Vicsport

"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!

Last night Vicsport held our latest Governance Forum with guest speakers Elyse Jenkins (Vicsport CEO), Jake Keogh (Basketball Victoria), Tim Woolley (TG Public Affairs) and Chantella Perera (KOJO and Women Sport Australia) providing distinct perspectives on effective advocacy for sports, what truly resonates with government and decision-makers as well as the best ways for sport organisations to promote themselves by strengthening their voice and influence.

Thanks to our panellists, attendees and Professor Hans Westerbeek (Victoria University, Melbourne Australia) for moderating the discussion. Stay tuned for news on our upcoming Integrity Forum next month!

27 May - 3 June marks , a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements.

Building on that, this year’s theme is “All In", a call to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day, understanding it is not a spectator sport and that we must all step away from the sidelines to take action that makes change.

Vicsport’s vision for reconciliation is to acknowledge, respect, honour and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and inclusion while providing leadership and guidance to the Victorian sport and recreation community on reconciliation and inclusion: https://www.vicsport.com.au/inclusion/first-nations Reconciliation Australia

Vale Neale Daniher ❤️

Co-founder of Fight MND, coach of the Melbourne Football Club for 223 games and winner of the 2022 Outstanding Contribution to Victorian Sport award, Neale's determination, fight and courage in the face of The Beast will forever be an inspiration to Victorians and the nation.