On Saturday, May 18, 2024, SportWest’s True Sport team delivered a powerful presentation at the Volleyball WA Clubs Conference, held at the Metro Hotel in South Perth. The session focused on two essential areas of community sport and key initiatives: True Sport Child Safeguarding Initiative and True Sport Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Club leaders, coaches, and volunteers were guided through practical strategies to create safer, more inclusive environments for young athletes. The presentation emphasised the importance of respectful sideline behaviour, proactive safeguarding policies, and mental health support systems that empower athletes both on and off the volleyball court.
Using True Sport’s values-based framework, the session explored how principles such as Support, Protect, Opportunity, Respect and Transform can be embedded into club culture to foster resilience, trust, and long-term engagement.
Attendees also received an overview of the services and resources available to Volleyball WA affiliated clubs through SportWest membership, including:
- True Sport safeguarding and wellbeing toolkits
- Support for policy development and implementation
- Mental health awareness campaigns and support services such as Employee and Volunteer Assistance Program
- Inclusion and diversity resources
- Advocacy and representation at state and national levels
The presentation left attendees with a renewed understanding of how sport can be a platform for nurturing not just athletic talent, but strong, healthy, and respectful individuals.
The presentation reinforced True Sport’s commitment to helping clubs create safe, inclusive, and values-driven environments. It was a powerful reminder that sport is not just about competition - it’s about connection, character, and community.
For more information or to request a presentation on True Sport for your sport or recreation organisation, contact the True Sport team via email truesport@sportwest.com.au
