The program provides opportunities for women to improve their management, leadership, coaching and officiating skills in the sport and recreation industry, Independent State Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said

“It aims to further develop the skills, knowledge and networks of women in leadership and decision-making roles in sport and recreation, to improve their opportunities for advancement, increase their ability to initiate organisational change in sporting organisations, and improve sport and recreation opportunities in the community,” he said.

Scholarships will be offered across five categories – Sport Leadership, Coach and Official Development, International Travel, Sport Management Development and State Sporting Organisation Initiatives.

“This program is funded by NSW Sport and Recreation, and is part of the State Government’s broader strategy to improve women’s involvement in sport, recreation and physical activity at all levels and in all capacities,” Draper said.

“Women aged 18 years or over on the closing date for applications who are permanent residents of NSW, currently involved in either a paid or voluntary capacity in the sport, recreation or physical activity industry in NSW, plus State Sporting

Organisations (category 5/6) and women from culturally diverse backgrounds, or Aboriginal women, rural and regional women and women with a disability are encouraged to apply.”

Applications close at 5pm on Thursday and additional guidelines and application booklets can be obtained from the NSW Sport and Recreation website – www.dsr.nsw.gov.au or by phoning Kathy Booth, project officer on 9006 3843 or email kbooth@dsr.nsw.gov.au