With the change of state Government and the National review of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), October was another busy month at the Federation. 

Along with Mike Allenby, Chairman, I recently met with the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Terry Waldron MLA.  He has been receiving briefings from a number of groups and is keen to strongly represent WA sport and recreation in the broader Government agenda.  Michael Cutler has been appointed as the Minister's chief advisor. 

We also met shadow spokesperson Ken Travers MLC for preliminary discussions on the contemporary issues and opportunities for sport and recreation in WA. 

I was invited, alongside five other people from WA, to represent the sport and active recreation industry to a Community Sport Forum hosted by the Australian Sports Commision (ASC).  The aim of the Forum was to inform the Commission's contribution to the Federal Government's review of the ASC.  Seperate forums were held for Elite Sport and Coaching.

There have been some new appointments in the industry recently.  The WA Sports Federation welcomes the following people into the WA Sport and Recreation industry and in doing so offers best wishes for a rewarding and positive contribution to their respective organisations and our industry: Greg Harris, CEO WA Rugby Union and Scott Henderson, CEO Netball WA.

We also welcome a new staff member - Jo O'Beirne.  Jo has joined the Federation as the Administration Manager.  Jo has just moved back to Perth after spending two years in Darwin as the Customer Service and Administration Manager at AFL Northern Territory.

Rob Thompson, CEO

The theme of the Active 08 conference is high performing individulas, organisations and communities.

There are three conference streams to provide a range of information for people working and volunteering in the sport and recreation industry:

• High Performing Organisations
• Recreation Centres and Parks Management
• Programming for Social Outcomes

WAIS and WA Sports Federation have been working with the Department of Sport and Recreation to organise the High Performing Organisations stream.  This stream will be of interest to CEO's, coaching staff and development officers. 

This stream will focus on the key concepts of people, systems and environments. Presentations will cover developing and maintaining high performance teams and cultures as well as case studies from business and sport, including national and WAIS programs.

To view the program see www.dsr.wa.gov.au

Date:  27 and 28 November at the University of WA 
Cost:  $110 inc. GST for sporting club volunteers or students; $396 inc. GST for full registration.

Register: Go to www.dsr.wa.gov.au to see the conference program and other information.

Further information: Contact Louisa Webb on 9492 9849 or conference@dsr.wa.gov.au

The nominations for the 2008 ANZ Sports Star Awards have been received and the selection panels will meet in the next month to short list the nominees.

Tickets for the Awards will become available during November through WA Sports Federation.  You will be able to purchase your tickets through the Federation at $110 inc GST. 

For more information, see www.wasportsfed.asn.au or contact the Federation on 9387 8100 or admin@wasportsfed.asn.au.

The Department of Sport and Recreation in conjunction with the WA Sports Federation and the Australian Sports Commission is holding an Ethics in Sport and Active Recreation Forum.

The Forum will provide the opportunity to hear about the latest updates and resources available in the areas of:

• Working with Children Legislation
• Harassment-free sport and recreation
• Play by the Rules
• Safe Clubs 4 Kids

Time:   12 - 2.30 pm (lunch provided 12 - 12.40 pm)
Date:    Monday 3 November
Venue: Conference Room, Department of Sport and Recreation, 246 Vincent Street, Leederville
RSVP:   Helen Cunningham on 9492 9736 or helencunningham@wasportsfed.asn.au

Seventeen local sport and active recreation clubs have won a share of $5000 through the Active Family Challenge.

Each of the winning groups registered at www.inmycommunity.com.au and explained how they encourage participation at their club. The clubs will now receive up to $300 to spend on sporting equipment, promotional materials or catering to promote events related to the Active Family Challenge.

The winning clubs were: Armadale Kelmscott Swimming Club; Balcatta Baseball Club; Bertram Mums and Bubs Walking Group; Coastal Breakers Gaelic Football Club; FuelUp Basketball; Gosnells Bicycle User Group; Harvey Walking Group; Joondalup Little Athletic Centre; Jurien Bay Country Golf Club; Mandurah Mustangs Football Club; Mandurah Pirates Rugby Club; Narpanup Golf club; North Murray Diamond Sports Association; Strikers Softball Club; Toodyay Cricket Club; Rockingham Triathlon Club; 1st Wembley Downs Rover Crew.

Congratulations to all of the clubs who took part in this competition and their commitment to providing sport and active recreation opportunities to West Australians.

The Active Family Challenge is free to register and is held during Spring to encourage families, sporting groups, schools, work and community groups to participate in regular physical activity and to be rewarded for their efforts. This initiative is supported by the Premier's Physical Activity Taskforce, the Heart Foundation, the Cancer Council of WA, Diabetes WA, WA Sports Federation and the Australian Council for Health Physical Education and Recreation. See activefamilychallenge.com.au for more information.

Heart Swim

HeartSwim - 5 Swimmers - 3 hours - loads of fun - 1 November 2008 - the Challenge is on!

HeartSwim is an event run by Masters Swimming WA for the Heart Foundation to raise much needed funds to assist in lifesaving work.

Date:    Saturday 1 November
Venue: Challenge Stadium

How to get involved: Get a team of 5 people together and swim continuously for 3 hours at Challenge Stadium.

Registration: Go to www.mastersswimmingwa.asn.au and follow the HeartSwim prompts for further information and team registration.

For more information contact Masters Swimming on 08 9387 4400

Baseball WA

Barbagello Perth HEAT V's South Australia BITE

The Barbagallo Perth Heat series starts on Thursday November 13th in Port Headland and returning to Perth for Games 2 & 3 on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th November. 

For information about times and venues see www.wa.baseball.com.au or contact Shane Tonkin, Events and Sponsorship Manager, events@baseballwa.asn.au or 9387 735 (ext 1).

To keep up to date with the latest news and events see www.wasportsfed.asn.au