From 1 July 2024, all Victorian councils must have a gender equitable access and use policy in place to remain eligible for sport and recreation infrastructure funding. Benalla Rural City Council adopted its Fair Access Policy in June 2024. The policy seeks to address barriers that women and girls may experience when accessing and using community sports facilities. It applies to facilities where Council is the owner, land manager, financial contributor and/or operator of the facility.

The next step is for Council's Recreation Team to work with local sporting groups to put the Policy into practice. This work is focussed on increasing participation, leadership and visibility of women and girls in sport and active recreation across Benalla.

To help us understand your club’s current position and how we can best support you, please complete the survey below. Survey invitations have been emailed to all clubs covered by this Policy. If your club did not receive an email and you believe the Policy applies to you, please contact Council’s Recreation Team on 03 5760 2600 or at marissa.batten@benalla.vic.gov.au