Connecting Regional Sport. regionalsportvictoria.org.au Annual Report

Transcription

1 Connecting Regional Sport regionalsportvictoria.org.au Annual Report

2 CONTENTS Chairpersons Report... 3 Gippsport Growing Cricket in Wonthaggi... 4 Leisure Networks Bareena Bowling Club Choosing the Right Path... 5 Sports Focus Time to ACT!... 6 Mallee Sports Assembly 2013 Mildura All Abilities Cricket Carnival... 7 Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly Volunteer Leadership... 8 The Centre CARN Social Media Communications... 9 Sports Central Avoca: A Town Working Together South West Sport Empowering Clubs Valley Sport Shepparton BMX Looks to Gain an Edge Financial Report Collaborative Efforts & Achievements... 15

3 3 Chairpersons Report It gives me great pleasure to present the annual report on behalf of Regional Sport Victoria (RSV). The annual report aims to highlight improved sport and recreation outcomes as a result of the support, guidance and influence from the nine Regional Sports Assemblies (RSA s) across the state of Victoria. Established with the purpose of being the respected and influential leader of Regional Sport in Victoria, RSV in has delivered another productive year in advocacy and leadership which has assisted the RSAs to link, partner and provide improved sport and active recreation outcomes in Regional Victorian communities. We owe thanks to our funding bodies, who with their support, continue to allow RSV to have such a positive influence in the Sport and Recreation sector. On behalf of RSV, I d like to pass on my gratitude to my fellow members and in particular, the workers involved in the RSA s for their outstanding support in the past year. We are extremely fortunate to have a diverse mix of skill and talent within our network, which provides a wonderful platform for collaborative strategic thinking and progressive program development. The ever emerging information technology environment provides us with opportunities to engage with sporting clubs via a number of different mediums. I have been particularly enthused with the manner and direction that RSV has provided in supporting the member agencies across the state, and I fully expect our organisation will continue to play an ongoing vital role in supporting clubs embrace the online environment. With such a great team in and around RSV, I am most certainly looking forward to the coming year. Having an organisation that provides advocacy and leadership for the RSA s truly does foster a unified stance and position, which then allows for the positive transfer of information, advice, support and club development opportunities for sport in Regional Victoria. Please take a moment to read through the following case studies. These are just some of the examples of great work that is being undertaken in Regional Victoria. Shane Hughan Chair Regional Sports Victoria

4 GROWING CRICKET IN WONTHAGGI junior numbers had been declining GippSport partnered with the Leongatha & District Cricket Association, the Australian Sports Commission, Cricket Victoria and local sporting clubs to look at participation levels in junior cricket. There was concern that junior numbers had been declining and many clubs were not offering pre-cricket activities like the In2 Cricket or other Cricket Victoria branded programs. Wonthaggi is located in the centre Bass Coast Shire and is a regional town with more than 5700 residents. The region has been experiencing consistent growth over recent years. The town is serviced by two local cricket clubs, with a third club at Glen Alvie which is minutes away from the main centre. It is decided that Wonthaggi would be an ideal place to conduct a pilot project to focus on junior participation numbers. A steering group was formed, with representatives from each of the local clubs and the partner agencies. GippSport co-ordinated the meetings and communication between the groups. A process flowchart was developed to guide the implementation of the pilot project. The first step was to identify potential coaches in each of the clubs and through the Wonthaggi Secondary College. Four young people were selected to complete the Australian Sports Commission Community Coach Training that helps prepare new coaches for paid employment in the Active After school Communities (AASC) Program. The AASC Regional Co-ordinator worked with the local schools in Wonthaggi to establish an age specific Cricket program in Term 3. The new coaches were employed and supported to run a 7 week cricket program at each of the schools. Later in the term, a GippSport staff member, as well as Cricket Victoria and AASC conducted cricket clinics for Grades 3 and 4 in each of the local schools to help promote the Gala Day. Extensive promotional material was developed and distributed to the school children at the clinics, through the newsletters and talked about by school staff. We were lucky to have three local clubs involved in the project; Wonthaggi Miners Cricket Club, Wonthaggi Workmens and the Glen Alvie Cricket Club as well as the broader support of the Cricket Association and other local clubs. One of the key outcomes to date has been the development of a closer working relationship between GippSport and the clubs to help them not only with junior development but to also highlight the resources that are available, the benefits of working together and sharing information and why a family friendly inclusive culture is so important. On Friday October 11 the Wonthaggi Cricket Gala Day was held in Wonthaggi. All of the key stakeholders including GippSport participated to ensure the juniors had a positive cricket experience. One of the highlights was seeing everyone working together for the same common goal. From the Gala Day, the program moved into age specific programs, which were town based rather than club based. This had not been trialled previously and the coaches were those already trained by the AASC program and supported by additional club volunteers. GippSport worked with Cricket Victoria to develop the Wonthaggi In2 Cricket program, in a shorter version offered at a more affordable price. Ultimately the final outcomes will be to have coaches that will support the ongoing development of the junior programs, club volunteers who are empowered to advocate and support the transition from pre-cricket programs to the Under 12, 14 and 16 club programs and a continued partnership between GippSport, AASC and Cricket Victoria.

5 BAREENA BOWLING CLUB CHOOSING THE RIGHT PATH B areena Bowling Club has a long and proud history, and celebrates its centenary year in Facing a static membership, aging facilities and questions about its future sustainability; the club in 2011 felt it needed to make some decisions about its future. Diversifying its revenue base, improving internal communication and marketing to the wider community were also identified as concerns. In its time of need, the club turned to Leisure Networks to facilitate a Fork in the Road workshop to engage club members in the process and choose a sustainable path for the future. Club priorities and actions were agreed upon, and the decisions made were recently vindicated when the club was successful in obtaining a $150,000 facility upgrade grant from the City of Greater Geelong. Greater engagement with members in the clubs strategic direction Improved internal communication Identification of priorities as part of strategic plan Becoming a healthier and more inclusive club and improving club culture through participation in the VicHealth Healthy Sporting Environments Program Achievement of Level 3 Good Sports accreditation Development of a Facility Improvement Plan Successful grant application to Geelong City Council for a $150,000 with similar contribution from the Club provided for facility improvements, which included upgrades to amenities, members lounge, meeting areas and disability access improvements Potential improvement in income diversity through improved function areas. A Proud Past A Positive Future In March 2012, over 40 club members joined the club board at a meeting facilitated by Leisure Networks, which was also supported by Bowls Victoria s Community Development Officer. Leisure Networks subsequently provided further support through 30 hours of Targeted Support, and the club also subsequently signed on to the VicHealth Healthy Sporting Environments Program. This has assisted the club to improve its practices in the areas of inclusion, responsible use of alcohol, reducing tobacco use, healthy eating, Sunsmart practices and injury prevention & management. There is now an ongoing commitment by the club to improve communication with members and the community about this wonderful facility. The outcomes for Bareena Bowling Club have included;

6 TIME TO ACT! Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 Twelve-month transitional period to meet the requirements of the new Act seems like a long time! Not long enough in club-land!! What is a Constitution? Do we have one? Where can I find it? What s in it? Legal document really! But we haven t been operating to those rules for decades! These are just some of the questions and statements Sports Focus has regularly heard from clubs since the introduction of the new Act. As with any change at a legislative and/or industry level, it is often the Regional Sports Assembly to whom clubs look to at a local level for advice and support. Enter Sports Focus! Since November 2012, Sports Focus in partnership with Consumer Affairs Victoria has facilitated 13 free Incorporation Information Sessions, engaging some 320 participants, representing 210 different sport and recreation clubs across the region. Furthermore, 32* clubs have been individually assisted with targeted support by Sports Focus specifically to understand their incorporation responsibilities and review and update their clubs constitution (*recorded cases in CRM). So, how have clubs changed as a result of this support? Clubs have:- P Questioned current practices P Increased awareness and adherence P Obtained clarity between constitutional rules and by-laws P Changed decision-making processes P Achieved a level of cultural change committee members no longer simply replicating the practices of their forbearers. FREE Incorporation Information Session We need to re-visit our constitution and adjust it to suit today s needs A terrific seminar, very informative I am now aware of my responsibility to the association I might now be able to take my head out of the sand Got me to re-think current processes The session provided good content and was pitched at a level for all to understand It was great. I am new to this job! I must talk with Sports Focus more for sport and recreation organisations Are you aware of the changes to the Incorporated Associations Act & how your Club has been affected? The session will focus on the new Associations Reform Act 2012 The transition period ends 26 November the time to act is NOW! Excerpt from a Club Constitution dated 1958 still current in Women are permitted to play at a time and location as determined by the men Last night I attended the Incorporation workshop which was run by Sports Focus. It was an excellent presentation and I have a fair bit of work to do on the draft rules to make them ours The ongoing support offered is the most important thing I will take from the seminar

7 2013 MILDURA ALL ABILITIES CRICKET CARNIVAL In 2009 a local group of very enthusiastic people with disabilities and agencies approached Mallee Sports Assembly to assist with them attending a Cricket Carnival in Ararat. Their passion for cricket was very evident and upon their return from Ararat they were extremely keen to have a carnival developed in Mildura. Therefore the first Mildura All Abilities Cricket Carnival was born with three teams and three matches played over one Sunday in October In 2013 we have seen the fourth year of the Carnival with record number of teams entered and people playing Cricket. We had nine teams attend and play Cricket over two days on the 24 and 25 October. The teams came from across Victoria including Bendigo, Ararat, Warracknabeal, Werribee, Kyneton and Mildura. The event involved 90 people playing cricket over 2 days, with a total of 30 games played and each team playing six matches. All Abilities Cricket is a modified Twenty 20 version of cricket, where every player gets the opportunity to bat and bowl. Players bat in pairs and face two overs, with each fielder bowling one over each. The format of the games ensure that all players are given the opportunity to play at a level they are comfortable with and to their own abilities. In 2013 we saw new teams enter the competition from Bendigo and Kyneton. These teams did not have the cricket experience of expertise of some of the other groups, but this did not stop them and spurred them on even more. Feedback from these groups during and after the event has demonstrated that they will be back in 2014 and will encourage others to attend. The support from the local community has created this to be a very family friendly event that people of ages & abilities are able to enjoy. Various local organisations have been involved as sponsors and supporters of the event. Comments from parents and carers who attended included: Our group are very happy to be involved and really look forward to attending each year ; it was absolutely tremendous and I would love to see more school groups attend. The future directions of the event will include investigating the option for a division for Specialist Schools to submit teams and to ensure it continues as annual event. So to keep the bat & ball going it s all happening again in October 2014 and we are looking forward to more teams and participants. Our event is played at the home of Mildura Settlers Cricket Club. The club has been supportive of the event since the beginning and has sustained the growth of the event since its inception. In 2013 we promoted the carnival to be Smoke Free event. This was very well supported by all those who attended, all the players, carers, agencies and spectators alike would like to see this continued in the coming years.

8 VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP The Club Leadership Program is a new program that the WRSA has created. With the funding for a program named Stride Management being cut and the WRSA having funding for a volunteer project, that is where the Club Leadership Program was formed. The course motto we ran by is Training tomorrow s leaders, today. The Program had 7 participants that completed the course over a 22 week period. The participants we targeted were the next generation of leaders within their respective sporting clubs aged 16-20, sessions were held on a Tuesday night pm in the boardroom of the WRSA. We had representatives from Laharum Football Club, Natimuk Cricket Club, Volleyball Horsham and Horsham Lawn Tennis Club. The participants went through many different style of learning such as: - Working four hours a week at their respective club, overlooked by their mentor. - Workshops run by Serena and Julie from Volunteering Western Victoria. - Community coaching course delivered by Murray Mckenzie. - Sports first aid and Strap Smart delivered by Ian Clough. - Responsible Serving of Alcohol run by Ian Fechner When the program is finished and the participants go back to their clubs, we aim to have these young athletes maintain a high standard of training, development and operation to ensure their club remains healthy and sustainable for years to come. If the participants choose to move on to University or move town etc, then we are hoping what they have learnt here will benefit them when they walk into a new club. Also it makes their personal CV look quite healthy with all the certificates they are earning, and their work they do at their clubs. The calendar for the year looked like this: 1. April 30 - committee of management part May 7 - committee of management part May 21st - Introduction to taping. (Strap Smart) 4. May 26th - Community Coaching 10am-4pm 5. June 4 - risk management. 6. June 30th - Sports First Aid 7. July 23 - event management part July 30 - event management part August 13th - future club development part August 27th - future club development part September 3rd - Responsible service of Alcohol 12. DATE TBA - presentation dinner at Horsham Sports and Community Club. There is plenty of room to work with in the future. Hopefully we can add a radio training module and a journalism module, with some interest from clubs based around press releases and how to structure newsletters and flyers. We are hoping this program is able to run this year with interest from Golden Plains shire, also Western Australia and others from various local meetings seeking information about this program. The Club Leadership Program seems to be a good program that the WRSA can promote and build upon in the future. 8

9 SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS Currently many local grass roots sporting clubs commonly complain about a gap between state sporting associations and themselves. This is just one small example of how CARN s social media communication can assist to fill the gap. After meeting with Cricket Victoria s North Eastern Regional Representative, we shared a notice of upcoming training/development session for local clubs which was then retweeted by the local association Wangaratta and District Cricket Association and local clubs like the Rovers United Cricket Club. All levels of sport are being reached and are interacting with our social media channels The launch of The Centre CARN social media has significantly broadened the reach, audience and awareness of The Centre CARN and the healthy sporting messages. What has been achieved so far? Increased Awareness of The Centre and the Active Recreation Network Players, coaches, general population and media are interacting with the channels who have not previously heard of or been aware of CARN s role the community or been on the traditional mailing and distribution lists. Demonstrate Business Excellence/Leadership The Australian business and government community can now see The Centre s professionalism in the use of social media especially via LinkedIn. Leverage and Add Value to Existing Marketing Social Media increase the reach and interest in existing marketing activities and lead to: Increased Website Traffic The Centre s new website will allow for these analytics to be measured; Increased Exposure What we do and where we have been is being disseminated further by Retweets via Twitter and Shares via Facebook Increased Credibility & Professional Networks Attendances to relevant trainings and seminars shared with networks via social media is informing local, state, national and even international health and sport industry networks are now following us via social media. The flow on benefits can include free public relations across traditional mediums. A Facebook Post about The Centre s healthy workplace was printed in the Wangaratta Chronicle as pictured below: New Consumers Over a longer period we expect to receive more interest around The Centre s community projects due to the great exposure and trust of The Centre s brand. Although it is too early to see the full effects, the promotion of the Centre s sports forum s already enlisted additional attendees. Increased Consumer Engagement 175 Likes and 113 Followers suggests that we can engage with a minimum of 288 subscribers on a daily basis. We have managed to engage with all levels of the sporting and health promotion industry from players and coaches to national news broadcaster and funding bodies. Increased Consumer Insights Facebook and Linked in provide free and detailed consumer insight information. This information will become more useful as the umbers increase over time. 9

10 AVOCA: A TOWN WORKING TOGETHER SETTING THE SCENE An hour north of Ballarat, Avoca on the banks of the Avoca River, nestled at the eastern base of the Pyrenees Ranges. A population of 1200 in a farming and beverage manufacturing district, a third flood in 2012 caused the Avoca Public Park to resemble a swimming hole as the river burst its banks and effected the activities of the local sporting clubs. The events of the floods had the clubs already working together to recover and with two local drivers of action becoming obvious, Sports Central identified the opportunity to utilise VicHealth s Healthy Sporting Environments (HSE) program to support the clubs as they rebuilt following a trying period in their history. THE PROCESS Establishing good relationships with Bill & Donna the local champions, created the opportunity to engage with the other clubs involved in the reserve Committee of Management and also a riding club, bowls and golf club that were also in the town. Promoting the benefits for their clubs and the opportunity for the clubs to work together to share the workload of the program set the scene for the new concept of a Hub. To engage the clubs best, Sports Central created a satellite office with support from the Council. This created a presence in the town, allowing the development of ongoing relationships with club volunteers as well as a sense of trust and reliability. THE LEARNINGS The opportunity to engage with a number of clubs within a town has enabled SC to identify a number of key items that are required for the success of the delivery our programs and to provide practical support to hard working volunteers in our communities: Identification and building of relationships with key local drivers/champions. By being present in the town regularly and developing a reliable presence. That we are responsive to clubs needs. To be personalised to each club volunteer. That small wins (improvements) can bring about momentum for more significant improvements. We recognised that we need to ensure our ongoing viability and to do this we need to ensure we have our young participants involved again. Bill Drummond, Avoca CC OUTCOMES FOR AVOCA Volunteer numbers have increased with local clubs filling the majority of positions on committees, a contrast to year prior. Six clubs actively involved in HSE with very positive measurable outcomes in Good Sports, SunSmart, inclusion, healthy eating, anti-smoking, and safety as well as improvements in governance as a byproduct. Improved club management through the development of a Strategic Plan and a Policy & Procedures manual. Club leaders positive change in mindset. A sense of community and togetherness for all the clubs in Avoca working together and developing consistent practices and policies. Strong partnership with the Cancer Council and the Pyrenees Shire. Working through the resources on clubhelp.org.au, coupled with the one-on-one support from Sports Central staff our club now has a strategic plan and a suite of supporting documents that will guide our committee and help ensure the long term viability. Donna Wardlaw, Avoca FNC 10

11 EMPOWERING CLUBS The Warrnambool and District Cricket Association recognised progress of local cricket was being hampered by conflicts and poor relationships between the WDCA Board, member clubs and the umpiring body, as well as a decline in playing numbers. South West Sport, together with the WDCA Board, identified a need to consult with their members in an open and honest format to help generate a positive future direction for the Association. Through funding sourced from the Victorian Government, South West Sport were able to help facilitate the establishment of a Cricket s Future Forum. To ensure optimal participation, the WDCA made attendance mandatory for clubs with a representation coming from across the club, namely; Two junior players (under-17 captain and one other); Two senior players (not captains); The highest grade captain; The club president; and opened the invitation to anyone else who had an interest. This resulted in approximately 90 attendees being divided into groups and rotated between tables in ten minute intervals, providing feedback on a range of topical issues such as; Umpires; Senior Cricket; Junior Cricket; WDCA Structures; Two-Day Cricket; One-Day Cricket; and Open Discussion. A moderator was assigned to each group to record comments made which then formed the basis for a report from which the WDCA Board could address concerns and establish a strategic direction. Since the forum, held on February 25th 2013, the WDCA Board has sought to address all concerns raised, by establishing actionable outcomes, priorities, and timelines. Consequently from South West Sport s initial involvement, the WDCA have achieved the following outcomes; An open forum for valuable input of its members; Generation of an actionable document; Implementation of revised match formats covering Twenty-20, One Day and Two Day Cricket; Implementation of revised junior cricket structure; Implementation and establishment of an Umpiring Academy; Garnered financial support from Cricket Victoria to establish the Umpiring Academy; Improved relations between WDCA Board, the Warrnambool Cricket Umpires Association, and member clubs; Provided a test case for Cricket Victoria and other Cricketing Associations who are closely monitoring the WDCA s progress for implementation further afield; Improve Junior Cricket quality and safety through the subsidy of Level 2 Coaching courses, and consistent rules from junior to senior cricket; Improved marketability and communication by utilising new technologies; Set clear future goals for the size, quality and longevity of cricket in the Warrnambool District. Perhaps the most vital of outcomes has been the collective experience of empowering clubs to influence the direction of their competition. This has resulted in an understanding that not all changes will be enacted, and those that are may not necessarily be successful. Ongoing support for these changes is critical not only from a club level, but also that of Cricket Victoria. With all clubs and associations competing for resources, Cricket Victoria s ongoing support is vital for the ongoing implementation of changes with a view to improving their game at grass roots level. South West Sport is proud to have been able to positively impact a sport affecting around 1,000 local players, administrators, umpires and volunteers; an impact which may one day influence a sport nationally. The WDCA has embarked on cricket reform in season 2013/14. We are very grateful for the support of South West Sport in facilitating a Futures Cricket Forum which has provided us with a blueprint for the next three years to develop strategies to strengthen and streamline cricket operations and administration in this area. Already the changes made this season has brought a fresh approach and has largely been well received by the Clubs, officials and players. We look forward to advancing and implementing other recommendations in the future. Gordon McLeod, WDCA, Senior Vice President & Director of Junior Cricket. 11

12 GIVE YOUR CLUB THE EDGE Healthy Sporting Environments Shepparton BMX Looks to Gain an Edge 12 GIVE YOUR CLUB THE EDGE Healthy Sporting Environments

13 FINANCIAL REPORT 13

14 Regional Sports Network Victoria Inc Profit & Loss Accrual Basis July 2012 through June 2013 Jul 12 Jun 13 Ordinary Income/Expense Income Insurance Reimbursement $ 11, Interest Received $ Membership Dues $ 7, Miscellaneous Income $ 26, Total Income $ 45, Expense Bank Service Charges $ Catering. $ 2, Honorarium $ 7, Insurance $ 11, Professional Fees Accounting $ Total Professional Fees $ Software Expense $ 16, Subscriptions $ Total Expense $ 38, Net Ordinary Income $ 7, Net Income $ 7, Regional Sports Network Victoria Inc Balance Sheet Accrual Basis As of June 30, /06/2013 ASSETS Current Assets Chequing/Savings Bendigo Bank Mastercard $ Cheque Account - Bendigo Bank $ 8, Total Chequing/Savings $ 9, Total Current Assets $ 9, TOTAL ASSETS $ 9, LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities Tax Payable -$ 1, Total Other Current Liabilities $ 1, Total Current Liabilities $ 1, TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 1, NET ASSETS $ 10, EQUITY Opening Bal Equity 2, , $ Retained Earnings $ Net Income 7, , $ TOTAL EQUITY $ 10,

15 Regional Sport 226 Club development workshops conducted engaging over 2,000 clubs 530 clubs assisted with targeted support. Winner 2012 Innovation in Sport Award for a vicsport affiliate. 30,000+ unique users of the site 555,000 hits to the site 1,274 Assessments completed by over 700 sporting clubs across 60 different sports. In Regional Victoria; 1,038 clubs in the Good Sports program are supported by Regional Sports Assemblies. 560 of these are Level 3 clubs. These Level 3 clubs account for 48% of the overall Victorian total. COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS & Achievements 15

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