We are helping women and girls become more active with Play Our Way grant
Our women and girls will soon have greater access to affordable fitness and wellbeing opportunities here at Copper Coast Sport and Leisure Centre, thanks to the Women’s Strength & Wellbeing Initiative subsidised by a Play Our Way grant from Sonder.
The announcement coincides with Women’s Health Week, held from 7 to 11 September 2026, Australia’s largest national event dedicated to women’s health and wellbeing.
Funded through the Australian Government, the 12-month community participation project led by us is helping more women and girls improve their wellbeing, build confidence and feel connected to their community, encouraging physical activity by reducing financial and knowledge barriers to exercise.
Pictured left to right in header image: Participants Amelia Heddle, Sue Stock, Joy Houston
About the Women’s Strength & Wellbeing Initiative
Among the initiative’s offerings are structured fitness programs, an ongoing pathway for teenage girls, Heated Yoga sessions, specialist women’s wellness workshops, take-home educational resources and community engagement activities.
A key feature of the program is direct fee subsidisation. Eligible adult sessions have been reduced from $18 to $5, while GIRLS STRONG sessions have been reduced from $15 to $10, making participation more accessible for local women and families.
Nicole Fergusson, our Health Club Co-ordinator said:
“Beyond the physical health benefits, we look forward to helping local women and girls build confidence, develop healthy habits and form meaningful social connections through group-based activities and shared experiences.”
Creating a pathway for lifelong wellbeing
The Women’s Strength & Wellbeing Initiative at Copper Coast creates a clear participation pathway for women and girls at different life stages.
‘GIRLS STRONG’ encourages positive exercise experiences early in life, helping teenage girls build confidence, while ‘Start Strong’ supports women who are beginning or returning to strength training.
‘STRONG HER’ helps participants develop sustainable fitness habits and wellbeing practices and the ‘Women’s Wellness Workshop Series’ provides credible education and practical life skills.
Pictured left to right: Wendy Paget, Emily Harris, Amelia Heddle, Sue Stock, Joy Houston, Robyn Smith.
Women’s Health Week 2026 adopts the theme Do It Anyway, encouraging women to take small, realistic steps towards better health, even when life feels busy.
“Women’s Health Week is an important reminder that looking after your health matters at every stage of life – we are proud to provide opportunities that remove barriers to participation and help more people experience the benefits of regular physical activity,” continued Nicole.
Sonder is an inclusive, not-for-profit organisation that has been providing better quality health and support services to the South Australian community since 1993.
We are committed to supporting women, girls and healthier, more connected communities through accessible opportunities to participate in physical activity.
These new programs reflect a broader national commitment to increasing female participation and leadership in sport and recreation. By fostering safe and supportive environments, the team and Play Our Way initiative are helping to shape a more equitable future in sport for all.
