Sports Central is partnering with VicHealth and Regional Sport Victoria to Set the Standard across the Central Highlands. The initiative connects coaches and club leaders with practical resources and subsidised anti-racism training, helping sporting clubs prevent and respond to racism while creating healthier, welcoming and culturally safe environments for everyone.

Sports Central’s Allies in Sport project aims to create safer, more inclusive sporting environments by promoting healthy masculinity, gender equality and respectful behaviour. Women in Ballarat sport are invited to nominate male allies who can help champion positive change and reduce barriers for women and girls to participate, coach and lead.

Through Play It Safe, we are inviting the Central Highlands sporting community to share their perspectives on health, safety and wellbeing in community sport. By having your say, you will help us better understand local challenges, needs and opportunities and inform practical initiatives that create safer, healthier and more inclusive sporting environments across the region.

The free Daughters of the West program returns to Ballarat in 2026, offering women aged 18+ the opportunity to improve their physical, mental and social wellbeing through fitness, education and meaningful community connections. Over 10 weeks, participants will gain practical tools, build confidence and form lasting friendships in a welcoming and supportive environment. Places are limited, so register early.

Sports Central’s Allies in Sport project is engaging men in sporting club leadership roles across Ballarat to promote healthy masculinity, gender equality and respectful behaviour. Through education, support and practical action, the project will equip male leaders to help create safer, more inclusive sporting environments where women and girls are supported to participate, coach and lead.

Sports Central, in partnership with Golden Plains Shire Council and Moorabool Shire Council, is delivering a free Club Development Workshop Series designed to strengthen community sporting clubs across the region. This series provides practical, hands-on learning opportunities for committee members, volunteers, coaches and emerging leaders, with a focus on leadership, governance, inclusion and sustainable club development.

Sports Central and FedUni WestVic Academy of Sport are proud to launch the Central Highlands Coaches Collective on Wednesday 22 July 2026.

Sons of the West is back for 2026, and registrations are now open! This free 10-week health and wellbeing program for men aged 18+ will run across two Ballarat locations from mid-April, with weekly two-hour sessions combining health education, social connection and inclusive physical activity for all fitness levels.

At Dadfit, they often see dads trying to be the best they can be whilst also trying to stay strong and juggle the realities of life – often on their own. Dadfit exists to change that. Dadfit exists to make dadding a team sport.

Learn how to support young people in your life. Youth Mental First Aid® equips adults who teach, care for, or support young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to a young person experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.