The Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) and Curtin University of Technology have jointly established a specialist research centre in sport and recreation.
Based at the university’s Bentley campus, the Centre for Sport and Recreation Research is believed to be the first in Australia and was launched today by Sport and Recreation Minister John Kobelke.
The Minister said the centre would adopt an evidence-based approach to investigating current and emerging issues within the sport and recreation industry.
“Having a centre for research based at the university under the leadership of Curtin research professionals, working with DSR staff, is a significant step for sport and recreation, not only in Western Australia, but nationally,” Mr Kobelke said.
“While Australia already has a strong tradition in research associated with sport and recreation, this had tended to focus in such areas as sports science, sports medicine, sports performance and sports management.
“The Centre for Sport and Recreation Research will help to meet a need identified by the department for outcomes-based research in a number of areas not covered by the traditional disciplines.”
The Minister said DSR had been developing a sport and recreation structure that was relevant to the significantly changing demographics and lifestyles of Western Australians of all ages and at all levels of participation.
“WA is facing new challenges from environmental issues, population growth, demographic shifts and servicing the needs of our indigenous people. These challenges will impact upon the fields of sport and recreation, as they will on other sectors of society,” he said.
“The centre will provide sound and informed advice to Government, industry and the community on major strategic issues affecting sport and recreation.”
Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket welcomed the support of the Minister and DSR for the Centre for Sport and Recreation Research.
“The centre will be a focal point for applied research collaborations of strategic significance that will benefit DSR, the university and the wider community,”
Professor Hacket said.
“It will bring together expertise from academics and research students across Curtin in key areas such as of health, humanities, sustainability, science and business.
“We look forward to working closely with DSR on innovative research projects into some of the new challenges and opportunities facing sport and recreation in WA.”
DSR will give $120,000 a year for three years to the centre and a further $30,000 a year to support its research.
Curtin will contribute an additional $50,000 a year, up to $50,000 of in-kind office accommodation and administration support, and additional in-kind research time.
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