Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron opened the administration centre for the South West Academy of Sport in Bunbury on 5 November 2008 and released the review of sport and recreation in regional Western Australia.
13 February 2009
The report, authored by Albany MLA Peter Watson, identified opportunities for improving the delivery of sport and recreation in country WA.
One of its findings was the need for more regionally-based talent identification and development programs.
Mr Waldron said the opening of the South West Academy of Sport office was an important first step towards addressing this need - ensuring scholarship holders received the most professional level of preparation without having to leave the South-West.
"As a person raised on sport in the country, I can only say I wish there had been something like this around when I was a kid," he said.
"The academy certainly goes a long way towards ensuring talented young regional sportsmen and women receive equal opportunities to WA's metropolitan-based athletes."
The Minister recognised Mr Watson's work in compiling the review - the first of its kind in 21 years - and the importance of its findings.
"Sport and recreation has a special place in the hearts of regional Western Australians, it is often the glue that holds many communities together and builds resilience in difficult times, which is why this report is so important," he said.
"The report shows that sport and recreation is flourishing in the regions but there are clear challenges brought about by a mix of factors, including changing demographics, climate change and the lure of high paying jobs in the mining sector."
Mr Waldron said the review was compiled in consultation with communities in Bunbury, Mandurah, Albany, Northam, Narrogin, Karratha, Kalgoorlie, Esperance, Broome, Kununurra, Kalumburu, Carnarvon and Geraldton.
"Almost 200 community representatives gave generously of their time to make a positive difference by putting forward the issues and challenges existing in their region and I thank them for their contribution," the Minister said.
The South West Academy of Sport is the result of a collaborative effort between the South West Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the South West Development Commission; the City of Bunbury; the Department of Sport and Recreation; and the WA Institute of Sport.
