SportWest

One year ago, True Sport launched the Respectful Relationships Initiative.

In partnership with Starick and the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, the initiative was developed to support sporting organisations by promoting respectful relationships both on and off the field.

Sport plays a significant role in shaping social norms and behaviours, making it a powerful setting to promote respectful relationships and contribute to the prevention of violence against women.

Together, we can help create communities where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.

As we mark one year of the initiative, we encourage clubs, associations and sporting organisations to explore the resources available and continue these important conversations within their communities.

🔗 Find out more: https://www.truesport.com.au/initiatives/respectful-relationships-initiative

Sport has the power to influence far more than what happens on the field.

At the 2026 WA Sport Industry Conference, our next group of speakers will share insights on fan engagement, youth participation, economic impact and the opportunities shaping the future of sport.

Jacob Gaynor, Head of Content at the Tasmania Devils, will explore how fan-first storytelling is changing the way sporting organisations connect with their communities.

Prof Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist at UTS, will examine sport's role in trade, economic growth and WA's place in the Asian market.

Danika Adams, Head of Research at CEDA, will contribute to our panel discussion on The Economic Case for Sport and the sector's role in driving productivity, health and prosperity.

Andy Rogers, Sport Development Lead - Coaching at Sport NZ, will share how the Balance is Better approach is helping more young people enjoy and stay involved in sport.

Together, these speakers will highlight the important role sport plays in building stronger communities, healthier people and a thriving economy.

Early bird tickets on sale now. https://www.sportwest.com.au/wa-sport-conference/

Know a volunteer who goes above and beyond? Now’s the moment to say thanks.

From early mornings setting up fields to late nights behind the scenes, volunteers are the driving force of community sport across Western Australia. Their passion, leadership and commitment create opportunities, build belonging and change lives.

The WA Local Sporting Stars Volunteer Recognition Program is your chance to spotlight those everyday legends making an extraordinary difference, whether they’re mentoring young people, championing inclusion, innovating at club level or giving decades of dedicated service.

With the support of the WA Government, SportWest, Seven West Media and Spudshed, we’re proud to celebrate the volunteers who strengthen clubs, communities and the spirit of sport.

Nominate a deserving volunteer today: https://www.sportwest.com.au/volunteer-recognition-program/

Supporting the people who make community sport possible. 💙

This week, SportWest was pleased to attend the City of Stirling's 2026 Mayoral Sports Club Breakfast, connecting with clubs, volunteers and sporting organisations from across the region.

Throughout the morning, our team showcased True Sport and Best on Road, sharing practical resources and support available to help clubs:

✔️ Build safe and inclusive sporting environments.
✔️ Strengthen club culture and governance.
✔️ Support the wellbeing of members and volunteers.
✔️ Promote safer road use through sport.

It was wonderful to meet so many dedicated people who continue to make a positive difference in their sporting communities.

Thank you to the City of Stirling for hosting such a valuable event. We look forward to continuing to support clubs across Western Australia.

What happens when Olympic excellence meets cutting-edge performance science?

At the 2026 WA Sport Industry Conference, you'll hear from two inspiring keynote speakers who embody this year's theme, Beyond Sport: Where health, community and economy connect.

Dr Paul Taylor will explore how resilience, health and performance can help individuals, organisations and communities thrive.

Natalie Cook OAM OLY will draw on her experience as an Olympic champion, business leader and advocate for the transformative power of sport.

Together, they'll challenge us to think beyond the playing field and consider the broader role sport plays in shaping healthier, stronger and more prosperous communities.

Early bird tickets on sale now. https://www.sportwest.com.au/wa-sport-conference/

Sport is about more than what happens on the field.

Early bird tickets for the 2026 WA Sport Industry Conference are now available.

Under the theme Beyond Sport: Where health, community and economy connect, we'll explore how sport and recreation help build healthier communities, strengthen social connections and create lasting economic value.

We are proud to present this year's conference in partnership with WA Government whose ongoing commitment to advancing sport and recreation in Western Australia helps make this event possible

Join sector leaders, decision-makers and changemakers as we discuss the future of sport and recreation in WA.

Early bird pricing won't last forever – secure your spot today
https://www.sportwest.com.au/wa-sport-conference/

From drifting to intentionality. From values to purpose.
This morning, we gathered with mentors, mentees, partners and supporters to celebrate the halfway point of the 2026 SportWest Women of Sport Emerging Leaders and Student Mentoring Programs.

What stood out most was a simple but powerful reminder: growth rarely looks the way we expect it to.

In her presentation, From Drifting to Intentionality, Janine Birkett challenged us to think more consciously about our own development and what comes next. She spoke about investing in herself, creating space to think and reflect, trusting herself more, and learning that courage is not always loud. Often, bravery is putting your hand up, speaking up, or taking a step forward before you feel completely ready.

One insight particularly resonated with the room: Growth does not always feel like confidence. Sometimes growth feels uncomfortable.

Maka Pugliese-Thompson then shared her presentation: How Discovering Your Values Helps You Live Your Purpose. Her message was a timely reminder that understanding what truly matters to us shapes the choices we make, how we show up for others, and our sense of wellbeing. She encouraged us to regularly reflect on our values, recognising that they can evolve over time as we grow and gain new experiences.

Throughout the morning, another theme emerged: the power of mentoring relationships.

When we asked mentors and mentees to describe what they value most in their relationship, the words that filled the room were: Empathy. Openness. Knowledge. Courage. Growth mindset. Boldness. Curiosity. Encouragement. Time.
Together, they paint a picture of what leadership development really looks like – not a destination, but a willingness to learn, listen, share and grow alongside others.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning and to our program partners, the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, Metisphere, and Edith Cowan University (ECU), for their ongoing support of the next generation of women leaders in sport.

The future success of sport depends on our ability to attract, develop and retain great people.

SportWest is pleased to release the third edition of the WA Sport Industry Remuneration & Benefits Report, highlighting an industry that continues to evolve, with growing female workforce participation, increasing full-time employment and changing employee expectations around flexibility, wellbeing and professional development.

The report also identifies important challenges around workforce retention, funding certainty and leadership pathways that will help shape the future sustainability of the sector.

Read the report: https://www.sportwest.com.au/2026-remuneration-and-benefits-report/

Cheering for your team shouldn't come at someone else's expense.

The best sidelines are full of encouragement, positivity and respect. Whether you're
supporting a child, friend, teammate or club, the atmosphere you help create matters.

Make your voice one that lifts people up.
Your behaviour is always in play.