This trend is set to grow statewide at grassroots level with the increased prominence of women’s sport and role models, like in the revamped Super Netball national league and inaugural AFLW football competition.

Now the challenge is set in a gender battle for Premier’s Active April with a renewed call-out for registrations with one month until the program gets moving.

This comes are new state figures show 61 per cent of Victorian women exercise at least three times a week compared to 57 of men. And these results are reflected in Active April participation.

More than 3400 females in Ballarat signed up for the month-long Active April challenge last year, compared to 2142 Ballarat males. In the neighbouring Hepburn Shire, 598 women and girls signed up as did 424 men and boys.

Western Victoria MP Jaala Pulford encouraged women and men to lift their games and pledge to doing 30 minutes of exercise each day in April for the challenge – even if just taking a walk, riding to school or work, or getting out in the garden to set new active habits.

“Our newest female sporting champions are inspiring us all and it’s no surprise there is a huge wave of women and girls putting their hands up to embrace sport and getting active with friends,” Ms Pulford said.

“Active April is a fun and free way to get more active and healthy in Hepburn Shire and Ballarat and there are some great special offers and prizes.”

People can sign up as individuals or in teams with family, friends and work colleagues to motivate each other in staying active.

This year, Active April will feature a new mobile app to record physical activity, time spent exercising and to allow groups to track and compare progress.

Registration is free. Ballarat residents receive 10 free passes to use at Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre and YMCA centres, plus plenty of other prizes.

activeapril.vic.gov.au.