Leading the Change

In partnership with Eastern Health, Yarra Valley Water, SALT (Sport and Life Training), Women’s Health in the South East and Inspiro Community Health Service Outer East is proud to release the findings for the Leading the Change project, which has taken place over the last three years.

The Case Study details the achievements of the multi-strategy program, that began development in 2017. This major partnership was established to reduce stigma around mental health in our football and netball cubs, encourage clubs to seek support, prevent suicide and prevent and respond to family violence. A huge part of this work involved efforts to challenge men’s condoning of violence against women, promote respectful relationships and gender equality, and address risky drinking culture in clubs. It reached over 1,500 people through the delivery of SALT sessions alone.

We thank Yarra Valley Water for their ongoing investment into the program, which has allowed the program to be established and grow. The success of this three-year program, through its positive impact on club culture across the region region, is a showcase for the positive impacts of effective collaboration between community sport, health and local government agencies and corporate partners.

The feedback from participants and the findings enclosed in the Case study saw the development of the Outer East Women’s advisory in 2021. This collaboration will see significant focus and investment be placed on women’s sport and participation. In January 2022, Outer East will release its Gender Equity policy and action plan, developed in partnership through the Women’s Advisory and Leading the Change partners. This document will provide a five-year vision for women in the Outer East, with a focus on developing women in leadership, increased participation, and increased promotion of women’s sport in the region

The findings of the Leading the Change Case study can be found here – Leading the Change 2017-2020