This Girl Can Greater Bendigo 2024: A phenomenal success!

The 2024 This Girl Can Greater Bendigo initiative has concluded with fantastic success, with 96 registrations across 24 different sports and 37 individual events, this year’s campaign was bigger and more diverse than ever before!

The week ran from November 10th to 17^th, and was brought to Greater Bendigo through a partnership between Sports Focus, Bendigo Community Health Services, and the City of Greater Bendigo. This initiative forms part of the broader VicHealth program, which aims to empower and encourage women, girls, and non-binary people to engage in physical activity and sports, helping to break down barriers to participation and fostering a supportive, safe and welcoming environment for all.

The success of this event would not have been possible without the strong support and commitment from local community sports clubs, active recreation providers, and passionate volunteers. Their dedication played a vital role in ensuring a wide range of sports and activities were available, catering to diverse interests, ages, abilities and fitness levels throughout the weeklong event.

From the high-energy HIIT classes, cardio tennis and BOXHIIT sessions to the more relaxed chair yoga and mums and bubs yoga, there was something for everyone. Participants were able to try their hand at everything from football and petanque to volleyball, badminton, body-balance and roller derby. Water enthusiasts enjoyed swimming, rowing, and paddling, while those who preferred land-based activities took part in walking football, pickleball, Parkrun, walking groups and self-defence classes.

These activities were made possible thanks to the generous collaboration of local sports clubs and recreation providers, many of which offered their services either free of charge or at low cost. This commitment to accessibility ensured that women, girls, and non-binary individuals of all backgrounds, cultures and abilities could participate without financial barriers.

We hope that This Girl Can week has provided the opportunity for women, girls and non-binary people to try a new sport, get back into fitness after a break, meet some new people, and feel included within their community.

Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported the event. We look forward to seeing you again next year for another incredible week!