Project co-ordinator Scott Davidson said the assembly jumped on board after receiving an email about the campaign and decided to name one female sporting hero of the month during the next 12 months. 

“We decided to replicate its idea of naming a local female sporting hero of the month,” he said. The December nominee, Tracey Dark of Stawell, was just the start for the assembly, which is working to encourage all Wimmera sporting clubs to join the campaign. 

The campaign emphasises the recognition of women in leadership and governance roles, such as coaches, officials and board members.

Davidson said the assembly was working to debunk the stigma surrounding female leaders in sport. 

“Unfortunately, a lot of people tend to presume it’s only men when talking about superstar athletes and champions,” he said. 

“We need to look at the broader scale and give it the push it needs, to break the stigma, that is the driving factor.” 

Davidson said there was plenty of sporting activities available to women in the Wimmera, but the assembly wanted to see more women dominating off the field. 

“Looking at it nationally, the Richmond Football Club has the only female president in the AFL,” he said. 

“In due time we could see half the clubs having female presidents. If we can put in the foundation blocks in the Wimmera now, in five years time no one will take a second look at it. 

“Hopefully it won’t be a story anymore. Hopefully it just becomes the norm.” 

The campaign started after a Victorian government inquiry found girls and women participated less than men and boys and were under-represented in sporting leadership roles. 

Sports Minister John Eren said the campaign would emphasise that outcomes for women started with attitudes toward women. 

“Some of our most inspiring leaders in sport are female and we want to give the next generation an opportunity to become the next trailblazers,” he said. 

Volleyball Horsham has joined the cause, naming volunteer Fern Batty as its December hero.