Fair Access Policy - more information

The new policy is in response to the Fair Access Policy Roadmap, released by the Office for Women in Sport in partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria and VicHealth, and aims to develop a state-wide foundation to improve the access to, and use of, community sports infrastructure for women, girls and others.

From July 1, 2024, all Victorian councils will need to have a Fair Access Policy in place to be considered eligible to receive infrastructure funding.

This policy will ensure that women, girls and others can fully participate in and enjoy the benefits of community sport, with fair opportunity and equitable 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 policy will establish our commitment that gender equality be considered and prioritised in all current and future Council planning, policy, service delivery, facility allocations and practice as they relate to community sports infrastructure.