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Early Bird Pricing Ends Soon for the 2026 WA Sport Industry Conference
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With just a few days remaining to secure early bird pricing, now is the time to lock in your place at the 2026 WA Sport Industry Conference.
Under the theme Beyond Sport: Where health, community and economy connect, this year's conference will bring together industry leaders, decision-makers and changemakers to explore the growing role of sport and recreation in shaping healthier communities, stronger social connections and economic prosperity.
The speaker program continues to build, with recent announcements including:
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Sisonke Msimang - Writer and Storyteller | Stories that Shape Us: Changing perspectives through storytelling.
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Elizabeth Shaw - Partner, PwC | Bridging Generations: creating a workforce where everyone can thrive.
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Dr. Daniel Kiely - Chief Economist, Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA | Panel discussion on the Economic Case for Sport: Why sport matters to WA’s productivity, health & future economy.
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Janis Carren - Chief Executive Officer, Venues West | The Future of Community Sport Infrastructure
These speakers join an impressive lineup that already includes Dr Paul Taylor, Natalie Cook OAM OLY, Jacob Gaynor, Prof Tim Harcourt, Danika Adams and Andy Rogers.
Whether you're working in sport administration, coaching, recreation, community development, government or business, the conference offers a unique opportunity to gain fresh insights, build valuable connections and be part of the conversations shaping the future of sport and recreation in Western Australia.
We are proud to present this year's conference in partnership with the WA Government, whose ongoing commitment to advancing sport and recreation in Western Australia helps make this event possible.
Don't miss your chance to save. Early bird pricing ends in just a few days. Register today and secure your place. |
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SportWest Connect | Photography Hints & Tips
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Want to elevate the quality of your sport’s content and strengthen your digital storytelling?
Join SportWest and Leederville Camerahouse for an engaging and practical session where their expert team will share top tips and techniques for capturing high-quality photos and videos that resonate with your audience.
This is also a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow professionals working in marketing, communications and events roles across the WA sporting sector, share ideas, and build your network.
Date: Tuesday 22 September, 2026
Time: 9:30AM – 10:45AM
Location: Leederville Camera House | 201 Oxford Street, Leederville 6007 |
| Register Online |
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SportWest Webinar | HR Law for WA Sporting Organisations
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Employment and governance matters can be complex for sporting organisations, particularly when managing staff and volunteers, meeting compliance obligations, and fulfilling board responsibilities.
Join employment law specialist Laura Fry and commercial law specialist Cass Wright as they share practical insights into key HR and legal considerations for sporting organisations. This webinar will cover common workplace challenges, compliance requirements, governance obligations and strategies to help minimise legal risk while supporting a positive workplace culture.
Date: Wednesday 23 September 2026
Time: 9:30AM – 10:30AM |
| Register Online |
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Local Sporting Stars | Congratulations Lisa and Karina
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We're proud to announce Lisa Esberger and Karina Ruddenklau as this fortnight's recipients of the WA Local Sporting Stars Volunteer Recognition Program.
Lisa Esberger has been a driving force behind Deaf Netball WA's fundraising efforts, helping two teams prepare for the Australian Deaf Games on the Sunshine Coast. Through countless Bunnings sausage sizzles, raffles and community initiatives, Lisa has raised more than $20,000 to support the teams' participation. Her positivity, enthusiasm and tireless dedication have made a significant impact, ensuring athletes have the opportunity to represent their community on the national stage.
Karina Ruddenklau is the heart of the Esperance Goldfields Surf Life Saving Club's junior program, leading the delivery of safe and engaging surf lifesaving experiences for more than 180 Nippers each season. As Director of Juniors, she coordinates volunteers, manages equipment, supports fundraising events and keeps members informed through regular communications. Karina also represents country clubs on the SLSWA Development Committee, ensuring regional voices are heard at a state level. Whether supporting carnivals across Western Australia, organising youth development activities or creating memorable experiences for members and families, Karina's commitment, energy and leadership make her an invaluable part of the club.
Nominations for future recipients remain open, with winners selected by a dedicated panel throughout the program. Community members are encouraged to nominate the volunteers who make a difference in their local clubs and help keep sport strong across Western Australia. |
| Recognise your Volunteers |
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Sport and Recreation Events Funding Program
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Applications are now open for the Sport and Recreation Events Funding Program, which supports a calendar of sport and recreation events in metropolitan and regional Western Australia.
Funding helps sport and active recreation organisations secure and deliver international, national and mass participation events across the State.
Funding is available across three streams:
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Event Projects - grants supporting development of a strategic events plan/business case to identify future WA-hosted sport and/or active recreation events that align to the program objectives.
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Event Hosting - grants supporting national, international and mass participation events. The delivery of the event must include sport development initiatives utilising elite athletes or other key personnel to enhance local sport development.
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Country Sport Enrichment Scheme - support towards high-level events and sport development opportunities in regional WA. The event delivery must include sport development initiatives in regional WA utilising elite athletes or other key personnel to enhance local sport development.
Before starting your application, you must read the guidelines and contact your CITS sport advisor or regional officer to discuss your event.
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Working with Children Check Amendments: Information Sessions Available
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The Working with Children Screening Unit is hosting a series of free online information sessions to help organisations and individuals understand recent and upcoming amendments to the Working with Children Check legislation.
These sessions will provide practical guidance on what the changes mean, who may be affected, and any actions organisations should take to ensure ongoing compliance. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from the Working with Children Screening Unit.
Secure your place by registering and stay informed about your obligations under the Working with Children Check framework. |
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New Course to Help Young Athletes be Safer in Sport
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Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) has launched a new eLearning course to support young pathway athletes to be safer in sport.
The course, rights, respect and safety for young athletes, will help young athletes to identify, and actively contribute to, safe environments in sport.
The course is made up of 4 modules covering:
- how adults should respect young athletes and recognising inappropriate behaviour
- respectful relationships with other athletes and being a good sport
- recognising online harm and abuse, and how to respond
- what to do when someone isn’t following the rules, including being an active bystander.
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Keep The Kids Active School Holidays
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GeckoSports' school holiday programs are packed with multi-sport fun, active games and exciting challenges that keep kids engaged, moving and smiling.
Designed for children aged 2 to 12, the programs offer a fun, inclusive environment where every child can build skills, confidence and friendships.
With programs running across Perth and regional WA, now's the perfect time to lock in an active holiday adventure. |
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Plastic Free Riverpark Program | Grant Applications Now Open
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The Plastic Free Riverpark Program partners with riverfront events, food and beverage businesses, sporting organisations and local governments to reduce single use packaging, particularly plastic packaging, within the Swan Canning Riverpark.
Since its inception, the program has supported more than 120 events and businesses to eliminate 3.2 million single use food and beverage packaging items from their operations and supply chains, backed by more than $370,000 in grant funding.
The program supports food and beverage businesses, commercial operators, sporting organisations and venues located within two kilometres of the Swan Canning Riverpark to reduce or eliminate single use packaging and service ware. Initiatives such as reusable cup exchange programs, water refill stations and improved waste station signage help reduce litter and prevent it from entering our rivers and waterways. |
| Find out more and apply online |
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Have Your Say: Join Our Youth Advisory Group
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SportWest is calling for young people aged 14-25 to join our Voices of Children and Young People Advisory Group.
This is your opportunity to share your ideas, influence decisions that affect young people in sport, connect with the WA sporting sector, and help shape the future of sport in Western Australia.
We're keen to hear from young people from First Nations, culturally and linguistically diverse, disability, regional and remote communities, as well as girls and women, and those involved in sport as participants, athletes, volunteers, coaches, officials and leaders.
Expressions of Interest are now open and close Friday 18 September 2026 at 5pm. |
| Find out more and apply online |
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The Digital Sidelines: Cyberbullying and online hate in young people’s sport
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Digital spaces are part of young people’s sport. It’s how they connect with teammates and their sporting community. But just as harmful behaviour can occur in-person at sport, it can also occur online. Cyberbullying and online hate targeting young people in sport can be complex and challenging for sport clubs to manage.
This 45 minute webinar will support sport leaders, coaches and managers to encourage positive online conduct, protect young people, and reinforce the values that make sport safe and inclusive for everyone.
- Types of cyberbullying and online hate
- Insight into emerging trends, including the role of AI
- Practical strategies and resources for preventing harm, responding to incidents, and supporting young people.
Session times:
9 September 2026, 12:30pm (AEST)
27 October 2026, 7:00pm (AEDT) |
| Register Online |
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