Sport Central will share in a $4.5 million cash splash on regional Victoria programs to get more women moving.

The region’s sports assembly plans to support clubs and associations across a range of activities and has flagged Ballarat Cricket Association, Ballarat District Golf and the Ararat Activ8 multi-discipline program as key focuses.

This Girl Can regional push will also help deliver new female-friendly activities, like sports programs for new mums, at the grassroots.

Funds also aim to make sports clubs more inclusive for women and girls, by identifying quick, simple and cost-effective changes like scheduling women and girls’ matches on the main grounds and promoting women’s sport on social media.

Sports Central executive officer Michael Flynn said the move would help make grassroots sports more accessible and appealing among females and other less active residents across the Central Highlands.

“We want everyone to get active and embrace a healthy lifestyle, regardless of their age, gender or ability,” Mr Flynn said.

“Over the past three years we have been able to support the planning and delivery of 27 new programs across the Central Highlands to get people more active through VicHealth’s investment in the regional sport program.

“The success of these programs would not have been possible without consulting and partnering with a range of organisations.”

Sport England chief Jennie Price visited Ballarat amid a fortnight-long tour in Australia last year to share and scout out active health campaigns.

VicHealth’s This Girl Can is a partnership with the Sport England campaign, which aims to give a females a kick in the stereotypes.

The Victorian campaign has been flooded with stories of women who have tried a sport or gym and never gone back because they have felt intimidated, embarrassed, ignored and ashamed.

Ballarat mum Deb Clark shared her story in the campaign launch in April.

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