Recognising Council initiatives in sport and physical activity

Local Councils involved in providing sport and physical activity opportunities are encouraged to apply for the 2001 Active Australia Awards. The awards, in their fourth year, recognise good practices by organisations involved with Active Australia.

The awards acknowledge and showcase the many innovative practices carried out by sport, fitness and recreation centres, clubs and organisations, schools, regional facilitator agencies and local Councils.

The awards contribute to the broader Active Australia goals, which include the following.

  • Increase and enhance lifelong participation
  • Develop quality infrastructure, opportunities and services to support participation
  • Realise the social, health and economic benefits of participation.

Comprising 11 categories that acknowledge the diversity of sport and physical activity agencies, the Awards are open to members of all Active Australia Networks. The Local Government category applauds the activities Councils undertake to promote and encourage participation in sport and physical activity, as well as assist their community clubs and organisations to meet the Active Australia goals.

Previous winners of the Local Government category are Liverpool City Council (NSW), City of Salisbury (SA), and Brisbane City Council (Qld). Other finalists include Calliope Shire Council (Qld), Fairfield City Council (NSW), South Sydney Council (NSW), City of Melville (WA), Willoughby Shire Council (NSW) and Shire of Yarra Ranges (Vic).

All category winners receive a commemorative plaque and a cheque for $2000. A Peak Network Award will also be presented to one of the winners of the 11 categories.

Application books are now available and copies will be sent directly to all members of the Active Australia Local Government Network. Applicants for the 2001 Awards should address specific selection criteria and submit their application by 31 August 2001.

Finalists in the Local Government category will be presented with their prizes at a function at Parliament House in Canberra on 29 November.

Active Australia encourages all Councils to consider applying for an award in 2001.

For further information contact Heather Reid, telephone (02) 6214 1776 or email Heather.reid@ausport.gov.au