THIS Girl Can week ran from November 10 to 17.

Based off of Sport’s England’s successful campaign This Girl Can was launched in Victoria in 2018.

Vic Health’s campaign aims to empower women to get out and be active in a way that is comfortable for them, breaking down social barriers.

Mansfield Shire Council has participated in the campaign every year since 2021.

This year council partnered with organisations in the community to deliver an exciting week of events where women could connect and get active through footy, bushwalks, bike riding and tennis.

Nola Cleeland executive manager of community health and wellbeing said This Girl Can is all about getting out there, trying something new, meeting new people and putting yourself first in a non-judgemental space.

“Council supports the initiative to help women be physically active no matter their level of ability or fitness,” she said.

“Our program of events was planned to help create meaningful connections among like-minded women and encourage mutual support and empowerment.”

The first session on Monday was a bushwalk along the Bonnie Doon bridge and on Saturday there was another walk to the Carters Road waterfall.

On a stormy Wednesday the Mansfield Tennis Association ran a social tennis session which both women and men participated in.

Rhonda Carpenter joined the committee in 2014 and has participated in weekly games alongside writing the tennis reports for a number of years.

“At social tennis we are more relaxed about everything including the scores,” she said.

“Players can practice their serves, take turns serving with the sun behind them and rotate regularly.

“Everyone is encouraged to try new shots, new racquets, new partners or avoid moving too much when coming after injury.

“This can bring confidence back after time away.

“Friendships form along with skills, fitness, empathy and style.

“Simply being social, building strength or enjoying the fresh air could be the goal.

“Laughter is guaranteed and the more regularly you play the better you’ll be.

“Tennis is a great sport for women for many reasons, including its health benefits, social interaction, and gender equity.”

On Thursday night, All Terrain Cycles hosted an adult and teen ride on the Rail Trail alongside kids and beginner sessions.

Twelve members of the Mansfield Eagles women’s football team including some new faces gathered together for a football clinic which included some interactive games and skills at the Mansfield Football Oval.

A year ago, the first This Girl Can football clinic was held and brought the group of local female players together contributing to the team’s success across its inaugural year going through to the semi-finals.

Susan McCormack helped initiate the team last year contacting the Mansfield Football Junior Club president.

“Since the first clinic last year, there was a core group of people that were interested and had never played before and week in week out they came and built up their skills to play and play well,” she said.

“Now a lot of those girls are here to help the new people come through and build their skills, so it’s a good thing.

“I believe that everyone has a sport that they love, they’ve just got to find it.

“It’s great that some of the players in the team have come into from other sports like basketball and netball.

“We’re providing something for people who just want to run around, make good friends, have lots of fun and get a bit competitive.

“I think the girls are pretty determined to make finals again and I think they really want to just put on a good show.

“Next week we will find out who our coach for next year is.”