Gippslanders are being encouraged to share their views about sport, including how it is funded and the available infrastructure, to help shape the National Sports Plan.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said it was important that people from Gippsland took part in the consultation process to help steer the long-term future direction of sport for the nation.
“Sport is one of the defining characteristics of Australian culture. We band together as a community and as a nation to enjoy our love of physical activity, whether as a participant or a spectator,” said Mr Chester.
“More importantly, participating in sport helps us to be healthier, both physically and mentally.
“We also know that our enjoyment of local sport and our participation in playing sport can unite our diverse and distant communities, serving as a way to improve social well-being and connectedness.
“I think it is important that the challenges facing clubs and sportspeople in regional and rural areas – such as distance, player numbers and their ability to raise funds – are also discussed during this consultation process.”
The plan will become a long-term strategy for the whole of sport examining four key pillars of:
• participation;
• performance;
• prevention through physical activity; and
• integrity.
The consultation process will also explore major sporting events, sports infrastructure, sport governance and funding.
“This consultation phase will close at the end of this month, so I encourage people involved with sport in Gippsland to take part to help ensure their views are considered as the plan is developed,” Mr Chester said.
“Whether you are part of a local sporting club, a parent of children who play sport or interested in physical activity, you can help improve sport at all levels by completing an online survey.”
To complete the survey, visit the National Sports Plan website before July 31 at www.sport.gov.au.
