The Smith Family’s Girls at the Centre Program has been recognised with the prestigious Victorian School Sports Award for Outstanding School and Community Partnership for its collaboration between Bairnsdale Secondary College and Bairnsdale West Primary School in delivering the Auskick and NetSetGo programs.
The award celebrates the program’s commitment to increasing female participation in sport by fostering mentorship opportunities between secondary and primary school students.
Through this initiative, secondary students from the Girls at the Centre program mentor and support younger students, encouraging their involvement in Australian Rules football and netball.
Each year, the programs engage approximately 200 primary school students, ensuring young girls who might otherwise miss out have the opportunity to participate in organised sport.
In addition to increasing engagement, the initiative also provides participants with coaching and umpiring accreditations, achieved in collaboration with AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria. This empowers young female leaders to develop skills that can benefit them both within and beyond the sporting field.
The Victorian School Sports Awards, first established in 1994, are the highest sporting accolades within the state’s government school system. These awards recognise excellence and contributions to school sport by students, teachers, parents, and volunteers.
The Outstanding School and Community Partnership Award highlights programs that create meaningful opportunities for students to participate in school sports through strong collaborations between schools and community organisations.
“This award is a testament to the dedication of our students, teachers, and community partners in ensuring that young girls have access to sport and leadership opportunities,” said Girls at the Centre program manager, Simone Forster.
“We are incredibly proud of the impact this program has had on both the primary and secondary students involved.”
Girls at the Centre aims to support all girls, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls in years seven to 12 to stay at school and boost their educational achievements through a range of cultural and social activities.
The Smith Family’s Girls at the Centre Program remains committed to empowering young women through education, mentorship, and sport, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive.
The school continues to work closely with AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria to provide valuable upskilling opportunities for students, reinforcing the importance of sport as a pathway for leadership, personal growth, and community connection.
