The 2018 Spirit of Moonee Valley Community Awards are announced ...

Last Saturday evening Nicole French was given the unique opportunity to step in to accept an award for Simone Cariss who is the co - founder of the Girls Uniform Agenda. Simone and her advocacy group have been successful in leading Government policy change in Victoria, NSW, Queensland and WA so that all state schools must give girls the choice to wear shorts or pants in addition to a dress.

Simone started this movement from behind a laptop in Aberfeldie after her daughter Asha (pictured) came home asked her why she had to wear a dress to school given she couldn't play in it at lunch time or run as fast as the boys in one. This woman was bold enough to take on schools, parents and government whilst gaining the written support of more than 22,000 others around the world as well as dozens of high profile ambassadors.

If you feel passionate about gender equity and seeing girls more active at school I strongly encourage you to get behind Simone and the GUA visit their website

I draw so much strength from this achievement and am incredibly grateful to be a part of the team. Congratulations Simone.

Written by Nicole French (AEP)