SportWest

Got a great idea to celebrate people with disability in your community? Community groups, not-for-profit organisations and local government authorities can now apply for funding to help make IDPwD 2026 a celebration to remember.

IDPwD is celebrated on 3 December every year, and this year's WA theme is Valued. Included. Leading. It celebrates the strengths and achievements of Western Australians with disability, and the important role they play in our communities.

You can apply for grants of up to $1,250 to run an event or initiative raising awareness and celebrating people with disability. We strongly encourage organisations to involve people with lived experience in planning and running their events.

Applications close 10am, Monday 5 October.

To apply, visit → docsm.au/4x9nFRm

There's still time to secure your place at the 2026 WA Sport Industry Conference and save with early bird pricing.

Join sport and recreation leaders from across Western Australia and beyond as we explore this year's theme, Beyond Sport: Where health, community and economy connect.

With an inspiring lineup of speakers already announced, now is the time to register and be part of the conversations shaping the future of our sector.

Early bird pricing ends Monday 31 August. Don't miss out.
https://www.sportwest.com.au/wa-sport-conference/

Today, we remember and honour Mark Lane, whose contribution to sport in Western Australia has left a lasting legacy.

Mark's contribution to surfing was immense. His leadership, integrity and unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for others helped shape the sport and inspired those around him.

He will be remembered as a respected leader, passionate advocate and valued friend to many across the sporting community.

This Saturday, August 29, the surfing community will come together at Scarborough Beach for a paddle out in Mark’s honour, a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to the sport he loved.

Our sincere condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues.

Vale Mark Lane.

We're excited to announce the next group of speakers joining the program for the 2026 WA Sport Industry Conference.

Sisonke Msimang | Stories that Shape Us: Changing perspectives through storytelling.

Elizabeth Shaw |Bridging Generations: creating a workforce where everyone can thrive.

Dr. Daniel Kiely | Panel discussion on the Economic Case for Sport: Why sport matters to WA’s productivity, health & future economy.

Janis Carren | The Future of Community Sport Infrastructure

Together, these sessions will offer fresh perspectives on leadership, workforce development, economic impact and the future of sport in Western Australia.

Early bird tickets on sale now. https://www.sportwest.com.au/wa-sport-conference/

One year ago, True Sport launched the Respectful Relationships Initiative.

In partnership with Starick and the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, the initiative was developed to support sporting organisations by promoting respectful relationships both on and off the field.

Sport plays a significant role in shaping social norms and behaviours, making it a powerful setting to promote respectful relationships and contribute to the prevention of violence against women.

Together, we can help create communities where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.

As we mark one year of the initiative, we encourage clubs, associations and sporting organisations to explore the resources available and continue these important conversations within their communities.

🔗 Find out more: https://www.truesport.com.au/initiatives/respectful-relationships-initiative

Sport has the power to influence far more than what happens on the field.

At the 2026 WA Sport Industry Conference, our next group of speakers will share insights on fan engagement, youth participation, economic impact and the opportunities shaping the future of sport.

Jacob Gaynor, Head of Content at the Tasmania Devils, will explore how fan-first storytelling is changing the way sporting organisations connect with their communities.

Prof Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist at UTS, will examine sport's role in trade, economic growth and WA's place in the Asian market.

Danika Adams, Head of Research at CEDA, will contribute to our panel discussion on The Economic Case for Sport and the sector's role in driving productivity, health and prosperity.

Andy Rogers, Sport Development Lead - Coaching at Sport NZ, will share how the Balance is Better approach is helping more young people enjoy and stay involved in sport.

Together, these speakers will highlight the important role sport plays in building stronger communities, healthier people and a thriving economy.

Early bird tickets on sale now. https://www.sportwest.com.au/wa-sport-conference/

Know a volunteer who goes above and beyond? Now’s the moment to say thanks.

From early mornings setting up fields to late nights behind the scenes, volunteers are the driving force of community sport across Western Australia. Their passion, leadership and commitment create opportunities, build belonging and change lives.

The WA Local Sporting Stars Volunteer Recognition Program is your chance to spotlight those everyday legends making an extraordinary difference, whether they’re mentoring young people, championing inclusion, innovating at club level or giving decades of dedicated service.

With the support of the WA Government, SportWest, Seven West Media and Spudshed, we’re proud to celebrate the volunteers who strengthen clubs, communities and the spirit of sport.

Nominate a deserving volunteer today: https://www.sportwest.com.au/volunteer-recognition-program/

Supporting the people who make community sport possible. 💙

This week, SportWest was pleased to attend the City of Stirling's 2026 Mayoral Sports Club Breakfast, connecting with clubs, volunteers and sporting organisations from across the region.

Throughout the morning, our team showcased True Sport and Best on Road, sharing practical resources and support available to help clubs:

✔️ Build safe and inclusive sporting environments.
✔️ Strengthen club culture and governance.
✔️ Support the wellbeing of members and volunteers.
✔️ Promote safer road use through sport.

It was wonderful to meet so many dedicated people who continue to make a positive difference in their sporting communities.

Thank you to the City of Stirling for hosting such a valuable event. We look forward to continuing to support clubs across Western Australia.

What happens when Olympic excellence meets cutting-edge performance science?

At the 2026 WA Sport Industry Conference, you'll hear from two inspiring keynote speakers who embody this year's theme, Beyond Sport: Where health, community and economy connect.

Dr Paul Taylor will explore how resilience, health and performance can help individuals, organisations and communities thrive.

Natalie Cook OAM OLY will draw on her experience as an Olympic champion, business leader and advocate for the transformative power of sport.

Together, they'll challenge us to think beyond the playing field and consider the broader role sport plays in shaping healthier, stronger and more prosperous communities.

Early bird tickets on sale now. https://www.sportwest.com.au/wa-sport-conference/

Sport is about more than what happens on the field.

Early bird tickets for the 2026 WA Sport Industry Conference are now available.

Under the theme Beyond Sport: Where health, community and economy connect, we'll explore how sport and recreation help build healthier communities, strengthen social connections and create lasting economic value.

We are proud to present this year's conference in partnership with WA Government whose ongoing commitment to advancing sport and recreation in Western Australia helps make this event possible

Join sector leaders, decision-makers and changemakers as we discuss the future of sport and recreation in WA.

Early bird pricing won't last forever – secure your spot today
https://www.sportwest.com.au/wa-sport-conference/