NSW Government Invests $500,000 in Play Her Way Grants to Drive Women’s Sports Participation

As part of the NSW Government’s comprehensive four-year Play Her Way strategy designed to help women and girls enter and remain in sport, sixteen New South Wales sporting organisations will share in $500,000 in funding to deliver nineteen projects.

Grants ranging from $3,000 to $45,000 have been awarded across four distinct funding streams to State Sporting Organisations and State Sporting Organisations for People with Disability, with applicants also permitted to partner with external academies and community organisations. The initiative is structured to build sustainable career pathways, drive inclusive operational cultures, and lift long-term participation rates across the state.

Major projects receiving support include Triathlon NSW securing $45,000 for Tri Her Way, a virtual digital club aimed at building online community engagement and skill development. NSW Rugby Union received $44,983 for Rugby Her Way to support new and returning players and elevate coaching standards. Motorsport Australia obtained $45,000 for AccelerateHER NSW to deliver school initiatives, mentorships, and a regional rally school targeting first-time participants.Additionally, Athletics NSW secured $5,000 for structured career internships, while Volleyball NSW received $45,000 for a flexible coaching leadership initiative.

Highlighting the cultural and economic importance of the funding rollout, NSW Minister for Women, Hon. Jodie Harrison, said: “It’s great to see so many different organisations receiving the Play Her Way grants so that together we can develop inclusive cultures and remove barriers across sport for women and girls.”

“These projects will provide safe and supportive environments for them to not just participate but develop into coaching and leadership positions,” Harrison said.

Echoing these community and commercial benefits, Triathlon NSW CEO, Adam Wicks, shared: “We are incredibly grateful to the NSW Government for supporting innovative approaches that help more women and girls connect with triathlon.”

“This funding will enable us to create a women-led digital triathlon club specifically designed for women aged 16-25, providing a safe, flexible and supportive community that overcomes many of the traditional barriers to participation.

“All the benefits of a the traditional ‘membership’ with the added benefits of being online and virtual, creating online communities.

“Importantly, the initiative will be shaped by the very women it aims to support.

“We know that participation looks different for everyone, particularly for young women balancing work, study, family and other commitments.

“By leveraging technology and online engagement, we can create stronger connections, build confidence, and belong, and provide new pathways for more women to discover and thrive in our sport,” Wicks said.

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