Some of the nation’s most passionate sports administrators have joined forces in an effort to shape the future of sport volunteering in Australia.
Sport Australia’s inaugural Sport Volunteer Coalition includes experts from the sports industry, Government and volunteering.
The Coalition seeks to transform the sport volunteer experience, while promoting the value of volunteering in sport.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of Sport Australia, Rob Dalton said the Coalition was a key part of Sport Australia’s Sport Volunteering National Plan.
“It will play a critical role in supporting the sector to develop strategies that help keep our clubs open and our communities active,” Mr Dalton said.
“Sport has the biggest volunteer base of any industry in Australia and is estimated to be worth $4 billion a year, but we risk losing our volunteers if we don’t provide opportunities that suit them,” he said.
Mr Dalton said Sport Australia had identified five elements that should underpin all volunteer experiences, including making it easy to be involved, being supported and tailoring roles to meet individual needs.
“I’m looking forward to drawing on the expertise provided by our Coalition members to develop and implement the Plan and assist sports to navigate the evolving volunteer landscape,” he said.
“The Coalition is made up of a diverse group of individuals from across the country that bring unique experiences and knowledge from a broad range of sports.”
The Coalition is to be chaired by Director of Sport Programs at Sport Australia, Lindsey Reece.
Members are: Sarah Wilson (Volunteering Australia), David Brett (NSW Office of Sport), Jessica Cook (Queensland Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport), Lisa Hasker (Vicsport), Adam Weir (Surf Life Saving Australia ), Jamie Parsons (Badminton Australia), Megan Carr (Golf Australia), Alex Burgin (AFL) and Garry West-Bail ( Australian Sporting Alliance for People with a Disability).
Members are to serve a two-year term.
