Major investment in women and girls basketball.

The Albanese Government is investing nearly $1 million in a national program led by iconic Olympian Lauren Jackson, aiming to increase the participation of women and girls in basketball. This $998,000 grant, awarded to Basketball Australia, is part of the Government’s $200 million Play Our Way Program, which supports initiatives that make it easier for women and girls to access and remain involved in sports and physical activities.

The programs will be delivered through local basketball associations in 33 locations with a focus on regional and rural communities, First Nations women and girls and those facing social disadvantage.

Among the locations are Tennant Creek and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, Kalgoorlie and Bunbury in Western Australia, Whyalla in South Australia, and Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Yass and Cooma in New South Wales.

The programs will include holiday camps to promote participation in basketball and learning about health, wellbeing and culture, as well as 25 leadership camps and 120 scholarships for a Future Leaders Program to encourage women to become leaders, coaches and officials.