The WA Sports Federation would like to wish all members and their families a happy and safe festive season and a most successful 2009.

We very much look forward to working with the stakeholders of sport and active recreation in the New Year.

For your information and convenience, the WA Sports Federation office will be closed from Wednesday 24 December 2008 and will re-open on Monday 5 January 2009.

All nominees and finalists for the ANZ Sports Star Awards have received notification about their opportunity for tickets to the Awards.  Any WA Sports Federation members who wish to join and support their nominee(s) at the Awards, please contact the WA Sports Federation office on 9387 8100 promptly to avoid dissapointment and for the opportunity to share in the premier celebration of WA Sport.

The event is being held on Thursday 8 January 2009, in the Astral Room, Burswood Entertainment Complex.  A reminder of the nomination categories:

• The West Australian ANZ Sports Star
• Smarter than Smoking Junior Sports Star
• Channel Seven Perth Team of the Year
• KPMG Coach of the Year
• Gibson & Gibson Official of the Year
• Skilled Service to Sport
• 8826PR Special Achievement Award

If you require any further information about the Awards, please contact WA Sports Federation on 9387 8100.

The Drug and Alcohol Office have worked in partnership with the Department of Sport and Recreation, WA Police, health officers in regional areas and sporting clubs during RSA training to identify a way of supporting clubs to be aware of their obligations regarding serving alcohol.

A 'Sporting Clubs Checklist' has been developed.  The checklist provides a simple, easily accessible way for clubs to assess what they need to do to meet their obligations under the Liquor Control Act (1998). 

The Drug and Alcohol Office has been working with other key agencies to adapt the checklist for statewide distribution.  The checklist consists of a list of 'yes' and 'no' questions to guide clubs through their obligations, as well as a contact list for further assistance and information should they answer 'no' to any of the questions.

The checklist is currently being distributed to licenced clubs, and if you would like a copy, contact Melanie Hearse on 9471 0422 or mailto:melanie.hearse@health.wa.gov.au.

The WA Sports Federation has recently presented the 2008 WA Sports Federation Student Prize Award, at the University of Notre Dame, to Simon Wakeling. 

This Award was presented to Simon for his academic achievement and significant contribution to the community through his service to and leadership in sport and recreation during his course.

Simon graduated in Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management, minor in Preventative Health in 2008.  He was a member of the Deans Student Consultative Committee for the School of Health Sciences during 2008 and also presented at the SMAANZ Conference.  Simon has volunteered and participated in University and community events and has reached a high academic achievement.

WA Sports Federation congratulates Simon on his Award, and we look forward to working with the University of Notre Dame in the future to recognise students who have made a significant contribution to the community.

Sandie van Soelen, Director Working with Children Screening Unit, has acknowledged the WA Sports Federation (WASF) and the Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) for being committed to raising the awareness of the WWC Checks from the very start, and she praised the Federation and DSR for their dedication saying:

"The work undertaken by WASF and DSR in raising the awareness of the Checks in the sport and recreation sector has been both exemplary and invaluable, and we are greatly appreciative of their support and willingness to work with us.  As a result of our partnership, the Checks are known throughout the sport and active recreation sector and in the wider communities of WA, which has contributed to making safer environments for children"

"WASF and DSR can also be commended on their holistic approach to creating safe environments for children, with the development of other strategies to be undertaken alongside the WWC Checks to widen the reach and context of the messages".

"We look forward to our continued partnership with the Sport and Recreation Industry" she said.

To keep up to date with the Working with Children Legislation visit http://www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au/checkwwc or http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/index.php?id=294.

Have a look at the sport and active recreation fact sheet click http://content.enewslettersonline.com/13762/037671.doc

Surf Life Saving WA - Surf Sports Coordinator

Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) is seeking to employ a full time staff member to the position of Surf Sports Coordinator.  The position is newly created as a result of a restructure within the organisation.  The major task of the position is to oversee the SLSWA sport program.  In particular, co-ordinating the delivery of sporting events to attract member and community participation, and the implementation of various other sport related programs.

To view the position description click http://content.enewslettersonline.com/13762/037628.pdf

Applications should be marked 'Confidential' C/O The Surf Sports Manager, SLSWA and sent to PO Box 382, North Beach, WA, 6920.  Alternatively they can be emailed directly to jotoole@mybeach.com.au

Applications close on Monday 5 January at 5 pm.

Upcoming Courses:

The Department of Sport and Recreation will be holding the following courses:

• Presenter's Course - Officials, Coaches and Administrators - 6 pm - 9 pm on both the 19 and 20 January.  For more information see http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/index.php?id=204 or contact Jacqui Jashari on 9492 9760 or mailto:Jacqui.Jashari@dsr.wa.gov.au
• Dealing with Conflict and Difficult People Seminar - 6 pm - 9 pm on 4 May 2009.  For more information see http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/index.php?id=627 or contact Jacqui Jashari on 9492 9760 or mailto:Jacqui.Jashari@dsr.wa.gov.au.

WA Sports Federation News and Events:

To keep up to date with the latest News and Events see http://www.wasportsfed.asn.au/newsandevents.php