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Message from the Executive Director
Welcome to the first issue of Actively in Touch for 2018. It promises to be another exciting year in the sport, recreation and physical activity sector with a highlight being the Commonwealth Games being held on the Gold Coast in April.
We have some great stories in this issue, including a fantastic program that was run by Surf Life Saving Tasmania to encourage children with a disability to participate in beach related activities. We are also on the lookout for volunteers to be recognised as part of the Tasmanian Volunteering Awards, so if you know of someone who deserves recognition for the work they do, make sure you nominate them.
We would love to hear from you. If you have something to share about sport, recreation or physical activity, please get in touch with us at sportrec@dpac.tas.gov.au
Kate Kent
Executive Director, Communities, Sport and Recreation
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Excitement builds for Tasmanian athletes
With only six weeks until the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Tasmania currently has four athletes selected.
All four will be making their first appearance at a Commonwealth Games.
Jake Birtwhistle (triathlon), Rebecca Van Asch (lawn bowls), Kaitlyn Fassina (weightlifting) and Stewart McSweyn (athletics - 10,000m) are finalising their preparations for the week-long event.
With the possibility of more Tasmanians being selected in the coming weeks, it promises to be an exciting games.
For more information on the athletes and the games, visit the Commonwealth Games website.
Photo: Rebecca Van Asch
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Geeveston Bowls Club recognised for their tireless efforts
The Geeveston Bowls Club have been acknowledged as a state finalist by Good Sports in Tasmania for their efforts in seeking improvements in all corners of the club.
Geeveston has adopted a number of positive initiatives in conjunction with Regional Bowls Manager, Simon Morrison, including raising the club's accreditation from Level 1 to 3, and receiving $54 000 in funding to repair a leaking roof and to upgrade the kitchen and flooring.
Liz, the secretary of the club, was praised for her tireless efforts in continuing to search for improvement. The next project will be umbrella shades for bowlers.
A member since 1979, Liz is as invested in the club as anyone, proud of what Geeveston does and how it contributes to the community.
"We make sure everyone is ok and gets home safe. We are a place to meet, and it's not snobby. People come back for the banter and the camaraderie" she said.
The club has changed over the years, with many more women playing than they did before and many of them bringing their kids or grandkids along.
The club has adopted a family-friendly approach and adheres to the Good Sports Alcohol Management Policy.
Geeveston Bowls Club is an important part of its community, recognised by Good Sports because of its continued dedication and commitment to providing a safe, well-managed and family-friendly club.
If you would like to know more about how Good Sports can assist your club visit the website.
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Tasmanian Inclusion Futsal Team
The Football Federation Australia (FFA) National Futsal Championships were held at the AIS in Canberra in early January, with Tasmania once again thrilled to be able to field a strong team.
Coordinated by New Horizons Club, coached by Steve Ockerby and managed by Lorna Wilson, the team comprised captain Justin Nilon, Brodie Leslie, Selby Krushka, Zane Cornelius, Jess Holmes, Alan Dengate and Tim Dixon.
Despite Tasmania being knocked out of the elimination final by South Australia and finishing fifth, the team were very happy with its result.
General Manager of New Horizon's, Belinda Kitto said the carnival is "one of the best examples of inclusive sport in action in Australia".
"It's a particularly inspiring opportunity for footballers with an intellectual disability. The trip to the carnival offers so much more than just competition though. We see great outcomes of increased independence, improved life skills, confidence and new friendships emerge."
Photo: Tasmanian inclusion futsal team
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Talent search for Rowers at Putalina Festival
The annual Putalina Festival at Oyster Cove showcases some of the best musical talent from the Tasmanian Aboriginal community. At this year's festival, Rowing Tasmania provided its athlete testing trailer to look for Tasmania's next generation of rowers.
The athlete testing trailer measures leg strength, upper body push strength, upper body pull strength and cardiovascular endurance. Based on results, people can see how they compare to state and national rowers at the same age. It is regularly used to assess the performance of junior state rowers as well as identify people with great potential for rowing.
There was a lot of friendly rivalry as friends and family attempted to outdo each other in both strength and endurance.
Grant Pryor, Rowing Tasmania's State Development and Pathway Officer, said that while the testing trailer was in high demand in secondary schools across the state, it was rare that the general public would have the opportunity to be tested.
Results revealed that there was a lot of rowing potential at the festival. The enthusiasm, enjoyment and eagerness to excel at this activity made it clear that rowing is a great sport with appeal for people of all ages.
For more information or to get involved in rowing, contact Rowing Tasmania.
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Healthy Tasmania Community Challenge
Healthy Tasmania is inviting you to participate in Australia's annual Neighbour Day, which encourages connection among local residents.
Neighbour Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in March each year and events can be held on any day within a couple of weeks of 25 March 2018.
The event can be as simple or as wide-reaching as you like!
The Healthy Tasmania Challenge promotes everyday activities and provides programs and incentives to encourage participation.
By registering for the Healthy Tasmania Community Challenge, you can win $5 000 for your community group or charity of choice.
Just email ahealthytasmania@dhhs.tas.gov.au by 13 April 2018 to:
- Tell us about your group and your Neighbour Day event (500 word max)
- Attach pictures to show how you've added healthy foods and/or incorporated physical activity into your event
- Tell us how you would spend the $5 000 in your town or to which charitable organisation you would donate it.
For more information visit the Healthy Tasmania portal
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Nippers Program for Children with Disability
During the last 12 months, Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST) has been working with other states, clubs and organisations within the disability sector to provide Tasmanians with the opportunity to be part of the Starfish Nippers Program that enables children with a disability to take part in swimming, catching waves, beach runs and exercise just like surf lifesavers.
The program was held in January over two days at Long Beach, Sandy Bay with fourteen children successfully completing the program with the support of twenty lifesavers who volunteered their time to work with the children.
Leanne Johannesen, Manager of Training and Community Programs for SLST said "We want to give all Tasmanians the ability to access the water and support them on that journey so the beach is an enjoyable place instead of being perceived as unsafe."
Bridget Fasnacht, Program Coordinator (SLST) said "The program was an absolute success and there was so much positive feedback from the parents. It is so rewarding being able to see the children having so much fun and to see Tasmanian surf lifesavers being part of something new."
A grant awarded in 2017 from the Allport Bequest meant SLST were able to purchase equipment to run this program. A beach wheelchair was also provided through support from the Hobart City Council.
Plans are underway to get Starfish Nippers rolled out in other areas in the state. To register your interest or for further information on the program, please contact Leanne on (03) 6222 6555 or at ljohannesen@slst.asn.au.
You can find out more information on the program on the Surf Lifesaving Tasmania website.
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Get Active
Being active is important at every stage of life and age is no barrier to getting active.
Being a member of an active community provides many physical, economic and social benefits. You can become more involved in your community, meet new friends, reduce your risk of health problems and enjoy an active lifestyle.
Communities, Sport and Recreation aims to create opportunities for all Tasmanians to enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.
The Get Active booklets provide many ideas for older adults to be active and social in their regional area, whether it be gardening, playing tennis or bowls, dragon boating or joining an interest group. The booklets have something to suit a wide range of interests and abilities.
Get Active in the North 2018 and Get Active in the North West 2018 are now available from local libraries, councils, information centres and Service Tasmania outlets.
There is also an online version available on the Get Moving Tasmania website
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2018 Tasmanian Volunteering Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2018 Tasmanian Volunteering Awards.
The awards program is entering its third year, and is an initiative of Volunteering Tasmania.
Tasmanians volunteer 7.1 million hours each year with a value of $4.9 billion annually to the Tasmanian community.
The awards aim to recognise and reward the contribution of those who exhibit excellence in volunteering.
There are nine categories and the 'Premier's Volunteer of the Year Award', which is awarded to one of the winners of the individual categories. The individual categories are:
- Arts, Heritage and Tourism
- Community Care and Health
- Education, Science and Technology
- Emergency Services
- Environment, Animal Care and Conservation
- Sport and Recreation
- Volunteer Group or Program
- Excellence Award - for best practice in volunteer management
- Corporate Award - for an employee volunteering program
Help celebrate the volunteers in our community by nominating someone amazing.
Nominations close on Friday 2 March 2018.
For further information, or to access the nomination form, selection criteria or award terms and conditions, visit the Volunteering Tasmania website.
Photo: Kate Kent, Executive Director, Communities, Sport and Recreation, Shaun Donohue, 2017 Sport and Recreation Award winner and Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AC, Governor of Tasmania.
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Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) Workshop - South
MPIOs are a proactive way of managing the rights of members in your sport. Having a dedicated person who is well versed with your sport's member protection policy can be a pre-emptive strategy in managing concerns, complaints or member protection matters.
MPIOs advise club members on their rights and can provide guidance on complaint procedures. Every sport should consider having at least one trained MPIO in each region. Larger sports may require more. There are three steps to becoming a nationally accredited MPIO:
- Complete an online MPIO training course through the Play by the Rules learning portal
- Complete a free of charge face-to-face MPIO workshop run by CSR
- Register as an MPIO nationally through the Play by the Rules website
Communities, Sport and Recreation will be conducting its next MPIO workshop in Hobart on 6 March 2018. Further workshops are planned for the north and north west regions later in the year. Contact Al Adams for further information on (03) 6165 5094.
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State Bike Week
Bicycles are one of the easiest, cheapest and most enjoyable ways to get around and be physically active.
Tasmanians are being encouraged to hop on their bike and be part of State Bike Week from 3 -11 March.
There are a number of events being held in the South, North and North-West during the week including a women on wheels ride, a treasure hunt and an electric bike expo.
For the full range of events and to be involved visit Bicycle Network Tasmania.
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BUPA KidFit Triathlon Series
The Bupa 2018 KidFit triathlon and family run events are a fun way for families to have fun and get active together.
Held across five locations there is an opportunity for everyone to be involved.
- New Norfolk - 24 February 2018
- Lauderdale - 25 February 2018
- Blackmans Bay - 4 March 2018
- Ulverstone - 17 March 2018
- Launceston - 18 March 2018
For more information and to register visit the Bupa KidFit website
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Sports Medicine Australia Courses
Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) are running Level 1 Sports Trainer courses in Tasmania over the next few weeks along with Sports Trainer Re-Accreditation courses.
The sports trainer plays an important role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of participants at sporting clubs. Being a Level 1 Sports Trainer provides an opportunity to upskill in the prevention and management of injuries and qualify to become a Sports Trainer Member with SMA.
Courses are being held in Hobart, Ulverstone and Launceston.
For more information email vic.admin@sma.org.au or phone (03) 9674 8777.
Registration and payment can be made by visiting the Sports Medicine Australia website.
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Save the Date: Parks and Leisure Australia State Conference
Victoria/Tasmanian State Conference
Simonds Stadium in Geelong, Victoria will host the 5th annual state conference for Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) (Victoria/Tasmania) on 1 and 2 May 2018. The event will also include an Awards of Excellence Dinner on the Tuesday night.
For more information visit the conference website or contact Alana Fazackerley at Communities, Sport and Recreation on (03) 6777 2825 or alana.fazackerley@dpac.tas.gov.au.
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