The Road Safety Commission and SportWest have entered into a partnership targeting new innovations to reduce the instances of road trauma on Western Australia’s roads.
The partnership aims to change the road safety culture and behaviours of sports members and the broader community by integrating education, behaviour change initiatives and community support to build a lasting impact on road safety culture across the WA sporting community and broader population.
Road trauma continues to cost WA over $2 billion each year in economic terms but the social and emotional cost to the family, friends and wider communities impacted by death and serious injury on our roads is immeasurable.
With 186 deaths on WA roads in 2024, the Road Safety Commission is looking for new ways to change behaviour, particularly among young men who are overrepresented in road safety statistics.
We know that funding opportunities often come with extensive administration processes and we don’t want this to be a burden for you so we’ve kept it simple! If you or your organisation would like to be involved in Best on Road you can just send us an email to callumwarner@sportwest.com.au expressing your interest and we will reach out for a conversation. Don’t miss this opportunity to improve club and community culture around safety as well as organisational sustainability through the funding available.
The first initiative, the Best on Road Club Rewards Program, is designed for clubs, state sporting associations or other organisations, to support promoting road safety education and safe driving practices. Under this program, participating organisations will receive funding to implement a series of initiatives aimed at fostering awareness and responsible driving behaviours within their communities.
Example activities may include displaying educational materials, organising workshops, hosting awareness events. Funding is also available for State Sporting Associations or other organisations that would like to play purely a facilitation role in engaging their clubs with initiatives.
Within every club and team, there are individuals who lead—not just by their skills on the field, but by their actions, their values, and the way they inspire those around them. Our second Initiative, The Captains Club is about harnessing that natural leadership and using it to drive meaningful change. If you are, or know of, an individual who would like to play a role in positively impacting behvour and culture within their club, this The Captains Club is for you.
The Captains Club is designed to educate and train athletes and other people involved in community sport who will take on the responsibility of becoming peer educators. In return, financial stipends will be provided to people for involvement. We will provide education and resources on road safety and safe driving practices, so that individuals can return to their clubs, and teams to share that knowledge, shape values, and reinforce a culture of safety.
We know that community clubs contribute to the fabric of communities across Western Australia. And we want to make sure the good work of SportWest Members and their clubs can be recognised and celebrated in front of every part of our industry.
The WA Sport Awards is presented early in each year, and a new addition to the program will be the Road Safety Commission Best on Road Award, highlighting individuals or organisations that excel in promoting road safety.
The event is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the ways that sporting clubs lead positive change on the culture and behaviour of road users to help make WA roads safer.
We can’t wait to share the stories of our SportWest Members and their clubs, and how they’re driving change for the better among their members and the broader communities where they operate.
The final component of this partnership is the Best on Road Ambassador Program — a vital initiative that extends the reach and impact of our road safety efforts.
Through this program, we will identify and train influential sport people who have the ability to inspire others and lead by example. These ambassadors will not only serve as role models, but they will also play a key role in supporting The Captains Club, reinforcing the message of road safety among young athletes.
Ambassadors will help spread awareness through public messaging. By empowering well-respected leaders to champion this cause, we are ensuring that road safety becomes more than just a campaign — it becomes a lasting movement that inspires real change within our communities.
Together, through education, leadership, and peer influence, we can create a culture where safety is second nature — on and off the road.
Are you or your Club or Organisation wanting to get involved in the Best on Road Program, complete the below Expression of Interest Form.
Just want more information? Reach out to our team via email at callumwarner@sportwest.com.au
Best on Road is a partnership between SportWest and the Road Safety Commission, designed to change road safety culture and behaviours in the WA sporting community. It integrates education, leadership, and community engagement to promote safe driving as part of being a great teammate and leader.
We aim to reduce risky driving behaviours, build positive club culture around road safety, educate young sports participants, and recognise road safety advocacy through the WA Sport Awards.
Sport reaches deeply into WA communities and engages a large proportion of young people aged 15–29 — a group overrepresented in road trauma statistics. Sport provides a powerful platform for cultural change and peer influence.
SportWest leads the delivery of the Best on Road program, manages partnerships, coordinates funding and activations, and supports clubs, associations, and ambassadors in implementing road safety initiatives.
Funding varies by initiative and is assessed on a case-by-case basis. For example:
The current partnership runs until 30 June 2028.
Yes — each financial year unlocks a new portion of funding available to organisations and individuals.
Funding is open on an ongoing basis. Proposals are assessed as they are developed.
Positive road safety behaviours, leadership through sport, community engagement, and cultural change. Key focus areas include the “Fatal 5”, peer education, and club-level activations.
Simply reach out for a discussion to callumwarner@sportwest.com.au or fill out Expression of Interest Form above.
Initiatives that are practical, community-led, and aligned with road safety messaging. Clubs should demonstrate leadership, creativity, and a commitment to cultural change.
Yes. We can assist with providing this information through guidelines and e-learning.
Acquittal requirements will be agreed upon in writing prior to funding being committed.
A funding initiative that rewards clubs for engaging in road safety education and safe driving practices.
Participate in approved road safety activities, display educational materials, promote safe driving, and report on outcomes.
We’re happy to help you develop a proposed initiative, and the Expression of Interest Form above is one way of formulating how you could be involved, but ultimately we will need:
Whole-of-club engagement, leadership from club officials, creative activations, and alignment with Best on Road messaging.
A leadership initiative where people involved in community sport are trained in road safety and empowered to educate or influence their peers.
Lead by example and/or promote safe driving and/or run club-level activations and/or speak at events and/or reinforce Best on Road messaging.
No — under 18s can participate, with parental engagement and support.
Yes. Under 18s will be supported through parent engagement.
The program is designed to be flexible to suit you. Time commitment can be as minimal or involved as you wish it to be. Captains Club education is delivered via eLearning and can be completed as suits the individual.
Yes — clubs may have as many reps as desired.
Yes — webinars, online discussions, and peer support are planned.
Yes — branded materials, messaging guides, posters, and digital assets are available.
A program that trains influential athletes and community leaders to promote road safety and support initiatives like the Captains Club.
High-profile athletes, respected community figures, and leaders selected for their influence and alignment with Best on Road values.
Promote safe driving, support club activations, speak at events, and reinforce key messages.
Yes — any road safety initiative may be eligible if aligned with Best on Road values.
Finalists will be recognised at the WA Sport Awards. Further details on recognition and benefits will be provided.
Attendance is encouraged but not mandatory. Finalists may be invited to participate in promotional activities.
