At the Council meeting this week, Hepburn Shire’s first Fair Access Policy was adopted.
Council has developed the Hepburn Shire Fair Access Policy to address known barriers experienced by women, girls, trans and gender diverse people in accessing and using community sports infrastructure.
Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that the policy aims to progressively build the capacity of Council to identify and eliminate causes of gender inequality in policy, programs, communications and delivery of services in relation to community sports infrastructure.
“Sport and recreation are a highly visible and valued part of our Shire’s culture and identity. Our local clubs and organisations can support our community through the promotion of respect and fair mindedness for all people, leading to benefits for the physical and mental health of our community.”
“Every person, regardless of their gender, has the right to participate in sport and recreation feeling safe and welcome,” said Cr Hood.
The Policy and Action Plan are based on the five Fair Access Principles of:
- inclusivity,
- full participation,
- equal representation,
- encouraging and supporting user groups, and
- prioritising user groups committed to equality.
The policy was developed after community consultation, including a community survey, and direct engagement with sporting clubs, and Hepburn Shire’s Gender Equity, LGBTIQA+, Disability and Reconciliation Advisory Committees. The Victorian Office for Women in Sport and Recreation also reviewed the draft Fair Access Policy.
All Victorian councils are required to have in place a gender equitable access and use policy (or equivalent) by 1 July 2024 to remain eligible for State Government community sports infrastructure funding.
You can view the Fair Access Policy at Policies Hepburn Shire Council.
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This article is based on a media release from Hepburn Shire Council.
