Explore firsthand accounts of how we've supported our members in their endeavors to promote the values of True Sport in their sporting communities.
"The True Sport Program by Sport West stands as a testament to the power of collaboration within the sporting community. Built by industry for industry, it offers invaluable resources to support all sports. This initiative plays a pivotal role in making every aspect of sport safer and more enjoyable, ensuring that everyone involved can thrive in a positive and supportive environment."
- Rob Kennedy, Badminton WA
"True Sport is considered by our Foundation as a vital partner and a core supporter of our work. Our organisation is a charity with five staff and a growing volunteer base. The expertly curated programs, services and initiatives that True Sport offers the Western Australian sporting community therefore serve as a critical aid. Utilising these offerings and the support of True Sport staff has significantly enhanced our capacity to support our participants and create a positive sporting environment for the communities we serve."
- Brent Hedley, Executive Manager Country Football, WA Football
Mental Health & Wellbeing Testimonials
"Attending the half day True Sport Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshop facilitated by the Mental Health Project and SportWest was extremely beneficial and I would encourage anyone looking to enhance their understanding of mental health and improve their knowledge of how to support others mental health to attend future workshops. The content was relevant, engaging and attendees left with tangible actions to take back to their organisations to implement. A highlight for me was the overview of the mental health champion role, what’s required and how you can support your own and others mental health."
- Daniel Murphy, WA Country Football
"The True Sport Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshop provided an empowering and engaging space for participants to learn, share and connect with like-minded professionals. It was facilitated by a highly inspiring female psychologist, mother-of-four and professional athlete whose delivery style was calm, considered, concise and clear. I recommend anyone who cares about positive and supportive cultures in sporting clubs and organisations to become part of the Champion's Network as an active opportunity to up-skill and lighten your load by collaborating in a collective group. Together, we can continue to improve the mental health and wellbeing for all athletes, employees, and volunteers across all codes, ages, genders and levels of competition in WA sport."
- Brooke Johns, Community Sport Volunteer
“E-Learning, Workshops, and the Mental Health Champions Network Event provide a robust platform for all Sports to learn more about Mental Health & Well Being initiatives, and to apply the knowledge supplied both in person, at forums, and through online resources to help our athletes and their support network navigate and manage issues that may arise around mental health."
- Denise McMillian, Bowls WA
"The first Mental Health Champions Network session was fantastic. Tom from Tomorrow Architects delivered an impactful and practical workshop, equipping attendees with skills and activities applicable across various environments, from workplaces to sporting clubs and social settings. The session was thought-provoking, challenging, and ultimately rewarding. It's encouraging to see SportWest spearheading professional development sessions like this whilst not only offering a platform for learning and upskilling but also for connecting with industry peers from other sporting organisations."
- Hockey WA
Child Safeguarding Testimonials
"I appreciate the way the assessment is structured and how easy it is to use and apply."
- Anonymous, Child Safeguarding Workshop Attendee
"Fantastic presenter and the documents provided are so easy to follow and break down the overwhelming work load. I really think it’s great work and very much appreciate the effort put into making our life easier by providing these templates."
- Anonymous, Child Safeguarding Workshop Attendee
[The workshop was a] "great opportunity to network and understand the challenges other organisations have and also share experiences and positive practices they are adopting in their organisations (small or large) to address these important areas" [of child safeguarding in sport].
- Anonymous, Child Safeguarding Workshop Attendee
Sideline Behaviour Testimonials
"The True Sport message is really powerful, so thinking about how your words make someone feel; if we all work together and we're all more positive, then we get a better outcome."
- Eliza Cole, Diving WA
"We all choose to be involved in community sport because of the fun and enjoyment aspect. We have a responsibility as a community and sporting industry to allow their participants to play sport in a safe and inclusive environment. I feel what True Sport have been able to deliver in this space is a hub that provides not only education, resources but just an awareness for the community that as a state sporting body we can redirect them to."
- Shayley McGurk Davy, Hockey WA
"The reality is sometimes passion does boil over and we see things that don't quite meet our standards, let's have the confidence to call them out, and let's also show people what good looks like and where we're shooting for. What I thinks great about True Sport and the SportWest (Sideline Behaviour) initiative is that its providing those resources and the infrastructure to support clubs regarding not just their physical but their mental health."
- Sam Birmingham, Perth Football League
"Negative sideline behaviour tends to influence (kids') interaction with the sport and makes them want to not be involved. True Sport's message is really important because for me it's a really beneficial resource to make sure I'm supporting the kids to make sure they're enjoying the experience, but also teaching the parents."
- Janine Kaye, Triathlon WA
UWA Evaluation & Future Initiative Framework Testimonials
“I’ve been thoroughly impressed by the work and achievements of SportWest with the True Sport initiative. In our role providing independent evaluation support for the True Sport brand and initiatives, I’ve seen SportWest develop and deliver an innovative, sector-leading program that’s built on and responsive to needs identified by the WA sport community. The initiatives that SportWest are delivering are timely and promise to have substantial reach across WA through our State Sporting Associations—True Sport places WA at the front of the pack in terms of providing support for sporting organisations, clubs, volunteers, and participants. SportWest’s commitment to rigorous evaluation not only demonstrates their desire to deliver high-quality initiatives with tangible benefits, but also shows their focus on program strategy and sustainability. The early data we have regarding their Mental Health & Wellbeing initiative show that program elements are very well received by our State Sporting Associations, and are supporting positive change in (among other things) knowledge, confidence, and proactive planning around mental health, mental illness, and critical events. I applaud SportWest for taking the lead in tackling these challenges, and for their support for all of WA’s sporting organisations—I hope SportWest’s pioneering work will stimulate similar efforts across the country.”
- Professor Ben Jackson, University of Western Australia