Sporting clubs and associations from Mandurah and surrounding areas will have the chance to soak up knowledge and garner high quality training at the 2019 Peel Sports Forum later this month.
The event, organised by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, is aimed at equipping the region's sporting bodies with methods to improve their operations.
It will see national and international sports heroes sharing their knowledge with locals.
Spearheaded by lead guest speaker and Fremantle Dockers legend Matthew Pavlich, the forum will zero in on issues affecting grassroots clubs and associations, offering advice on how to garner sponsorship and how to deal with conflict among other items.
Along with hearing about the experiences of Pavlich's glittering 353-game career with the Dockers, attendees will be treated to a panel discussion with wheelchair basketball champion Brad Ness, Peel Thunder star Ben Howlett and Olympic water polo gold medalist Simone Fountain.
Women's marathon swimming world champion Shelley Taylor-Smith will present on the value of leadership, while the West Australia Cricket Association will shine the light on their successful volunteers program.
Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries Peel regional officer Leanne Peebles said the event would target specific issues relating to local athletes and clubs.
"The forum is a unique opportunity for people involved in grassroots sports to get a genuine glimpse at the professional level, and take away anything that could help them improve their club or association," she said.
"Topics like inclusion in sport, how to find sponsors, how to increase the longevity of your club – those are all addressed at the forum and they are all issues that our Peel locals have to deal with."
The annual event has become a staple for those involved in sport in the region, offering a chance to expand their networks.
"We've had such a great response surrounding the forum in recent years and putting this event on is something we really pride ourselves on," Peebles said.
"It's a huge opportunity for us all to grow sport in the region, no matter what code you play, and that's what we're hoping to drive."
The Peel Sports Forum will be held on Friday, March 29 from 9am-2.45am at the Mandurah Offshore Fishing and Sailing Club.
For more information or to register visit dsr.wa.gov.au/peelsportsforum
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
