Women and Girls get active for “This Girl Can”

Published on 22 November 2024

Council delivered a week of engaging activities for women and girls from 11 – 15 November, partnering with community organisations and local businesses as part of the 2024 This Girl Can campaign.

Twelve women and girls joined Mansfield Bushwalks for an 8km hike to Plain Creek Falls in perfect weather, surrounded by spring wildflowers and local wildlife. The hike was followed by a hearty lunch and the chance to connect and chat about life and things they enjoyed.

Mansfield Women’s Football hosted a ‘come and try’ event. Women who were eager to give footy a go practiced skills and kicking techniques in a workshop led by Sue McCormack. Participants were also offered the chance to join the Mansfield Eagles Women’s Football Club and become part of the team in 2025.

Mansfield Tennis Association also held a ‘come and try’ session, offering the wider community a chance to join the regular Wednesday social hit. Rhonda Carpenter from Mansfield Tennis Association Committee was thrilled to have a large group of participants covering 4 courts. New players joined those with more experience to create connections on and off the court.

All Terrain Cycles held an adults and teens ride along the Great Victorian Rail Trail, with expert staff giving tips to the 10 participants along the way on riding and bike maintenance. A snack break with fruit platters gave an opportunity to learn about keeping a balanced diet for active living.

In another session facilitated by All Terrain Cycles, teenaged participants helped to teach young children the fundamentals of bike riding in a ride around Mansfield Botanic Park.

Over 50 women and girls participated in the week of events.

This Girl Can is a campaign from VicHealth based on Sport England’s highly successful campaign of the same name, which motivated 3.9 million women in England to take their fitness into their own hands.

Australia was the first country in the world to license this powerful campaign, with VicHealth commencing in 2018 and Mansfield Shire Council joining in 2021.

Nola Cleeland, Council’s Executive Manager Community Health and Wellbeing, said This Girl Can is all about getting out there, trying something new, meeting some new people, putting yourself first in a non-judgemental space.

“Council supports the initiative to help women be physically active no matter their level of ability or fitness,” she said.

“Our program of events has been planned to help create meaningful connections among like-minded women and encourage mutual support and empowerment.

“By coming together, we inspire one another to embrace challenges, build self-confidence, and grow both personally and as a community,” said Ms Cleeland.

In 2025, VicHealth are handing over the reins to local governments to continue This Girl Can and make it their own. Council looks forward to seeing a growing network of active and connected women and girls in our local community.