Recreation in Western Australia
Recreation can be defined as those non-competitive physical activities that take place for leisure purposes in our community. It can be categorised into areas of aquatics, outdoor recreation and adventure, fitness, tracks and trails, and community recreation.
These are represented and support by their associated Recreation Representative Body.
Active recreation plays a vital role in our wellbeing and brings people together to create stronger communities. The department is leading various projects throughout the state in order to achieve this aim.
The department strives to improve the quality and level of recreation services in WA. A healthy recreation sector provides maximum opportunities for the entire community, including people with disabilities, youth, the elderly and the disadvantaged, to participate in activities.
Following an incident in the State's north several years ago, the Western Australian Government established a task force to analyse the issues surrounding visitor safety in adventurous outdoor activity.
Cycling is a popular physical activity which is suitable for people of all ages. It can be undertaken as a form of exercise or for transport.
The Department of Sport and Recreation recently contracted a consultant to research the issues surrounding extreme/challenge activities in Western Australia.
Recently there has been an increase in popularity of recreational trail bike riders and a decrease in legal recreational riding areas due to land acquisitions and environmental issues.
In November 2006, the department established a Recreation Advisory Panel as an initiative arising from the analysis of the recreation sector and consequent Strategic Reform Agenda.
Park and Leisure Australia, LIWA Aquatics, Outdoors WA, Fitness Australia and Trails WA are the current representative bodies for the recreation industry.
In 2005 the department committed resources to undertake an analysis of its services and programs for the recreation sector. An extensive consultation process was undertaken with key individuals and stakeholders from across recreation, local government, fitness, outdoor recreation and camps interest areas.
The Recreation Unit has an ongoing commitment to working collaboratively with regional personnel to progress and support long-term recreation and non-competitive physical activity outside the metropolitan area.
A list of relevant websites and research articles for information about some emerging trends and issues in recreation.
Aquatics
Physical activity that involves water in an indoor or outdoor pool. Examples include swimming, diving and aqua aerobics.
Facts about swimming
Swimming is one of Western Australia’s most popular activities. It is suitable for most people and provides a range
of health benefits.
Outdoor recreation and adventure
Activities that are undertaken outside, in areas predominantly with unmodified natural landscape and may require large areas of land, water and/or air. Examples include horse riding, jet skiing, kayaking (river and sea), trail bike riding, mountain bike riding, orienteering, scuba diving, abseiling, bushwalking and waterskiing.
Facts about active recreation
Physical or “active” recreation is a physical activity that a person voluntarily undertakes in their leisure time for the
purpose of mental and/or physical satisfaction.
Fitness
Activities undertaken specifically to ensure individuals are in good physical condition. Examples include weight resistance training, group fitness (aerobics) and boot camp.
Facts about physical activity
Being physically active is important for the health and wellbeing of Australians.
Recreation trails
Trails connect people with places and provide a wonderful way to discoverWestern Australia’s unique landscapes and explore our heritage. You canhike in our national parks and see spectacular wildflowers, paddledownstream through the tranquil forest or head off on an exhilaratingmountain bike adventure.
The Peel Trail Group website gives a comprehensive guide to trails and events throughout the Peel region.
The 2010 WA State Trails Conference was held at Perth Zoo on 17 June 2010. Hosted by the Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) the conference brought together members of the trails community and gave them a chance to share their knowledge, visions and ideas. It also provided attendees with the opportunity to listen to some of the most influential thinkers in the trails sphere present their views on key issues.
Last year the Shire of Kondinin received a $28,000 grant from the Department of Sport and Recreation and Lotterywest for the construction of a new walk trail.
The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation (MBTF) won the National Bicycle Friendly Business Award in Canberra on 16 June 2010.
The 2010 WA State Trails Conference was held on 17 June 2010 at the iconic Perth Zoo and attracted record numbers, with over 110 attendees.
The website trailtalk.com.au is an excellent tool for anyone in the trails community as it provides an easy way to communicate with your members and promote your activities to the wider trails community.
The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation has teamed up with the Shire of Mundaring to bring you Cycle the Trails of the Hills as part of the Perth Autumn Festival.
The WA State Trails Conference will be held at Perth Zoo on Thursday 17 June 2010. Put it in your diary, you won't want to miss it.
Applications for the 2010 cycle of the Lotterywest Trails Grants Program close on 19 March. If your not-for-profit, community organisation or local government has a project on the horizon involving trail planning, trail construction, upgrading trails or promoting one of Western Australia’s many beautiful trails, follow the Shire of Irwin’s lead and apply today.
The latest round of trails funding is now open.
Visit TrailTalk, your social networking site for all your trails adventures
Discover the Top Trails throughout Western Australia
Take a drive down south and you’ll notice the signs on the side of the road – the yellow and black Waugal for instance – alerting people to the trail winding its way from the road into the bush.
Western Australia will now be the proud owners of two great, long distance trails.
The WA Trails Conference was held on 11 June at Point Walter Recreation Campin Bicton.
Western Australia has experienced a rapid growth in the participation of recreational trail bike riding.
Interested in an off road cycling experience? The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation has just opened a world class, long distance off road trail.
The Trails Strategy Implementation Plan is currently being developed to respond to the WA Trails Strategy and we need your help.
Applications for the 2009 LotteryWest Trails Grants Program are now open.
A link to the Trails WA website
The Bibbulmun Track is already renowned as one of the world’s greatest long distance walk trails, and the track can now add another feather to its cap after a bronze medal win in the 2008 WA Tourism Awards.
This exciting $407,400 project is mid-way through its selection, upgrading and marketing of “Top Trails” – particularly those in Regional WA.
Tips for making good trails.
Community recreation
Provision of recreation services in a variety of community settings. Examples include recreation centres, parks and other shared amenities, fun runs and charity walks.
Be Active WA
Promoted under the be active wa banner, the Taskforce links government
and community agencies to strengthen the promotion and development of
physical activity programs for healthy lifestyles, for the environment
and to build stronger communities.
Healthy Active Workplaces
To assist Western Australian workplaces to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees, the Department of Sport and Recreation, in partnership with the Premier's Physical Activity Taskforce, has commenced the Healthy Active Workplaces Initiative.
No documents found.
The Department of Sport and Recreation provides four fantastic recreational camps situated around the greater Perth area.
The camps offer schools and organisations the ideal location forconferences, personal development, team building and participation in asafe and fun environment.
If your plans don’t include lots of fun, adventure, conquering challenges, making new friends and experiencing the great outdoors, then sign up for our school holiday programs – there are three recreation camps to choose from!
Geordie Thompson
Manager Recreation Services
Department of Sport and Recreation
246 Vincent Street, LEEDERVILLE WA 6007
PO Box 329, LEEDERVILLE WA 6903
Telephone (08) 9492 9718
Facsimile (08) 9492 9711
Email Geordie
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