CITS Great Southern

Missed your chance to have your say on the future of Albany for young people? Good news – you can still get involved! 🎉

We're reviewing and updating the Youth Friendly Albany Plan, and we'd love to hear your thoughts. The survey is open to everyone, with a particular focus on hearing from young people aged 10–25.

It only takes 5–10 minutes to complete, and your feedback will help shape future programs, services and opportunities for young people in our community.

As a thank you, you'll go into the draw to win 1 of 5 x $100 vouchers to a local Albany business of your choice! 🛍️

Complete the survey before it closes on 26 July and help shape a more youth-friendly future for Albany! Find the survey here: https://bit.ly/4vfFv3Z

🎨✨ Nearly $900,000 is being invested in creative wellbeing initiatives for young people across Western Australia.

Through the latest round of Creativity and Wellbeing for Young People funding, 15 community-led projects will deliver arts experiences that help young people build confidence, strengthen connections and express themselves through creativity.

From storytelling and music to visual arts, puppetry and culturally-led programs, these projects will support social and emotional wellbeing in communities across metropolitan, regional and remote WA.

Delivered in partnership with , the funding will support projects from Kununurra to Katanning, creating more opportunities for young Western Australians to connect, learn new skills and thrive through the arts.

👏 Congratulations to all successful recipients - learn more about their projects at: https://bit.ly/4p9CYqI

Image credit: Breaksea Youth Ensemble at the Albany NYE event image by Krysta Guille

NAIDOC Week (5 to 12 July 2026) is a national celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

50 Years of Deadly celebrates 5 decades of strength, culture and resilience. It honours the Elders, communities and voices that built this movement, recognises the impact today, and looks ahead to the next generation carrying it forward.

Celebrate NAIDOC Week by attending local events, workshops and cultural performances in your area 👉 Find an event near you https://bit.ly/3I8FgAF

Have an idea that could draw a crowd to regional WA?

Tourism WA’s Regional Events Scheme is now open for 2027–28, supporting events that bring communities together and draw visitors to regional WA.

This funding includes $250,000 dedicated to the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme (RAES) to support events that showcase and celebrate Aboriginal activities and experiences.

If you’re planning something special between 1 July 2027 and 30 June 2028, you can apply for funding from $5,000 to $40,000.

Applications close 5.00pm Friday, 24 July 2026.

Find out more and apply: www.tourism.wa.gov.au/res

Better governance, stronger clubs 🏈

Build confidence, clarity and capability in your club or association with the Grassroots governance 101 webinar.

Facilitated by Caroline Robinson from 150Square, this practical one-hour session breaks governance down into simple, easy to apply steps so you can make an immediate impact in your organisation.

Whether you are new to committee work or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will help strengthen sport and recreation groups across regional communities. 🌱🏏

📅 Monday 29 June 2026
🕔 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
📍 Online via Microsoft Teams
Register here 👉 https://bit.ly/4eSfXF7

Kick-off in the Great Southern looks a little different 🦘⚽

Even the kangaroos at Camp Quaranup are getting in on the World Cup action! And with Calcio Italiano landing this August, the love of the game is only just getting started: https://bit.ly/3Sa2CiB

Spotted any World Cup spirit close to home?

Coffee and Chat loading... ☕️

Grab a cuppa and join us to hear about the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport's Regional Governance Education Program, which aims to address key capability gaps identified within the regional sport and recreation sector.

This Coffee and Chat will provide an overview of the program and key dates. Key benefits and opportunities for sport and recreation clubs and associations. Also highlighting insights to support local governments in promoting the program within their communities.

🗓️ Thursday 25 June, 10am
Register now 🔗3acec31d-df25-43e9-8cfb-db3bf5687bbf@c1ae0ae2-d504-4287-b6f4-7eafd6648d22" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3acec31d-df25-43e9-8cfb-db3bf5687bbf@c1ae0ae2-d504-4287-b6f4-7eafd6648d22

Last week we were thrilled to host Jacqui Jashari, Executive Director of Sport & Recreation from the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism & Sport (CITS), for a regional visit across our beautiful Great Southern.

Jacqui spent time with our CITS regional staff, connected with members of our Sportshouse Team, and visited a range of local clubs and facilities that showcase the strength of community sport in our region. From Local Government, community projects to iconic local landmarks, the visit highlighted the passion and partnerships that make the Great Southern such a vibrant place to live, play and belong.

Jacqui connected with local government representatives and got out on the ground to see projects in action. Stops included Albany Golf Club, the Mounts Trails Project, Youth Challenge Park, Centennial Park Sporting Precinct, Great Southern Academy of Sport, Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre, Denmark Surf Life Saving Club, Sounness Park Sporting Precinct and even a quick visit to the Big Bat in Narrikup.

Jacqui also spent time with the dedicated team at Camp Quaranup and met with the Board and athletes from the Great Southern Academy of Sport.

Our Regional Manager, Mel Eastough, travelled with Jacqui to Albany, Denmark and Mount Barker, meeting with the The City of Albany, Shire of Denmark and Shire of Plantagenet staff to discuss local priorities and opportunities for future collaboration.

✨ What this visit achieved: • A deeper understanding of our regional context • Stronger connections with local governments, clubs and community partners • A chance to celebrate the incredible people and projects shaping sport and recreation in the Great Southern.

Thank you to everyone who welcomed Jacqui, shared insights, and showcased the outstanding work happening across the region. We’re proud of the partnerships that continue to strengthen community sport and recreation in the Great Southern.