Outdoor active recreation projects in Western Australia benefit from funding boost

Outdoor recreation activities throughout Western Australia have received a boost with 20 projects set to share a total of $395,798 in funding from the Outdoor Active Recreation Participation Grants Program.

Successful projects include mountain biking activities, camps for vulnerable young people, swimming and surf safety initiatives, training for outdoor recreation leaders, and trails related programs.

The grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 were made available to eligible organisations delivering projects that align with the More People More Active Outdoors Framework.

The projects to secure funding included:

Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup received$10,000 for the Donnybrook Mountain Biking Project which aims to introduce the benefits of mountain biking and cycling to at-risk young people, culminating in a multi-day overnight bike packing experience on the Munda Biddi.

Western Australian Swimming Assn Inc (TA Swimming WA) secured $25,000 for their Come & Learn Open Water Swimming project which will provide entry-level coaching sessions to improve safety and reduce barriers to learn open water swimming, in conjunction with the Open Water Series Round in 2023/24.      

Shire of Collie received $25,300 for their Wheels of Wellbeing Project which provides skill development and accredited coaching training for mountain biking in the Collie region, home of the Wamberger Trail network.    

The Outdoor Active Recreation Participation Grants reflect the Western Australian Government's commitment to encouraging participation in outdoor active recreation activities through the provision of accessible, inclusive and diverse experiences.

WA Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman noted "each of the 20 projects funded through the Outdoor Active Recreation Participation Grants Program will play an important role in encouraging diverse participation, skill development and increased appreciation of our outdoor environments.

"It is particularly pleasing to be able to support programs that aim to improve water safety for vulnerable population groups including migrants, those that provide opportunities for at-risk youth, and those that offer accessible opportunities for people with disabilities.

"Getting more people to be active outdoors makes a huge contribution to the health, wellbeing and happiness of individuals and communities."

The program is administered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

Image top: Open Water Swimming WA; Image above Credit: Collie Mountain Bike Club