Sport industry awards recognise best of the best

• Winners recognised at Sport and Recreation Industry Awards

• Proudly supported by the Liberal National Government 

The best of the best in Western Australia's sport and recreation industry have been recognised at an awards breakfast today at the State Reception Centre in Kings Park.

Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies said the calibre of nominees and finalists was impressive and showcased the exciting work being done in the industry.  The Sport and Recreation Industry Awards were judged across 10 categories covering participation, volunteer support, community and professional events, and infrastructure planning and design.

"Our industry continues to grow and have a positive impact on the community because its people are thinking outside the box and inspiring large numbers of volunteers to become part of the sport and recreation family," Ms Davies said.

The Minister's Award for Industry Excellence, which comes with a prize of $10,000, was awarded to the City of Gosnells.  It took out the Places and Spaces: Planning and Design Award for the Mills Park Project, which involved the complete redevelopment of a 24-hectare park, replacing old facilities which were struggling to meet the needs of a growing and changing suburban community.

"This project represents an excellent example of the complete redevelopment of a community sporting precinct, aimed at meeting the needs of a growing community," the Minister said.

"Mills Park now incorporates a range of sporting activities that better meet community need, increasing active playing space by 37 per cent and delivering outdoor fitness equipment and event space and environmentally sustainable parklands."

The other major award - the John Graham Award - was presented to two winners, Jeff Fondacaro, current president of Leisure Institute of WA (Aquatics) Inc, and Mike Allenby, former chairman of the WA Sports Federation.

"The deep passion these men have for sport and recreation contributes to keeping the industry vibrant and active.  Both winners have each contributed extensively to the sport and recreation community for more than 40 years, both professionally and personally," Ms Davies said.

Fact File

• The Sport and Recreation Industry Awards are held every two years

• Awards are supported by the Department of Sport and Recreation, WA Sports Federation, Parks and Leisure Australia (WA), Fitness Australia, Outdoors WA and the Leisure Institute of WA (Aquatics) Inc.

• Full list of winners is below

• For more information, visit http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au  

Minister's office - 6552 5500

2016-17 Sport and Recreation Industry Awards winners

1. Organisational Excellence Award     

Gymnastics Western Australia          

2. Commitment to Participation Award

Coolbinia Bombers Junior Football Club (Starkick Program)

3. Places and Spaces: Planning and Design Award

City of Gosnells (Mills Park Project)

Heart Foundation (Healthy Active by Design)

4. Supporting Volunteers Award

Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA Volunteer Management Framework)

Denmark Basketball Association (Give2Sport)

5. Regional Excellence Award

Ngurra Kujungka        

6. Event of the Year Award: Professional         

Triathlon WA (SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon)

7. Event of the Year Award: Community          

Inclusion WA (City of Bayswater: Have a Go Day)

8. Innovation in Practice Award

City of Armadale (U Fit - Park Edition)

9. Women in Sport and Recreation Award

Motorcycling Western Australia (Motorcycling Western Australian Women Program)

10. True Sport Award

Netball WA (Multicultural Netball Carnival)

John Graham Award:

Jeff Fondacaro and Mike Allenby

Minister's Award for Industry Excellence:

City of Gosnells