Council gives everyone a sporting chance

Friday, 9 November 2018

Inner West Council will establish an Office of Sport as part of an on-going commitment to creating a healthier community and boosting sporting clubs.

The Office of Sport Coordinator will assist and partner with local sporting clubs and organisations to strategically address community health and wellbeing.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said that the Coordinator was another step in Council’s strong commitment to a healthier Inner West.

“The Office of Sport can transform the relationship between Council and sports clubs from one based solely on ground hire, into a strategic partnership to create a healthier community,” Byrne said.

“A critical area for the Coordinator will be increasing participation of some groups that are currently under-represented in organised sport.

“We want to see more girls and women, people from lower socio economic backgrounds, seniors and people with disabilities enjoying the health and social benefits that participation in sport can bring,” Mayor Byrne said.

The unanimous support for the appointment follows Council’s agreement to invest $65 million in park and aquatic facilities over the next three years.

The dramatic funding boost, for sporting fields, parks, playgrounds and pools, will ensure local families and clubs have access to first class sporting facilities.

Other recent initiatives include:

• The development of an Inner West Sporting Ground Allocation Policy, in consultation with local sporting clubs, as part of a commitment to equal access for all
• Adoption of the Recreation Needs Study: A Healthier Inner West which will inform policy and strategy in the short and long term
• Investigating the need and best location for hockey and netball facilities and a hydrotherapy pool
• Entering into a partnership with Athletics Australia to make it easier for local schools, clubs and community groups to organise fun runs and athletics events

”All of these strategies are aimed at increasing sporting opportunities for every single Inner West community member,” said Mayor Byrne.

“The health and social benefits of participating in sport are well known. Our long-term strategy will allow more people to be actively involved in local sports, and therefore, over the long-term, we’ll have a healthier community,” he said.

The Office of Sport has been funded initially for a two year pilot.

For further information, please contact Elizabeth Heath | Media and Communications Coordinator P: +61 2 9392 5334