SAFA Skysailor Magazine

19 November | December 2021 SKY SAILOR (WWW lead), Nat (NSWHPA lead) and Judith de Groot (NSWHPA Grants Coordinator). In April 2021 we submitted a NSW Office of Sport Her Sport Her Way Grant application for $49,850 aimed at increasing female participation and retention; safety and skill development; partici- pation in competition flying; female leadership and mentorship in our sports; whilst also developing a strong community of female pilots in sports aviation. In August 2021 we found out our applica- tion was successful under the Partnership Programs stream, in alignment with the NSW Government’s Her Sport Her Way strategy, and with support from the Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors and Veterans (The Honourable Natalie Ward MLS). This grant is the most significant investment in sports avia- tion history in Australia for female paragliding, hang gliding and microlight pilots, so we are quite proud of what we have achieved in the last year since starting WWW and forming the alliance with the NSWHPA. Why is an investment in female pilots important? All sports aviation disciplines benefit from having a vibrant and diverse community of pilots that supports a safe and inclusive flying culture at all sites. Through increased inclu- sivity and support, collectively we can facilitate a thriving flying community to: • • Increase pathway and participation opportunities; • • Increase membership numbers; • • Improve pilot retention; • • Enhance the brand and reputation of our sports; • • Provide a better connected and diverse sporting community; • • Break down perceived or actual barriers and promote inclusion; • • Provide benefits for commercial operators and businesses, including instructors and equipment and service providers. We are one sporting community, and we look forward to working together with all members in our community to help facilitate greater female participation across sports aviation disciplines – now and in the future. “Believing in ourselves as women who are capable of whatever we aspire to is our most important issue, in my opinion.” Kit DesLauriers Left: The Hill 60 refresher clinic and Cath McMillan and Kaz attending the Manilla State of Origin are some of the events promoted for women to participate in Photos: Kaz Waller and Matt Cooper