Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Local Government's crucial role in community sport and recreation

The Australian Sports Commission is the national government body responsible for the funding and development of sport at all levels in Australia. This is done in cooperation with other key players in the sport and recreation industry. In continually monitoring and assessing this industry, the Commission has identified that Local Government is the largest provider of sport and recreation programs and facilities in Australia.

In response to this, the Commission established the Local Government Sport and Recreation project with the view to developing a coordinated approach between Local Government authorities, the Commission and other relevant key agencies involved in community sport and recreation experiences. Local Government has a crucial role to play in ensuring there are greater opportunities for communities to become more physically active.

The purpose of this supplement is to assist that process by providing an overview of the Australian Sports Commission, its programs and products, and to develop worthwhile linkages between the Commission and the community services and leisure opportunities available to local Councils throughout Australia.

Your council is encouraged to consider the array of programs and opportunities presented as a first step towards improving the quality of sport and recreation experiences available for your community. One of the major initiatives in this area relates to a new participation concept called Active Australia.

Active Australia is all about getting Australians up and active, whether that means going for a walk, cycling with the family, joining a health club or being involved in the many sport and recreation opportunities on offer.

Its basis is a national participation framework - a shared approach by a range of different organisations aimed at getting Australians involved in quality physical activity. The framework provides a common language and direction for these organisations to work together in making a healthier, happier nation.

Active Australia focuses on two main areas - encouraging people to be more physically active, and working to improve the places where people can be active. These places include sport, recreation and fitness clubs and organisations, as well as schools, local parks and areas where we can walk or cycle.

For Local Government, Active Australia is about changing attitudes and practices to sport and recreation provision in Local Government networks. The information contained in this supplement will provide your Council with many ideas and contacts to develop further the Active Australia concept in your local community.

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