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“Being part of a group again, social connection \u2013 there’s heaps of mental health and wellbeing benefits aside from the physical benefits that we want everyone in our community to enjoy and benefit from.<\/p>\n
“If these settings are more welcoming and inclusive of everyone, then we have stronger communities and safer communities and happier people and ultimately that is what we want.\u201d The project aligns with efforts already underway in local sport. Ocean Grove A-grade coach Mel Holmes said while recent investment in infrastructure has been welcome, more support is needed beyond construction. Once girls and women join clubs, she said, there is a responsibility to support their broader development. \u201cI think we do an injustice to society as a whole,\u201d Holmes said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got these women and young girls that are easily lead and influenced and here\u2019s an opportunity to teach them what we know and what\u2019s important around our healthy mind and healthy body.\u201d Holmes is currently developing a program to run alongside AFL Barwon\u2019s Female Festival of Sport, with a strong focus on mental health and wellbeing. She is also working with local businesses to provide tailored sponsorships, helping reinforce that netballers are valued equally to footballers within clubs. Holmes said true equality goes beyond facilities, with club culture playing a crucial role in retaining participants. She also highlighted the need for greater support for women returning to sport after having children. \u201cIf you\u2019re talking about infrastructure, there\u2019s no space to change a baby at most clubs, so they\u2019re not accessible,\u201d Holmes said. \u201cWomen having their own space is very important but there\u2019s still barriers to participate. If they\u2019re restricted by access to childcare, they can\u2019t actually come and play. They\u2019re not going to use facilities anyway because they\u2019re not there.\u201d Holmes would like to see future grants address these gaps, including funding for initiatives such as game-day creches. But unable to tap into grants that don\u2019t exist, she is hopeful government bodies will begin to look beyond changerooms in future funding. Bellarine clubs, schools and community groups interested in contributing to the Active Girls Bellarine project are encouraged to get involved. \u201cWe want more participation overall,\u201d Weston said. \u201cWe don\u2019t necessarily mean that there needs to be more girls playing netball or football specifically, it can just be just a bit more movement in your life, and feeling the good feelings from that.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
CLUBS across the region have benefited from upgraded amenities, and while the flow-on effects of improved infrastructure can be significant, investment in non-building initiatives is proving just as important. Bellarine Community Health (BCH) has received $50,000 towards the development of Active Girls Bellarine, a project focused on people, not buildings. The initiative will create a […]<\/p>\n