The True Sport Conference, held on Tuesday, 11th June 2024, at Optus Stadium on Whadjuk Noongar land along the beautiful Swan River, brought together over 300 representatives from the Western Australian sporting industry. This inaugural event provided a platform for the WA sporting industry to share ideas, perspectives, and forged connections that will undoubtedly pave the way for a brighter future in community sport.
Powered by SportWest and supported by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, the True Sport Conference focused around three compelling streams, of Child Safeguarding, Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Sideline Behaviour.
The conference kicked off with a powerful keynote by John Worsfold, who emphasized the importance of strong, positive values in building a foundation for a positive culture. Our panel with Kieren Perkins OAM, Emma O’Driscoll and Sharon Wood-Kenney then addressed the broader subject of participation, discussing barriers that need to be overcome to increase involvement in community sports.
The True Sport Conference welcomed guest speakers from across Australia, participating organisations included; Sports Integrity Australia, Victoria University, Play by the Rules, University of Western Australia, Club Respect and the Tomorrow Architects.
SportWest Chair, Liam Twigger said the True Sport Conference message was simple: Everyone. Every sport
Twigger said “True Sport is all about enriching the sporting experience – making community sport fun and safe for all and to strengthen and promote positive cultures within community sporting clubs and environments.”
In a significant highlight, True Sport launched a new website at the conference, featuring a wealth of educational resources designed to support state sport organisations.
