Sport Central will share in a $4.5 million cash splash on regional Victoria programs to get more women moving.

The region’s sports assembly plans to support clubs and associations across a range of activities and has flagged the Ararat Activ8 multi-discipline program as well as Ballarat Cricket Association and Ballarat District Golf as key focuses.

The regional push for This Girl Can will also deliver new female-friendly activities, such as sports programs for new mums, at the grassroots.

Funds aim to make clubs more inclusive for women and girls by identifying quick, simple and cost-effective changes such as scheduling women and girls’ matches on the main grounds and promoting women’s sport on social media.

Sports Central executive officer Michael Flynn said the move would help make grassroots sports more accessible and appealing among females and other less active residents across the Central Highlands.

“We want everyone to get active and embrace a healthy lifestyle, regardless of their age, gender or ability,” he said. “Over the past three years we have been able to support the planning and delivery of 27 new programs across the Central Highlands to get people more active through VicHealth’s investment in the regional sport program.”

VicHealth’s This Girl Can is a partnership with the Sport England campaign, which aims to give a females a kick in the stereotypes.

The Victorian campaign has been flooded with stories of women who have tried a sport or gym and never gone back because they have felt intimidated or embarrassed.