On Wednesday 10 October, Golden Plains Shire Council, in partnership with the Golden Plains Rural Women's Network, hosted ‘Take the Lead’, a women in sports leadership event. This event celebrated women in sport and explored ways to support and build the capacity and confidence of women in local sporting groups.
Attendees heard from a range of fantastic speakers including former Captain of the Australian Netball Team, Sharelle McMahon. Some of Sharelle’s key messages for local women included the following:
- Step outside your comfort zone in order to learn and grow.
- Focus on things you can control or influence.
- Surround yourself with supportive people
- Work to your strengths.
As part of the event, a small workshop was facilitated with attendees, providing an opportunity for local women to discuss strategies which support female participation and encourage women to take on leadership roles in community sport. These discussions along with information collected on the night will help Council work with attendees and local sporting groups to increase and improve opportunities for women and girls to play, officiate, coach or administer sport moving forward.