We have celebrated some of Australia’s best community sport clubs at this year’s national Good Sports Awards.
Local sporting club representatives from across the country were recognised at the Good Sports Awards ceremony in Melbourne on Monday 19 November, for their commitment to building stronger, healthier and more family-friendly clubs.
“Good Sports is working with more than 9,000 sports clubs across Australia to build healthier and stronger communities by preventing and minimising alcohol and other drug-related harm,” said Federal Sports Minister, Senator Bridget McKenzie.
More nominations were received for this year’s Awards than ever before, with twice as many entries as 2017.
“The Good Sports Awards recognise outstanding local sports clubs, as well as the passionate people within these clubs, that are dedicated to fostering a healthy and inclusive culture for their members and guests,” Senator McKenzie added.
The award winners and finalists are standout Good Sports clubs for going above and beyond the Good Sports program. They have implemented policies around alcohol management, tobacco, safe transport, healthy eating, positive spectator behaviour and/or mental health.
Good Sports supports clubs to role-model positive behaviours and build more inclusive and healthier environments.
In addition to participating in the Good Sports program, many of the Good Sports Awards nominees pride themselves on innovative initiatives that make everyone feel welcome, such as beach education programs for international students and refugees, and a footy boot exchange to reduce the costs of playing.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation, which manages the Good Sports program, praised the Good Sports Awards winners and finalists, calling them community champions.
“The Good Sports Awards winners and finalists are true local leaders. They should feel incredibly proud of their efforts in building stronger and more connected communities,” said Alcohol and Drug Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Erin Lalor.
“Community sporting clubs are becoming healthier and more family-friendly through Good Sports. We invite more clubs to join the program, so they too can benefit,” Dr Lalor said.
“We know running a community sporting club is hard work. That’s why the Good Sports team is committed to guiding clubs through the Good Sports program, making it easier for already busy volunteers to implement,” Dr Lalor added.
The 2018 national Good Sports Award winners are:
National Good Sports Club of the Year//Bluff Point Strathalbyn Cricket Club (WA)
Club Champion of the Year//Dawn Likouresis//Lakeyres Sporting Group (SA)
Healthy Eating Club of the Year//Leichhardt Football Club (Cairns, QLD)
Healthy Minds Club of the Year//Kingston Blues Netball Club (TAS)
nib foundation Junior Club of the Year //All Saints Toongabbie JRLFC (NSW)
Rookie Club of the Year//West Gambier Netball Club (SA)
Tackling Illegal Drugs Club of the Year//University Azzurri Football Club (NT))
The 2018 national Good Sports Award finalists are:
Club Champion of the Year// Wayne Meredith//Barron Trinity Bulls Rugby Union Club (QLD)
Healthy Eating Club of the Year//Wollondilly Junior AFL (NSW)
nib foundation Junior Club of the Year//All Saint Basketball Club (VIC)
Rookie Club of the Year//Grassy Football Club (TAS)
Tackling Illegal Drugs Club of the Year//Barron Trinity Bulls Rugby Union Club (QLD)
The 2018 ‘Good Sports Club of the Year’ state/territory award winners are:
WA//Bluff Point Strathalbyn Cricket Club
ACT//Tuggeranong Netball Association
NSW//Cook Hill Surf Life Saving Club
NT/Palmerston Rugby Union Club
QLD//Bardon Latrobe Football Club
SA//Forestville Hockey Club
TAS//OHA Hockey Club
VIC// Mount Pleasant Football Netball Club
The 2018 ‘Good Sports Club of the Year’ state/territory runners up:
WA//Rockingham Outrigger Canoe Club
ACT//Canberra BMX Club
NSW//Asquith Rugby League Football Club
NT//University Azzuri Football Club
QLD//Carindale Cougars JAFC
SA//Powerblades Dragon Boat Racing Club
TAS//South Launceston Cricket Club
TAS//Weily Park Rockers Cricket Club
VIC//Eltham Lacrosse Club
VIC//Melbourne University Soccer Club
