7/11/03
WA Netball has won the Minister's Award for Excellence at the 2003 Sport and Recreation Industry Awards announced by Sport and Recreation Minister Bob Kucera tonight.
WA Netball was a finalist in four separate categories and won the Risk Management Best Practice Award before winning the major award.
"WA Netball has shown an outstanding approach to risk management which is an example for the industry to follow," Mr Kucera said.
"Risk management and public liability has been a major challenge for the sport and recreation industry and WA Netball has met it head-on.
"WA Netball developed a three-year risk management strategy specifically for their sport, provided risk management education to members and administrators and implemented the strategy to maximise protection and minimise liabilities or major risks for members."
The 2003 Sport and Recreation Industry Awards represent the pinnacle of achievement in the industry.
The awards, held every two years, are an opportunity to formally recognise innovation and excellence in the pursuit of best practice in Western Australia's sport and recreation industry.
Mr Kucera said the awards were a chance for the industry to examine how well it was doing as leaders, initiators, motivators and providers.
"They are also a celebration of the diversity of the sport and recreation industry and are a demonstration of the scope and breadth of an industry that reaches deep into the community," the Minister said.
This year's winners were:
Minister's Award for Industry Excellence
Winner: WA Netball
This award recognises outstanding contribution to the development and promotion of the sport and recreation industry in WA. The Minister's Award is chosen from among the winners of each of the categories.
Industry Award for Management
Winner: YMCA of Perth
Since winning the award in 2001 YMCA Recreation has gone from strength to strength with significant increases in annual turnover; five new facility management contracts attracting a further 250,000 visitors; strong performance results in all management areas.
Commitment to Education and Training
Winner: WA Sports Centre Trust (WASCT)
The WASCT manages Challenge Stadium, Arena Joondalup, Kwinana Motorplex and the SpeedDome. Since the early 1990s, the Trust has grown from managing one venue, with 45 staff to four facilities, with 186 staff. The Trust has shown great commitment to education and training of its staff through a human resources plan that includes staff consultation, induction programs, traineeships and opportunities for staff to continually enhance their skills.
John Graham Award
Winner: John Bloomfield OAM
John Bloomfield, of Crawley, is an exemplary educator and coach, Australian champion athlete, sports policy architect, historian and leader. The Federal Government commissioned the 1973 Bloomfield Report, which became Government sport and recreation policy and led to the creation of the Australian Institute of Sport in 1981 and the Western Australian Institute of Sport in 1984.
Risk Management Best Practice Award
Winner: WA Netball
WA Netball has developed a targeted three-year risk management education and implementation program, which included the adoption of a best practice approach, support materials and communication process.
Award for Commitment to Participation
Winner: Bibbulmun Track Foundation Calendar of Events
The Bibbulmun Track Foundation events calendar was developed to encourage community participation, ownership and education and to promote the Bibbulmun Track as being accessible to all
Facility Management Award - over $1,000,000
Winner: Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre, Inglewood
Formerly the Inglewood Aquatic Centre, the Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre is the main aquatic centre managed by the City of Stirling. Attendance has increased by more than 350,000 in the past two years and the centre is now recovering 96 per cent of its operating costs.
Facility Management Award - under $1,000,000
Winner: Bay of Isles Leisure Centre
The Bay of Isles Leisure Centre in Esperance has become a community icon. Council has committed to providing high quality services to accommodate the community's desire to recreate outdoors. Management has also provided training to multi-skill staff with a strong emphasis on continual improvement and enhancement of career prospects.
Award For Volunteer Support
Winner: Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation
The Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation in Fremantle has developed an effective volunteer management program that is now being used as a benchmark for other youth development organisations operating on the east coast of Australia, Malaysia and Japan.
Provision of Sport and Recreation to Regional Western Australia
Winner: Tennis West
Tennis West based at Burswood has developed a regional program that is recognised by Tennis Australia as national best practice and has produced two world ranked juniors. Against the current trend across all regional sport, Tennis West has achieved a five per cent growth in country tennis membership.
Contribution to Indigenous Sport and Recreation
Winner: Garnduwa
Garnduwa is the peak indigenous sporting body in the Kimberley and is responsible for the ongoing delivery in the Kimberley of the State's football, basketball and athletics development programs.
Community Event Award
Winner: Broadwater Resort's Festival of Triathlon
The Broadwater Resorts' Festival of Triathlon has evolved from a longstanding annual Festival of Triathlon to an event with great community impact that sets the benchmark for innovative development, strong planning and event management.
Minister's office: 9213 7000
