Shepparton conference to focus on role of sport in bringing about social change

Stakeholders in sport, local government, health, education, philanthropy and the community sector are being invited by Greater Shepparton City Council to explore how sport can change the lives of your community.

To be held on Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th March 2016 at Shepparton's Deakin Reserve, the Champions for Change conference will focus on how sport is tackling our big social issues, showcasing programs where elite and community sport has become a platform for delivering community health outcomes and tackling social issues that have previously and continue to be delivered by health, education and community services.

The non-profit conference provides an opportunity for sport to learn from Government, the private sector and philanthropists about why they view sport as an important driver to deliver health promotion programs and how sport can best position itself to leverage off these opportunities.

Keynote speakers include former Australian netball star Liz Ellis, legendary AFL coach Kevin Sheedy and LaTrobe University sport researcher Dr Emma Sherry.

Topics to be covered will include Closing the Gap, Connecting Cultures, Health and Wellbeing and Investing in Community Development – Why Sport? The conference will include speakers from VicSport, a number of AFL clubs, Reclink, Tiwi College, Melbourne City Football Club, Cricket Victoria, the Midnight Basketball Program, Australian Sports Foundation and the Outback Academy and many more well-known groups.

The conference brings together over 50 guest speakers from all over Australia that use sport to assist in the prevention and management of health and social issues.

Looking forward to the event, Greater Shepparton City Council Manager, Active Living, Tony Tranter explains “the conference is unique in that it draws on a wide range of providers who run effective and successful programs across various sporting codes.

“This is a great opportunity to learn about practical solutions to common issues that can be adapted for anyone working in sport and community development.”

Tranter says the conference will showcase some of the amazing programs being delivered by sport, adding “through a carefully constructed program the conference will provide a mix of case studies and information sessions on delivery models such as foundation arms of sports clubs.

“It will explore why government, philanthropy and the private sector see sport as an important vehicle to drive social change (and) will also provide opportunities to network and create future opportunities.”

The Champions for Change conference will be held on at Deakin Reserve, Shepparton, Victoria prior to the Melbourne Vixens and Adelaide Thunderbirds in the ANZ Pre-season match on Saturday 5th March.

The NAB Cup Geelong vs Essendon match will be held on Saturday 5th March as well with participants in the conference able to receive discounted tickets to the netball game.

Speaker profiles

In 2009, Liz Ellis became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Australia Day Honours for services to netball and the encouragement of women in sport, and to the community through support for a range of charitable organisations.

Kevin Sheedy is an innovator and the inspiration behind the ANZAC Day Match, Dreamtime At The ‘G’ and is currently pioneering a Farmers Round to recognise the importance of Farmers to the Australia culture and economy.

Dr Emma Sherry is a Senior Lecturer within the La Trobe University Centre for Sport and Social Impact, co-editor of the Journal of Sport for Development and Director at VicSport will present on her research and experiences around using sport for non-sport outcomes.

Click here to view event details in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

6th January 2016 - BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING FOR WOMEN IN SPORT 

25th November 2015 - SUNBATHER DELIVERS ENERGY SAVINGS FOR AQUAMOVES SHEPPARTON AND SA AQUATIC AND LEISURE CENTRE

6th August 2015 - AQUATICS AND RECREATION VICTORIA CONFERENCE TO SHOWCASE AN INDUSTRY ‘SURVIVING AND THRIVING’

27th March 2015 - MELBOURNE CITY FOOTBALL ACADEMY UNVEILED

29th August 2014 - ARU APPROVES INCLUSION POLICY AHEAD OF 2014 BINGHAM CUP

29th October 2012 - ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORT TO BE UNIFIERS WITH ASIA

10th December 2009 - SPORTS BODIES URGED TO CONSIDER NEEDS OF MIGRANTS