspiring executives map their career paths and the skills needed, while participants in a Governance stream can complete a specialised sports governance course.
Successful applicant Shenae Keleher took part in the Next Generation Leaders Stream in last year’s 2022-23 Change Our Game Professional Development Scholarships Program and has since been promoted to Chief Executive Officer at FedUni WestVic Academy of Sport.
Since 2018, the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation has supported 553 participants through Change Our Game professional development programs, including 97 participants in last year’s inaugural Professional Development Scholarships Program.
Applications close on Monday, 28 August 2023.
For more information and details on eligibility, visit changeourgame.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“This program supports women to thrive in leadership roles – backing them with skills and training, no matter what stage they are in their lives and careers.”
As stated by Director of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Sarah Styles
“We know women remain under-represented in sports leadership roles, and through this program we are helping remove barriers to opportunities and success for women.”
As stated by 2022-23 Professional Development Scholarship Program participant Shenae Keleher
“The time spent working with my career coach has been immediately impactful, empowering and supportive, which I feel has provided me with the skills for swift professional growth. I’ve described the program to peers as ‘a psychologist for your career, a really great guiding hand’. Connecting with fellow women in our local sporting industry has been invaluable and created a supportive network.”
