Get ahead of the game with 2021 Sports Forum

The Central Highlands Sports Forum is off the bench and back for another year, with a knock-out line-up of presenters ready to help local clubs reach their full potential both on and off the field.

Traditionally focused on club development and governance, this year’s event has been expanded to incorporate a variety of topics including nutrition, inclusivity, and exercise physiology.

Accredited exercise physiologist Grant Hancock from Tracy Taylor Physiotherapy said he was looking forward to sharing his knowledge with sporting and recreation groups from across the region.

‘As part of my job I provide movement-based therapy for people with chronic disease, injury and disability,’ he said.

‘That’s one part of my job. I’m also accredited as an exercise scientist, and this side of the job focuses more on the sport performance and athletic development.

‘What I’m going to be presenting at the forum is a bit of an introductory to strength and conditioning. I’ll be going over what it is, why it might be important for your club, the difference between age groups and sports, and I’ll give you some example programs, exercises you might use and templates you can work from.’

Grant said he believed a healthy sport and recreation club should always be driven by improvement, taking advantage of opportunities like the forum to learn and thrive.

‘There should be a team at the top who are always seeking ways to improve the club they’re at,’ he said.

‘I’m also big on community involvement. Everyone knows the clubs around town are built on the volunteers. Getting out there and getting as much community involvement back into the club is what I think makes for a healthy club.’

Mayor Kerry Hayes said the forum was packed with vital information for club personnel looking for ways to be more efficient and sustainable.

‘Our sport and recreation clubs are part of what makes living in the Highlands so great, but without the right tools to properly manage their facilities, their members and their books, they can run into big problems,’ he said.

‘We offer this free forum each year to upskill the people who are the backbone of these clubs, so that they can ensure their clubs are here tomorrow, and the next day, and well into the future.’

The forum is a free event and will be held at the Emerald McIndoe Function Centre from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on Sunday 16 May 2021. Catering provided.

Presentations include:

Spaces are limited. To register your spot, head to our Eventbrite page here.