Equity and Inclusion in Sport
Equity and Inclusion in Sport aims to support local clubs to create welcoming, inclusive, safe and sustainable sporting clubs. The project aims to embed cultures of respect within clubs to aid in the prevention of domestic and family violence across the region. The program has also gone on to win the 2025 LGPro Award for Excellence as the winner in the Diversity and Inclusion category.
What’s in it for sporting clubs?
Clubs across the Mildura Rural City Council Local Government Area who have undertaken this work have reported a myriad of benefits, including:
- Eligibility for State Government funding
- Better experience of sport for women, girls and gender diverse people
- Increased membership including junior members
- Support of, and improvement of, men’s wellbeing
- Healthier, more sustainable clubs
- Diverse skills and leadership, including more volunteers
- Greater representation of and alignment with community expectations
Certification Process
The certification process is aligned with typical club development phases:
- Initial Workshop and Audit: Attend Workshop 1: Introduction to Equity and Inclusion in Sport. The club then use the program's resources to complete an Equity and Inclusion Audit.
- Planning and Development: The club develops an action plan to address gaps. Evidence is collected to show compliance with Child Safe Standards.
- Implementation and Education: The club puts the action plan into practice and provides education and training at a whole club level.
- Evaluation: Monitor progress and adjust as needed.
For more information please see the Equity and Inclusion in Sport Certification Guide(PDF, 4MB)
Want to be involved? Click here
Please contact Elissa Johnson via elissa.johnson@mildura.vic.gov.au to learn more.
Upcoming events
Coming soon - Awareness to Action Forum - 10 December 2025 - stay tuned for more details!
Case Studies
Want your club’s work to shine? Get in touch and let us know the amazing work you are completing.
Participating Clubs
Thank you to the following clubs for your continued efforts to create equitable and inclusive spaces:
Bronze Level Clubs:
- Mallee Bandits
- Nichols Point Cricket Club
- Sunraysia Drag Racing Association
- Werrimull Football Netball Club
Silver Level Clubs:
- Wanderers Baseball Club
- Nichols Point Soccer Club
Gold Level Clubs:
- Sunraysia Hockey Association
- Waratahs Hockey Club
- Koowinda Hockey Club
- Ouyen Cricket Club
- Ouyen Football Netball Club
- Ouyen Bowls Club
- Merbein Cricket Club
- Merbein Football Netball Club
- St Andrews/Sacred Heart Tennis Club
Platinum Level Clubs:
- Imperial Football Netball Club
Local Family Violence Support Services
If in immediate danger, please call 000
Safe Steps - 1800 015 188
1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732
The Orange Door – Mallee - 1800 290 943
Mallee Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Service – 03 5021 2130
Meminar Ngangg Gimba (Mallee District Aboriginal Services) – 03 5018 4100
- Culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing family violence. Including men’s case management, time out services and women’s crisis support.
- www.mdas.org.au
inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence – 1800 755 988
Rainbow Door – 1800 729 367
- 10am-5pm everyday
- Specialist information, support, and referral for all LGBTQIA+ Victorians, their friends and family
- Text: 0480 017 246
- www.rainbowdoor.org.au
Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491
- 24-hour advice and support for men who use family violence and abuse to help change what they’re doing to keep women and children safer.
- www.ntv.org.au
Kids Help Line – 1800 551 800