MORE SPORTS CARNIVALS, and the appointment and re-location of a new Indigenous Sports Development Officer, are the immediate and exciting outcomes of major reviews into the services and opportunities available to Indigenous communities throughout the Western Desert.
The first thrust at improving the delivery of sports in the region was resolved during an extensive teleconference in May and sees at least four sports carnivals held before the end of the year.

The second prong in the plan to improve participation and skill levels in a range of sports and recreational pursuits is the appointment of an Indigenous Sports Development Officer, to be based at Telfer.
The new schedule of three-day sports carnivals saw Nullagine host the first, in June, with subsequent carnivals held in Punmu in July, Parnngurr in late August, and Jigalong in October. Most of the carnivals will be held during school holidays and plans are in hand to minimise disruption to normal school activities.
The number of carnivals will be increased next year, with Warralong added to the list as a host community.
The carnivals feature round-robin and championship games of football and softball, together with recreational activities and the trialing of a musical festival.
Telfer’s Community Relations Superintendent Leon van Erp said the increased number of sports carnivals to be held each year was the preferred option of several community leaders who participated in the extensive discussions, together with representatives from community schools, the police, the Healthy Lifestyle program, and Newcrest.
“We have seen much input from a broad range of people who have a stake in improving opportunities for participants in sports and recreational activities, and how we best deliver what they want and need,” Leon said.

Telfer-based ISDO

The decision to base the new Indigenous Sports Development Officer at Telfer is expected to deliver more frequent and effective support to participants.
“Geographically, it makes more sense to have the officer based at Telfer,” Leon said.
“This is a good example of the strong level of cooperation that has been developed between Newcrest and the Department of Sport and Recreation over several years.
“It is more practical to travel to each of the communities from Telfer as the home base rather than to start those journeys from Newman, which had been the case previously.
“Each of these communities will see the ISDO more often, and they will reap the benefits.
“And, importantly, we expect the new Telfer-based ISDO to offer a wealth of experience and skills to share with the people in the communities and aspiring sports men and women.”
The appointment of the new ISDO is expected to be made shortly.