The 2010–11 Sport Leadership Grants and Scholarships for Women (SLGSfW) are now open for applications. Women from all areas and levels are encouraged to apply for funding to pursue accredited training and development to assist them in gaining leadership positions in the sporting industry.

Rachael Roberts, General Manager of Swimming Australia’s Commercial and Communications section, is a 2009–10 SLGSfW grant recipient. She saw the grants as an opportunity to pursue her career ambition of sitting on the board of an organisation and used her funding to complete an intensive Australian Institute of Company Directors course.

Roberts gives the SLGSfW program high praise, crediting it with helping her take a major step towards becoming a leader in her field.

‘I have to say that gaining the grant was what drove me the most,’ Roberts said. ‘Being able to do the course has reinforced to me the serious commitment a director has to make. It requires as much dedication as any full-time job.’

The 32-year-old Canberran said attending the five-day governance course opened her eyes to the responsibilities board members have to their organisations and she believes such courses should be compulsory for anyone contemplating being on a board.
Roberts said her interest in becoming a company director stemmed from her work both with and outside of Swimming Australia.

‘I report to my board, so this course has helped me better understand the challenges and the environment in which they work and improves my work in that way, and it has helped me better appreciate the work of boards generally.’

She said she had been inspired by Swimming Australia Chief Executive and former Canberra Raiders CEO Kevin Neil who was not only a mentor but a ‘great advocate for women working at all levels in sport’.

‘I think women can offer diversity and another point of view in a male dominated boardroom and I am also young, so I have that knowledge of new work trends as well as the theoretical base behind it.’

Roberts’ project was one of 132 across the country to be supported by the Sport Leadership Grants and Scholarships for Women in 2009.

Now in its ninth year, the Australian Government grants have helped more than 16 500 women reach their potential in all areas of sport from managers, administrators, media and communication officers to coaches, officials and women in sport governance.

Applications close on Friday 30 April 2010. For more information, visit ausport.gov.au/women or call 1800 224 412.