Vicsport

The full teams have been announced for Vicsport's Great Debate next Wednesday as we explore the idea; "Is Victoria the best place to be involved in sport - for everyone?".

Testing ideas, challenging assumptions and exploring honest and constructive discussion across topics including Safety, Participation and Inclusion, Integrity, Fairness, Responsibility, Volunteers and The Future will be two teams:

𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗙𝗼𝗿 - Allana Sharman (Vicsport Board), Jason Hellwig (Vicsport Chair and Swimming Victoria CEO), Ebony McQuinn (Vicsport Coordinator and Bonbeach Football / Netball Club Women's Football Operations), Greg Schneiders (Active Education Australia General Manager).

𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 - Jamie Parsons (Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria CEO) Kate Palmer (AusCycling COO), Sunil Menon (Melbourne City FC Head of Community) and Ayden Shaw (Disability Sports Australia CEO).

Register for the Forum here: https://bit.ly/4eNULA5

In the sport sector, we know that volunteers ensure the activities of every sport of any size and at all levels go ahead, are well run, are accessible and inclusive. Vicsport's Sport Volunteer Resources, created with Volunteering Victoria and Regional Sport Victoria, aim to support and assist local and community sporting clubs in their strategies and practices around volunteers.

Our Action Cycle is split into key topic areas with simple, accessible information. There are also videos and downloadable fact sheets to help identify your strengths and gaps at each stage: www.vicsport.com.au/resources/sport-volunteers

“If sharing my story helps even one person feel supported or choose kindness instead of bullying, then everything we’ve done has been worth it.”

A 12-year-old Geelong student has turned recycling into positive action, funding his ‘Shoot For Kindness, Blockout Bullying’ campaign entirely through Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme and gaining the support of a “village” that includes Geelong United Basketball and Melbourne Tigers Basketball

FULL STORY: https://bit.ly/4o97CA2

At a special edition of the Vicsport Integrity Forum supported by Sport and Recreation Victoria, we are leaning into an open and honest live debate to discuss whether "Victoria is the best place to be involved in sport - for everyone." 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚: https://bit.ly/3PPhMsY

On Wednesday 24 June, we will cover topics including Safety, Participation and Inclusion, Fairness, Responsibility, Volunteers, Integrity and The Future with arguments both for and against.

Moderated by Paul Kennedy from ABC Australia, our team captains will be Jason Hellwig (Swimming Victoria CEO and Vicsport Chair) and Jamie Parsons (Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria CEO) with the full teams to be announced soon!

The 11 Victorian Child Safe Standards came into effect in 2022 to better protect children and young people from abuse. To assist the the Victorian sporting community in implementing and understanding the Standards, Vicsport with the support of Sport and Recreation Victoria, Lander & Rogers and Commission for Children & Young People have developed an Online Education Program: vicsport.com.au/child-safe

Powered by etrainu.com, the Program features:

- One Standard per module so you can delve into the content
- Practical, sport-based strategies and scenarios
- Breakdown of compliance indicators, policies and procedures
- Ability to save as you go so you can work through the modules at your own pace!

"We are only as strong as our weakest link. If coaching is weak, the sport experience collapses even if administration is strong. Or, participation may be strong, but the sport is at risk if the administration can not support that. So being the 'best place' depends on whether the volunteer system is balanced and resilient."

Off the back of National Volunteer Week and the release of the Australian Sports Commission's Volunteers Dashboard data, Vicsport Manager Strategic Projects Andrew O'Loughlin has penned an article on where Victoria sits on the national volunteer landscape and what can be improved to ensure our state is truly the best place in sport for everyone: https://bit.ly/4uSRNjw

Pride Month is celebrated in June as an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of the LGBTIQ+ community. This month, and always, there is a place in sport for everyone exactly as you are.

Vicsport’s Inclusion webpage features information and education on how you and your organisation can promote and celebrate diversity as well as increase LGBTIQ+ inclusion: https://www.vicsport.com.au/inclusion/lgbtiq

There are resources including Days of Significance, how to be an active ally and the latest data on LGBTIQ+ sport participation. And for sport organisations, join us and Proud 2 Play in the Rainbow Sports Alliance, a facilitated working group that works collaboratively to enhance LGBTIQ+ inclusion throughout our industry.

🎓 Congratulations to the LEAP (Lead, Engage, Achieve, Promote) class of 2026 who graduated last night!

In partnership with the Victorian Government and facilitated by Mad4Leaders, LEAP develops the talent and leadership skills of female administrators in sport across four days between February-May. This year, Sharelle McMahon and Vicsport CEO Elyse Jenkins were on hand for the graduation ceremony!