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 community sports members 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’re pleased to be able to partner with the Road Safety Commission to deliver a range of initiatives aimed at safe driving practices through sport in the WA community”, said SportWest CEO Troy Kirkham.
“Sport can be an incredibly powerful vehicle for positive change in communities right across Western Australia, and we’re looking forward to working with our members and their clubs to ensure sport can have the positive influence this challenge needs”, said Kirkham.
The partnership will see several initiatives rolled out between now and June 2028 including a “Road Safety Club Rewards Program”, a “Captain’s Club” and a “Road Safety Ambassador Program”. SportWest will also introduce a new category to the WA Sport Awards recognising the Road Safety Advocate of the Year to highlight individuals or clubs that excel in promoting road safety.
Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner said he is excited to partner with SportWest over the coming years.
“SportWest is in a unique position to reach and influence the behaviour of thousands of Western Australians who come together through their love of sport and I’m confident that the planned initiatives under this partnership will make more journeys safe”, Mr Warner said.
Wednesday 2 April 2025
For more information
Please contact SportWest Communications Manager, Bronte Vause via email at brontevause@sportwest.com.ay or Member and Partnerships Manager, Matt Bamford via email at mattbamford@sportwest.com.au
