Loddon Shire partners with Sports Focus

Published on 11 December 2015

Loddon Shire and Sports Focus have jumped at the opportunity to join forces to develop and deliver the Loddon Sustainable Clubs Initiative. The Loddon Sustainable Clubs Initiative is a program that is designed to increase the capacity of local sport and recreation clubs and organisations to ensure that they are strong, skilled, resilient, viable and adaptive to change. It will be delivered through specialised one-on-one or small group training sessions conducted in the Shire by Sports Focus during 2016. The initiative is a key recommendation identified in Loddon Shire’s recently completed Recreation Strategy. Loddon Shire Council is currently seeking expressions of interest from 6-8 clubs and organisations wishing to be involved in this new program free of charge.

Cr Neil Beattie, Mayor of Loddon Shire Council, stated “Sport and recreation is of great importance to the Loddon community.  Without local clubs and organisations, it would not be possible to deliver the diversity and quality of sport and recreation opportunities currently available within the Shire.  We want to continue to support our clubs and organisations as best we can to develop individual and tailor made solutions to the challenges that they are facing. We know from the research undertaken during the development of our recreation strategy that a number of clubs and organisations are struggling with issues such as volunteer recruitment, attracting enough junior players, developing social media and a host of other issues related to governance, management and operation of their activities”. 

“We are delighted to develop the Loddon Sustainable Clubs Initiative in partnership with Sports Focus.  The breadth of experience and knowledge that Sports Focus can share with our clubs will be of great value.  It will help clubs to become stronger and more sustainable and at the same time help Loddon Shire to develop healthier and more connected communities.  I encourage any club or organisation that needs a bit of a helping hand to become involved in the program”.

To be a part of the Loddon Sustainable Clubs Initiative, please contact Allan Stobaus, Manager Community and Recreation Development at Loddon Shire Council on 5494 1219 for further details or email astobaus@loddon.vic.gov.au.