A $785,986 Federal Government grant will help to expand Waminda’s Dead or Deadly healthy lifestyle program.
Currently operating out of a premises in Plunket Street Nowra, the program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls will be extended to outreach sites across the Shoalhaven and Illawarra region.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said First Nations women and girls in more areas would find it easier and more enjoyable to access the service as a result of the Play Our Way grant.
“Waminda's Dead or Deadly program is an exemplary healthy lifestyle initiative for Aboriginal women and their families,” she said.
“Designed by and created for Aboriginal women, the program seeks to increase participation of Aboriginal women and girls in physical activity in a culturally safe space that builds community and support networks and promotes healthy lifestyle changes.”
The program was established as a response to Aboriginal women's sense of disempowerment and exclusion from mainstream sport and physical activities, and has contributed to improved social and emotional wellbeing for participants, combining physical activity with health education.
“Waminda is an incredible, well respected organisation that continues to support local Aboriginal women and girls in so many ways,” Mrs Phillips said.
“This is another example of a community wrapping its arms around women and empowering them to be happy, healthy and included.”
“I am confident the outreach programs will have a very positive impact in our region. Every person has the right to enjoy sport, in their own way and at the level that suits them.”
Waminda was selected to receive the funding under the Australian Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program, which is designed to remove barriers to women and girls participating in sport and physical activity, including First Nations women and girls, women and girls with disability or who are from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Minister for Sport, Anika Wells said more than 660 applications for funding were received.
“Play Our way is all about creating greater opportunities for women and girls to have an equal chance to get the fun, satisfaction and health benefits sport offers,” she said.
“The huge response to this grant opportunity, and the range of great project ideas, show that Australian communities want to be more supportive of women and girls.”
Assessment of applications under the facilities stream of the Play Our Way Grant Program to support construction of new and modified sporting facilities, playing areas and spaces, is still in progress.
More information on the Play Our Way Grant Opportunity can be found at https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/play-our-way-program
Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips was thrilled to announce a Play Our Way grant for Waminda’s Dead or Deadly healthy lifestyle program.
MEDIA CONTACT: Katrina Condie: 0437 662 967
