Industry leaders unite to help Australians to play well

The founder of parkrun Australia, a four-time Paralympian and the President of the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia have all signed on to help support Play Well - a key part of the nation’s first co-designed Sport Participation Strategy.

They are part of a 14-person group of experts announced as the Play Well Leadership Group that will oversee the implementation of the strategy and deliver on its vision that ‘everyone has a place in sport’.

Members met in Canberra at the AIS Campus for their first meeting today.

Tim Oberg, founder of the Healthy Kids Project and parkrun Australia, explained “I believe that all children have the right to grow up in a healthy environment that allows them to play, have fun and achieve their full potential

“I am excited to share the knowledge and experiences I have gained during my tenure at parkrun Australia to help improve participation in sport and recreation by all Australians, and particularly children.”

Similar to the Project Steering Group that led the development of the strategy, the Play Well Leadership Group is made up of members that bring knowledge, expertise and insights from within and beyond the sport sector.

Passionate about improving participation in sport and is thrilled to join the Leadership Group, Rochelle Eime, Professor of Sport Science at Federation University and Deputy Chair at Vicsport, commented “it's not about more numbers but a positive and enjoyable experience that fosters continued participation and impacts positive health and wellbeing,”

The group will work closely with state/territory partners, sporting organisations and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) to bring the strategy to life.

ASC Chief Executive, Kieren Perkins added “creating great sporting environments and experiences is central to the strategy and I’d like to thank the members of the Leadership Group for their commitment to helping make Australian sport more welcoming, inclusive and fun.

“We’ve got an incredible opportunity ahead of us to align the sector, resources and investment so we can create lasting change as we look towards Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”

The strategy and its call to Play Well compliments Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy which is built on creating environments where athletes and sports can Win Well.

Play Well Leadership Group

• Alexandra Ash, President, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia

• Molina Asthana, Chair, Gymnastics Victoria and founder, Multicultural Women in Sport

• Cameron Dare, Chairman, Team Sports 4 All

• Rochelle Eime, Professor of Sport Science, Federation University

• Mitch Gourley, Paralympian and National Manager, Sport4All

• Phil Hamdorf, Chair, Disability Sports Australia and Chair, Skate Australia

• Matt Hayes, Director Strategy and Investment, Sport and Recreation, Western Australian Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (government rotation)

• Rob Hyatt, Manager Education Programs Koorie Heritage Trust, Owner Cultural Pathways, Wotjobuluk/Gunai Kurnai

• Tim Klar, Chief Executive QSport (state partner rotation)

• Richard McInnes, Executive General Manager, Sport and Community Capability, ASC

• Tim Oberg, Founder, Healthy Kids Project

• Trisha Squires, Head of AFL Queensland

• Maia Tua-Davidson, Manager, Welcoming Clubs

• Glenn Williams, Chief Executive, Baseball Australia

Image: Play Well Leadership Group. Credit ASC.