National Sport Participation and Integrity Workshops were held with national, state sporting organisations and state departments of sport and recreation early in November. 

The workshops, an initiative of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), focused on ways to get more Australians participating in sport, while making sure those who do play find sport a safe and welcoming environment.

Simon Hollingsworth, CEO of the ASC, opened the Melbourne workshop. He said it was a great opportunity to look at ways of working together with the sport sector to realise these ambitious goals.‘

The ASC understands that sports need support, education and assistance to improve their capabilities and grow participation within their sport, as well as ensuring their members are protected.

‘These workshops were an important step to help achieve this, with a focus on building capacity within sports and examining how we can foster a united approach to getting more Australians participating. 

‘The benefits of working together and sharing ideas are considerable,’ said Hollingsworth.

The workshops provided sports with the latest thinking on best practice initiatives. 

The participants examined potential barriers and opportunities for under-represented groups of Australians in sport (for example, women, people with disability, Indigenous Australians and people from culturally diverse backgrounds).

Integrity in sport was an important part of the workshops, with a dedicated half-day session. Information was presented on the latest member protection policies and the Play by the Rules program.

Play by the Rules provides information and online learning for community sport and recreation on how to prevent and deal with discrimination, harassment and child abuse, and develop inclusive and welcoming environments for participation. 

Swimming Australia’s General Manager of Community Sport, Adam Pine, said the workshops provided vital education that will help his sport grow and protect its members.

‘The forum was a great learning and sharing opportunity for my sport,’ said Pine. 

‘I found the networking with other sports extremely valuable to spark inspiring ideas for ways I can improve my sport and work together with other sports to enact change.’

The workshops also looked at future training options for sports on these topics.

The ASC focuses on getting more Australians participating and excelling in sport by delivering key programs in line with the Australian Government’s sport policy objectives; by providing financial support and other assistance to national sporting organisations; and collaborating and aligning with the Australian sports sector.