Bob Kucera

Bob Kucera

Former Minister for Disability Services; Sport and Recreation; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests; Seniors

    Herb Elliott to help chart WA sport and recreation future

    18/08/2005 12:00 AM
     
    18/08/05

    Olympic legend Herb Elliott is to head up a group charged with setting the course for sport and recreation for the next three years, Sport and Recreation Minister Bob Kucera said today.

    Mr Kucera said that the reference group would develop SD4 - Strategic Directions for Western Australia Sport and Recreation 2006-2008.

    “SD4 will be the framework for sport and recreation in WA over the next three years and will help to build a stronger and more sustainable future for Western Australian sport and recreation,” he said.

    “As well as his success as an athlete, Herb Elliott has had a diverse career in sport and recreation as an administrator, board member and sports company CEO.

    “He is widely respected in the industry and most recently headed an inquiry into the way ahead for Athletics Australia.”

    Mr Kucera said SD4 would be the fourth in a series of sport and recreation industry strategic directions documents that had been the catalyst for significant industry developments.

    “Each of these documents has set a series of challenges for the sport and recreation industry over each three-year period since 1997,” he said.

    “As a result, WA now has the Premier’s Physical Activity Taskforce, the State Sporting Facilities Plan, the creation of industry specific tools such as risk management assessment programs, the Club Development Scheme, volunteer management programs, sports houses in many regional areas, and improved partnerships with local government, community and industry groups."

    The Minister said the reference group included industry representatives and community leaders with a wide range of industry knowledge.

    Other members of the reference group are:
    • Ron Alexander (deputy chair), director general, Department of Sport and Recreation;
    • Simon Beaumont, ABC 720 Radio program producer;
    • Chris Hewitt, lawyer, president Triathlon Australia;
    • Sue Jones, CEO Gascoyne Development Commission;
    • Steve Mason, executive director, Active Alliance;
    • Anne McAllister, director Recreation Services, Melville Council;
    • Alex McKenzie, CEO Royal Life Saving Society, WA;
    • Jenny Morris, WA Institute of Sport board member;
    • Prof. Dani Stehlik, Curtin University, Research Centre for Stronger Communities;
    • Marion Tye, consultant, Technology and Business development; and
    • Bob Welch, executive director, WA Sports Federation.
    Mr Kucera said he looked forward to the industry’s involvement in the consultation process so that everyone could play a part in the Gallop Government’s aim to improve the quality of services and protect our unique sporting lifestyle.

    The Department of Sport and Recreation would provide the administrative support to the reference group and would co-ordinate the consultation process.

    More information can be obtained at http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/sd4

    Minister’s office: 9213 7000