“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand,” – Nelson Mandela.
Sport plays a key role in connecting communities and bringing people together. Whether it’s a local soccer match, a masters swim meet or kids playing cricket in the park, at a community level, sport breaks down social barriers, builds friendships and develops a sense of belonging. While, on an individual level, the importance of exercise for physical and mental wellbeing cannot be underestimated.
I have been an AFL supporter, player, sponsor and local club president and I understand the value of the camaraderie and sense of belonging that comes with involvement in sport. And, of course, I know from my own personal experience the key role of sport and exercise in improving physical and mental health. I have gone from being hugely overweight, drinking and smoking heavily, never exercising and suffering from depression to getting my weight under control, exercising every day and being fit, happy and healthy. I believe passionately that adults and kids in our community should be encouraged to participate in sport and exercise activities, whether its fitness classes for new mums, getting kids to sign up for their favourite sport or our elite athletes taking their skills to the next level.
If I am elected Mayor of Noosa Shire, I will make it my mission to work closely with all our sporting clubs to understand their individual needs and what Council can do to help strengthen the role they play in the community. Noosa Shire has over seventy not-for-profit sports clubs. That’s a huge number of people in our community who volunteer, support and take part in these clubs. In my 26 years living in Noosa Shire, I have personally been involved with many of these clubs. Some memorable moments include the World Rugby 7’s held at the Noosa Dolphins where I provided strength and conditioning training and access to my gym facilities to the smaller clubs from the South Sea Islands; Guns & Hoses charity AFL game at Noosa Tigers AFC; and more recently being involved in hosting the Port Adelaide AFL team in Noosa for six days. Port Adelaide spent more than $200,000 within our community during their short stay here, on accommodation, restaurants and activities. Just one example of how sport can contribute to the wider Noosa community, boost and support local tourism which, in turn, benefits residents and ratepayers.
A pressing issue is to ensure that our sporting facilities are at a standard that will allow events like these to continue. For some, that means financial investment to upgrade grounds and changing facilities. Accessing grants and funding is key for our sports clubs and Council has a significant role to play here. I believe it is essential that we work to build stronger and better relationships with stakeholders at all levels of community and government to take our sports facilities to a higher standard. The upcoming Olympics in 2032 provides the perfect springboard to achieve this. With sport there are no State or Federal boundaries.
