Australian sport will reap the benefit of support for 132 women leaders awarded funding through 2009 Sport Leadership Grants and Scholarships for Women.

Status of Women Minister Tanya Plibersek and Sports Minister Kate Ellis announced the successful applicants would share in $500 000 from the Australian Government to help women excel in sports leadership.

Now in its eighth year, the initiative provides support for women to pursue accredited training and development in coaching, officiating, governance, media and communications and management.

Ms Plibersek said applications for the Office for Women and Australian Sports Commission initiative increased by 50 per cent on last year.

‘The response was fantastic and the grants will develop skills for a variety of leadership roles.’

Speaking from a Women Leadership in Sport lunch in Melbourne today, Ms Ellis said there was $100 000 extra support this year and the grants also provided support for women from a range of backgrounds, including 23 projects involving Indigenous women, 17 for women with disabilities and 24 for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

‘One example is former Paralympic track and field star Amy Winters, who is using her grant to study for a graduate marketing diploma. This will build on her expertise for the promotion and commercial development of the Australian Paralympic Committee,’ said Ms Ellis.

This year’s grants comprise 74 individuals receiving up to $5000, 45 organisations allocated up to $10 000 and 13 scholarships of up to $30 000, over three years.

‘For the first time, the funding includes scholarships for women to gain management and other qualifications to help advance them in the upper levels of sports administration,’ said Ms Plibersek.

Ms Ellis said the grants would accelerate the careers of women in sport.

‘Australian sport needs more women involved in senior positions and leadership roles. These grants will equip and empower women to fill more decision-making roles and exert greater influence in the culture of sport,’ said Ms Ellis.

‘These are women who can inspire others, from Nicole Graves wanting to be the first female level 3 AFL coach and AFL assistant club coach, to former Australian cricketer Melanie Jones aiming to break into the television commentating ranks.’

To date, approximately $3 million in Australian Government grants have helped almost 16 000 women develop high-level skills in sports across the nation.