The Labor Government's Play Our Way program represents one of Australia's largest investments in women's sport, providing $200 million over three years (2024-25 to 2026-27) to address barriers faced by women and girls in accessing and participating in sporting activities. The program funds two key streams: $136 million for facilities improvements such as change rooms and playing surfaces, and additional funding for participation initiatives and equipment. Following a highly competitive process that attracted over 1,000 expressions of interest worth more than $1 billion, the government has announced funding for 290 organisations nationwide—166 for facilities and 124 for participation programs.

The program was designed with input from an expert advisory panel of women with lived experience in community and professional sport, including Lauren Jackson, Liz Ellis, Tal Karp, and Madison De Rozario. It specifically targets groups facing additional barriers, including women and girls from First Nations communities, those with disability, those living in regional or remote areas, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds. Successful projects span over 90 different sports and focus on creating safe, inclusive, and sustainable sporting environments that encourage lifelong participation.

• $200 million investment over three years (2024-25 to 2026-27)

• 290 organisations funded across Australia after highly competitive process

• Targets groups facing additional barriers to sports participation

• Covers over 90 different sports with both facilities and participation initiatives

[1] https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/play-our-way-program

[2] https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-anika-wells-mp/media/securing-a-sporting-legacy-for-women-and-girls

[3] https://www.health.gov.au/news/play-our-way-funding-applicants-approved-for-women-and-girls-sport

[4] https://www.sportforall.com.au/matildas-success-spurs-200-million-investment-in-womens-sports-by-australian-government/