Councils in the Active Australia Local Government Network are committed to improving the quality of the sport, recreation and physical activity opportunities available to their communities. Over 400 councils in Australia have become members of the network or have registered their interest in the network. Many are instigating some interesting initiatives.
Readers are encouraged to seek out more information about the projects outlined below that interest them. By doing so it is hoped that projects outlined here are replicated, with links between Councils, sport and physical activity providers, schools and communities broadened and strengthened.
Baulkham Hills Shire Council &endash; providing a way for clubs
Baulkham Hills Shire Council is a large urban Council in Sydney’s south west. Council is a member of the Active Australia Local Government Network.
The Fred Caterson Reserve is 62 hectares of bushland and sporting facilities within the Shire. It includes 10 tennis courts, a four court basketball stadium (all under licence), four soccer fields, three cricket fields, a baseball field, a BMX track and more.
To ensure best use of this massive recreational area, Don Higginbotham, Parks Coordinator for Baulkham Hills Council, organises monthly meetings to help communication between groups.
Don is also introducing the Active Australia Provider process as a way of ensuring each of these groups takes a look at how they are operating and where they need to improve.
Council benefits from its association with Active Australia, which encourages better planning and, most importantly, sustainability of local sport and recreation groups.
This in turn helps to ensure the large Council investment in sport and recreation facilities is redeemed through high and effective use.
Don sees his Council’s role as a facilitator, coordinator, promoter and monitor of improvements in delivering sport and recreation in the area.
“The Active Australia Provider process will help me in my day to day work because it helps community sport and recreation organisations to develop and become more self sufficient, and therefore less reliant on Council assistance,” he said.
Albury City Council &endash; capitalising on Paralympic visitors
Albury City Council, a member of the Active Australia Local Government Network, is embarking on a project to encourage people with disabilities to try a number of activities, be involved in training sessions, workshops and presentations with the ultimate aim of long term involvement in physical activity.
Team members of the Ukraine Paralympic team, training in the region prior to the Paralympics, will be involved as motivators to support and encourage participants.
The project will culminate in the formation of a committee to facilitate the future recreational needs of people with disabilities in the local area.
Council has received funding assistance from the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation’s Local Government Network NSW Grants Scheme.
City of Ballarat &endash; Community Connections
The City of Ballarat Council funds the Ballarat Healthy Community Program.
This program links existing community organisations and service providers to increase health promotion and healthy choice options for Ballarat residents.
Community Connections, a project of the program, helps young people gain a sense of community belonging by increasing their participation in community sports and recreational activities.
The project includes the Active Choices Parent Checklist and companion resource for community clubs and groups.
The checklist aims to inform and support parents when choosing a community club or group for their child to join.
The companion resource outlines to clubs and community organisations what parents are looking for when selecting a club or group for their child to join. Both resources are based on the Active Australia Provider process.
For further information contact Sue Brown, email chsa@netconnect.com.au
Nillumbik Shire Council &endash; getting better results
Nillumbik Shire Council, a member of the Active Australia Local Government Network, has increased access to sporting facilities in the local area by using the ‘let’s help each other to achieve a better result’ approach.
Council helps with the maintenance of school sporting facilities in return for the schools allowing community sport and recreation clubs to use their facilities.
Shared management of the resources has improved the relationship between schools and Council, and between clubs and schools.
Other results include improved facility use and less duplication.
For further information, contact Gavin Jordan, Leisure Services Officer at Nillumbik Council, email gavin.jordan@nillumbik.vic.gov.au .
