WAFC recognised with industry award

The West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) was recognised at the 2018 Sport and Recreation Industry Awards this morning for its Aboriginal Sports Weekend, run in partnership with Netball WA.

The annual Aboriginal Sports Weekend, which encompasses the Nicky Winmar Cup, the Kirby Bentley Cup and the Aboriginal Youth Netball Gala Day, was announced as the Community Event of the Year at this morning’s (August 8) award presentation.

WAFC Executive Manager Engagement and Community Football, Troy Kirkham, said the award was great recognition for a significant community program that not only enhanced participation pathways, but was extremely important in the development of Aboriginal coaches, umpires, administrators and mentors.

“The success of Western Australia in the National Kickstart Championships, which we have won for eight consecutive years, is largely driven by the development of players, coaches and support staff through the Nicky Winmar and the Kirby Bentley Cups,” he said.

“The collaboration between the WAFC and Netball WA is also one that continues to highlight the work of both sports in the participation and engagement space, and the positive community outcomes that can be achieved by sports working together.

“Congratulations to everyone that has been involved in the event over the past few years as it has grown into a significant program that connects and enhances the WA community.”

The WA Sport and Recreation Industry Awards are recognised as the premier accolade for any organisation in the industry. Held every two years, the awards recognise innovation and exceptional achievement across all areas of sport and recreation in Western Australia with award categories including:

• Organisational Excellence
• Commitment to Participation
• Places and Spaces: Planning and Design
• Supporting Volunteers
• Regional Excellence
• Event of the Year – Community
• Event of the Year – Professional
• True Sport
• Innovation in Practice

The WAFC was also a finalist for the Supporting Volunteers Award and the Innovation in Practice Award.

Photo (L-R): Executive Manager Engagement and Community Football Troy Kirkham, Director General at the Department of Local Government, Sports and Cultural Industries Duncan Ord, and General Manager Community Netball Liz Booth.