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THE AUSTRALIAN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018 PRIME MINISTERS’ SPORTING ORATION 2018 theaustralian.com.au 33

Di Toro in 2016 before the Summer Building the Paralympic Games in Rio momentum for crucial change

in law and order, in education, SAM DUNCAN scholastic capability, on a whole range of different fronts,” he said. The inaugural PMSO on “And we felt that these four Wednesday evening brought cause areas really picked up together corporate and pretty much all of the types of philanthropic with issues that our nation universally politicians and policymakers to faces.” raise funds to shape the direction Rose said, as an example, the of investment in grassroots sport. relevance of the leadership and Former prime minister Julia decision-making cause was Gillard’s oration championed evident in the recent cricket ball- the importance of sport for the tampering saga, and as the betterment of the nation. second fattest nation in the The event raised tax- developed world, the need for deductible funds for the physical activity has never been Australian Sports Foundation. more important. Next year, the funds will be He said the profound impact available for grassroots and on the community he’d seen in community sporting the western region of Melbourne organisations to apply for, through the ASF, to support programs that address one or ‘Everyone likes to more of the PMSO’s key cause see a gold areas. Chairman of the PMSO’s medallist, but organising committee, Campbell where do the gold- Rose, said he’d had the idea for medallists start?’ an event like this for more than 20 years. CAMPBELL ROSE “It’s tough to use a sitting PMSO CHAIRMAN prime minister because they’re always managed and controlled in their messaging,” he said. “A previous office holder can after, as chief executive of the speak their mind and say Western Bulldogs, he oversaw Success grows from grassroots something quite controversial.” the rebuilding of facilities gave Recent events in cricket, said him the foundation and insights Rose, highlighted that our nation for the PMSO. was facing a “challenge of “But that’s only just one PMSO ambassador Daniela Di Toro, who starred in six consecutive Paralympic Games, says sport gave her a sense of control after she was paralysed in an accident when she was 13 significant enormity”. microcosm of what needs to be years old. Now she’s an advocate for better access to facilities for all would-be sportspeople: “It’s really about creating a place that says ‘You’re welcome here, and we value you’.” “We live in this sun-drenched done around the country. The country known for its sporting PMSO is giving our country the “like a good golf swing” ten tive role models in society, to she says. “Then we went on and prowess, but in recent years platform to have a debate about Simple steps can months later when she played her speak up and to stand for what we won the state knockout. If it we’ve really lost our way,” he these things,” he said. first Australian Open. believe in: all the important things wasn’t for that champion Mr Cook said. “It starts at home, it starts “What we’re saying is you’ve break down When it comes to funding pri- like equality and inclusion, and year-6 teacher, I wouldn’t be on the sporting field, it starts got to build the base. The cream orities for athletes with a disabili- treating everyone the same no where I am today.” with teamwork, it starts with will float to the top, the elite barriers to ty, Di Toro says the equipment is matter who you are.” There are barriers still, says learning what good athletes will naturally get the participation the most important thing. “It’s Simon gives back to the sport Blackwell, and we need to create sportsmanship is all about, resources to perform. Everyone often expensive and changes as by running soccer clinics for opportunities like Mr Cook did whether you’re a male or a likes to see a gold medallist, but the needs and the ability of the young girls — Kyah Simon Foot- back in 1995. “I mean, two Austra- female.” where do the gold-medallists SAM DUNCAN person using it changes,” she says. ball Clinics, for girls between the lian cricketers were produced The PMSO organising start? They start from a family Accessibility is also an ongoing age of eight and 18. For her, it’s see- from that team.” committee arrived at four cause taking someone and getting concern. At the professional level, ing them empowered as they de- Encouraging though, is recent areas to address what they saw as them involved in sport.” sporting associations generally velop self-confidence that makes data that shows six out of ten new the biggest issues affecting the Rose said we needed the take care of things, but at the it worthwhile. participants in the sport are fe- nation: women and girls in sport; policymakers and decision- grassroots level, the responsibility “Something as simple as teach- male, she says. physical activity; leadership and makers to be bold enough to take often falls on communities, clubs ing them a small drill or skill, you The gender equitable pay decision-making; and diversity a risk worth taking. and schools. can see on their face they’re al- model implemented last year for and inclusion. They were “It’ll take time, we’ve got a few She acknowledges we’ve come most a bit nervous or scared to professional cricketers meant decided upon, Rose said, because prime ministers to do a few a long way since she first confront- fail,” she says. “But when they ex- Blackwell’s pay doubled over- they were specific but also broad speeches,” he said. When 13-year-old Daniela Di ed the frustrations of inaccessible ecute a skill they never thought night. “I’m not sure that it’s hap- enough. “This will be an annual event Toro lay in a hospital bed after a facilities and a world in which the they could, they take that on and pened across enough sports yet,” “We’re a lucky country here, … and I really think we’re going wall fell on her at a school sports media coverage of sports stars like build huge confidence from that.” she says. but we face a whole range of to build a bit of a groundswell carnival, leaving her paralysed her would always inevitably have If Australia wins the bid for the Cricket Australia recently fo- issues that manifest themselves and momentum with this.” from the waist down, sport was the a patronising edge to it. Alex Blackwell is our most Matildas striker Kyah Simon 2023 World Cup, Simon says it cused on trying to bring about “a one thing that gave her a sense of That’s really changed, particu- capped women’s cricketer hopes to be a role model will give so many girls the oppor- groundswell in girls and women’s control and encouraged her to larly since Rio, says Di Toro. tunity to dream. The girls playing participation”, she says, so that the dream about possibilities again. Despite all the progress, access environment, says Di Toro. “It’s ing win gold at at grassroots level now will go on professional game at the pinnacle Within a year, she was repre- remains a real issue, and by this Di really about creating a place that Sydney 2000 that made her want to participate in that World Cup. could be underpinned by the jun- senting the nation at the Austra- Toro doesn’t just mean the play- says ‘you’re welcome here, and we to play for Australia. Like Simon, Alex Blackwell, ior talent coming through. lian Open, an event she first won ing surface. value you’.” She says she developed a thick Australia’s most capped women’s “There’s a little bit of a gap in in 1991. Di Toro went on to be- “There are so many clubs The Federal Government’s skin early on playing soccer in a cricketer with over 250 interna- club level participation still in come world number one and com- where I can’t even get in through National Sport Plan recently league with only one other girl, the tional appearances, grew up play- adult females, but there’s been a peted in six consecutive the front door,” she says. “There highlighted the number of women rest all boys. ing sport in teams that were male- significant change in junior partic- Paralympic Games, five in tennis, might be a gate that’s up two steps playing sport is still low, but for “You’re always isolated being dominated. ipation,” says Blackwell. and one in table tennis at the most or a gate that’s not even big people with a disability it’s even ‘the girl’ when you’re in a male- “It was a good development “In a few years time that wave recent games in Rio. enough.” lower, she says. “When you think dominated sport,” says Simon, ground for resilience,” she says. “I will come through and increase She signed up to be one of four In the first instance, it’s about about the fact that one in five peo- who actually scored five goals in played cricket Saturdays and Sun- the standard and competitive na- ambassadors for the Prime Minis- mindfulness, says Di Toro, also a ple have a disability, that’s a lot of the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. days in 40 plus degree heat.” ture of getting places in those na- ters’ Sporting Oration because, practitioner of Chinese medicine people not being active.” “But I had really good teammates But approaching teenage years, tional and domestic teams that are more than most, she understands and acupuncture. “When you start Like Di Toro, Kyah Simon, a that had my back.” she say the sledging from the boys now professional.” the power of sport. thinking ‘how can we make our striker for the Matildas soccer The experience was character was enough to make her and her Sport can bring cultures to- Di Toro describes the experi- club accessible to anyone: that’s team, represented her country on building, she says. As an twin sister quit the game in Year 5 gether, says Blackwell, who’s cap- ence of first trying to play tennis gender, culture, age, people with the international stage at a very indigenous girl playing soccer in to focus on soccer, where there tain of the Sydney Thunder Big again, this time in a wheelchair, as different levels of ability and dis- young age, making her first ap- western Sydney, Simon learned was less individual attention. Bash team. She says one of her fav- excruciatingly frustrating. ability’, you start thinking differ- pearance for the women’s nation- how sport can facilitate diversity Having quit cricket for good, ourite moments was going out to The 44-year-old says of her ently about ‘where to put that al team as a 16-year-old. and inclusion. Blackwell says it was only because Blacktown recently and seeing first time on the court after her ac- step’.” She was the first indigenous She recalls being on the receiv- of one teacher in her school, when hundreds of girls, many Muslim, cident: “I was in a brace from my But you also need to promote player to score a goal in a World ing end of one racist comment she was in Year 6, who thought playing cricket in their traditional neck all the way down to my pel- the club or facility as accessible, Cup. The 27-year-old can’t say which she dealt with by sticking up there were enough talented girls dress. vis. I couldn’t rotate, bend forward, she says. “If people don’t know it’s how many goals she scored in the for herself and her cultural to warrant starting a girls-only “Cricket as a game is really ac- or to the side. I didn’t know how to accessible, they’re not going to go 2011 and 2015 World Cups, be- background. team, that she got back into the cessible to so many different peo- push a chair, and I was just sitting there.” cause she can’t remember. It sums “It’s a matter of education sport. ple, particularly Muslim women there.” It shouldn’t be limited to physi- up the scale of her accomplish- when it comes to those things,” “This first ever Griffith East who are dressed in a particular In the same breath, she says cal considerations either, access is ments on the big stage. For Simon, she says. “It’s important for people Public School girls team, well we way,” she says. “I just loved seeing Campbell Rose has been thinking about creating an event wheelchair tennis clicked for her also about creating a welcoming it was as an eight-year-old watch- like us, who are trying to be posi- went on and beat our boys team,” that.” to support grassroots sport for more than 20 years

Inaugural Orator: The Hon. AC 27th Prime Minister

Donations to sport are tax deductible pmso.sportsfoundation.org.au

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THE AUSTRALIAN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018 34 theaustralian.com.au PRIME MINISTERS’ SPORTING ORATION 2018 Shaping the direction of grassroots sport

Left: PMSO ambassadors and the former PM: Alex Blackwell, Daniela Di Toro, Julia Gillard, Dyson Heppell, and Kyah Simon. Above: Shadow Sports Minister Don Farrell, Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp, PMSO Patron Susan Alberti, Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie, Gillard, and Olympian Alisa Camplin Right: PMSO chair Mark Stockwell and Olympian Gail Miller Below: Athletes Bianca Chatfield, Kim Brennan, and Laura Geitz. Left: Alberti addresses the room Far left: Gillard is welcomed before delivering her oration.

Fight for Massive ‘Best-kept sporting boost for secret’ for integrity girls’ game our clubs

SAM DUNCAN ERIC GEORGE SAM DUNCAN

Corruption at the top of FIFA, ball- Leanne Eades is trying to be the role The Australian Sports Foundation was tampering in international cricket, model she never had as a keen netbal- created by the federal government in banned substance use in the AFL— all ler growing up in regional Western 1986 and has since helped more than potentially come to mind when think- Australia in the 1970s. 1600 athletes, organisations and sport- ing about how it looks when integrity is Eades remembers being one of only ing clubs, from the grassroots level lost in elite sport. Elisabeth Wilson-Evered a handful of Aboriginal girls in her through to the elite, raise more than Mark Stockwell At the grassroots level of sport noth- team. But now she’s one of a small $350 million to fund their sporting pro- ing is more important than integrity, first take the time with community army of indigenous women rolling out jects and needs. good habits, and I think it’s incredibly but it’s also extremely challenging to sport administrators and leaders at all the state’s Aboriginal Grassroots Net- “It’s the best-kept secret in the good for their state of mind. Sport is safeguard, according to Professor Elis- levels to tease out the issues. Once ball program. country,” according to the ASF’s chair- very calming, you’ve got to have a disci- abeth Wilson-Evered, a research fellow understood, it would then be essential Netball WA began the initiative 15 man, Mark Stockwell. plined mind. It’s a way of keeping on at Victoria University’s Institute of to facilitate responses, systems, struc- years ago in Bunbury, as part of a state Leanne Eades, front right, from Katanning, with members of But this was something Stockwell, a top of obesity, and it’s a way of being a Health and Sport. tures and processes to identify causes, government initiative seeking to boost Netball WA’s Aboriginal Grassroots Netball Program former Olympic swimmer, wanted to better person, and a better student.” “Community sport is led mainly by interactions and consequences. And regional sport participation. change. He said about 2500 clubs were The area requiring the most atten- volunteers and a lack of resources importantly, implement preventative The program has since spread to al- ‘When you train you Torres Strait Islander women have using the ASF, but the number of clubs tion, he said, was coaching. Promoting means they have little time and ability and management measures. most a dozen sites, mostly clustered in represented Australia in the 70-year unaware of the potential benefit was pathways and support of coaches, um- to focus on integrity issues,” she said. “This education and facilitation the state’s southwest. Each location is get to meet new history of the Diamonds, and there is huge. pires and referees, was critical because “Getting the team together, the would be on the ground and result in run slightly differently but all provide people. You become only a single indigenous athlete cur- “We don’t know how many sporting “without them, you’ve got nothing.” game on, raising funds and attracting increased alertness, awareness and young indigenous girls with a 12-week family basically’ rently playing Super Netball. clubs there are around the country,” Stockwell is a three-time Olympic the people needed to keep their club capability to identify, address and con- training program and an entree to a It’s a complex tangle of issues that said Stockwell. “We think it’s probably medallist, having won two silver and a going is the focus.” front developing concerns head-on, sport they might have otherwise ig- MIRIAM BOLTON, 17 netball administrators around Austra- in excess of 100,000. But every presi- bronze at the 1984 Summer Olympics Wilson-Evered said the research rather than waiting for a problem or nored. GRASSROOTS KATANNING lia are working to address. But creating dent, treasurer, secretary and coach in Los Angeles. In the aftermath of the she conducted with her colleague As- disaster to happen,” she said. “We wanted to bring more girls and an inclusive and attractive environ- needs to know about the ASF because 100m freestyle, in which he won silver, sociate Professor Dennis Hemphill Being proactive was crucial because women into our program where they ment for girls in regional communities we can help them with raising money Stockwell and the Australian Olympic showed there was some concern, but the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” attitude felt comfortable, it was a safe environ- is a vital step that the Grassroots clinics to support their sport.” Federation lodged an official process not much, for integrity issues in com- was far too prevalent. ment, they wanted to participate and are providing. The PMSO event on Wednesday about a premature starter gun they be- munity sporting environments. “It lets problems seed and grow until wanted to come back,” says Netball where,” Bolton says. “When you train Booth says there has been a “mass- evening was held under the auspices of lieved had robbed him of gold. Their Most people believed it was a prob- they burst through the surface in a big WA’s general manager of community you get to meet new people. You be- ive boost” in indigenous talent coming the ASF as it is the only organisation in protest was later denied. lem confined to elite sport. ugly weed with long roots,” she said. netball, Liz Booth. come family basically.” through WA’s performance pathways, Australia to have Deductible Gift Re- He said he learnt two very import- But sport does not function in iso- There had no doubt been a prolifer- Netball WA has found that the girls That sense of community runs and that many of those girls got their cipient status for donations to sport. ant life lessons from the experience. lation from broader society, she ation of sport integrity experts in elite who sign up to a Grassroots netball deeply through netball clubs in re- start in a Grassroots clinic. The ASF’s tax efficiency is important, “The biggest thing I took out of it warned, and the behaviour of elite ath- sport, with new committees being program then want to keep playing gional Australia, none more so than Kiara Taylor is living that story. The Stockwell said. was, you know, you’d think at the letes influenced grassroots athletes. formed following Essendon’s supple- and sign up with a local club. Katanning. 17-year old has worked her way up The funds raised by the PMSO that the starter and The ethical standards set by families ments scandal and the national men’s Eades took the reigns of a program This year, for the first time, the Ka- through the grades at Katanning’s net- event will be directed through the ASF the officials know and do what’s best. and schools, and the conduct of politi- cricket team ball-tampering incident. in Katanning, two hours north of Al- tanning Grassroots program girls had ball club and this year was selected as to grassroots and community sporting So I think I learned out of that to never cians and business leaders also had an “Many of these experts come from a bury, in 2012. their own uniforms, donated by a local part of the Great Southern regional organisations based on objective cri- again assume that people in charge influence: “Our research shows that in- legal, policing, and data monitoring She’s seen numbers swell from five security business. It was the beginning team. teria through their “Giving4Grass- know what they’re doing. tegrity starts at the top and cascades to perspective; all have an important role girls to 35 in the past six years. and end of Eades’ wish list. She wouldn’t be playing netball if it roots” program. “And secondly, it taught me a mass- other levels.” in dealing with this complex issue of Eades says that she sees the girls The group also now has its own wasn’t for her nan, Eades, and has her But the core business of the ASF is to ive lesson in good sportsmanship be- She said sporting codes differed in maintaining integrity and ethical prac- who play netball become happier, shelf in the trophy cabinet at the town’s sights firmly set on playing for the raise funds for the development of cause at the end of the day, in sport what measures were taken at grass- tices in sport. They look at potential or more confident, and more open. The recreation centre, and Eades regularly West Coast Fever. sport, particularly grassroots clubs, you’ve got to play by the starter’s gun or roots level to foster integrity and ethi- actual events where there is a breaking secret, apparently, is giving them “a updates the council on how the local But the highlight for Taylor is still schools, sports organisations, and na- the referee’s whistle. Things happen in cal behaviour: “It might be a session of the law; there’s less focus on high- sense of belonging”. indigenous girls are travelling. taking the court with her lifelong tional and state representative athletes. life where it gets unfair and you’ve just provided to the board or committee or lighting behavioural transgressions at Miriam Bolton, now 17, joined the “I’m proud of what our Katanning coach. These groups can raise funds by taking got to be able to suck it up and deal with education for coaches. But there is very individual, team or cultural levels,” Grassroots program when she was 10. group is doing,” she says. At 52, Eades is still running out at advantage of the ASF’s tax-deductible it.” little closing the loop to see how ethical Wilson-Evered said. She was attracted to it because she’d “I do not have a daughter playing, so goalkeeper for Katanning’s division status and fundraising platforms. Having achieved notable business dilemmas are dealt with, or indeed the “Thankfully, increasingly we are seen that change in her friends who’d it’s a privilege to be called Aunty one team each week. Stockwell said the benefits of sport success in life after swimming, Stock- nature of them.” seeing sociological, behavioural and given it a go. “Just seeing how Aunty throughout the community.” “She still has it,” Bolton says with a are powerful. “When kids play sport, well said the question he often contem- Wilson-Evered said the most im- ethical experts being engaged to advise Lea changed the other girls made me Netball is a sport crying out for indi- laugh. “The way she plays really in- they learn to get on and they learn to plates is whether or not he would’ve portant use of any funding would be to sports and these committees.” think that they could get me some- genous talent. Only two Aboriginal or spires me to be a better player.” control aggression. I think they learn been as successful if he had won gold. V1 - AUSE01Z01MA

THE AUSTRALIAN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018 PRIME MINISTERS’ SPORTING ORATION 2018 theaustralian.com.au 35

THE CHALLENGE • A quarter of Australian children are overweight and obese, a figure that could reach 33% by 2025 • 56% of Australian adults (over 10 million people) are living sedentary or low-active lifestyles • Two-thirds of Australian adults are overweight or obese, a figure that could reach 67% (for men) and 74% (for women) by 2025 • Physical inactivity is the fourth-leading cause of chronic health problems in Australia • Without intervention, Australia could face $88 billion in extra health costs over the next decade • Girls and women participate in sport at almost half the rate of boys and men • In broadcasting, 93% of coverage is dedicated to men’s sport (compared to 7% for women) while just 6% of print news is dedicated to women’s sport • Just 3.9% of CEOs in the Australian sports industry are female, while there is a 31.6% gender pay gap in sport • After the introduction of AFLW, there was a 76% increase in teams of girls and women playing Australian rules football highlighting the need for visible role-models • Only 19% of Australians over the age of 65 play organised sport • 1% of respondents to an international survey said they believed lesbian, gay and bisexual people were completely accepted in sporting culture • Those who play sport are 44% more likely to have mixed-ethnic friendship groups than those who do not • People with disabilities participate in sport at far lower rates than the rest of the population • Just 62% of Australians think our athletes are positive role-models • Australian athletes as young as 12 are using performance- enhancing substances

• Only 60% of Australians think elite and high-performance sport VICKI JONES PHOTOGRAPHY Former prime minister Julia Gillard this week in Melbourne delivered the inaugural Prime Ministers’ Sporting Oration to encourage more funding for entry-level sports facilities in Australia has high integrity Essential investment in the nation’s future

winner Evonne Goolagong, just to come to think of it, but with less ‘All Australians footy players like Alex Fasolo, Blue want to spread the message Children can learn lifelong A shared love of sport can build name a couple. tiger balm and Lycra … unless deserve an equal Aaron Francis, Travis Cloake and that it’s OK to seek help. skills like decision making, team And when it comes to the sport you’re Tony Abbott, of course. Tom Boyd have all put their hand An ambition to create the most work, discipline and leadership bridges across the cultural divide of AFL, we all think about the great Even if athletes do not experi- opportunity to up and talked about their mental mentally healthy generation ever when they play sport. It also pro- Nicky Winmar who stood up to ra- ence pressure to keep a brave face, participate in sport health struggles publicly. is what has led Beyond Blue to vides a great opportunity to social- JULIA GILLARD cism and displayed his pride and they might expect it of themselves. and access to In doing so they have demon- launch a new program for Austra- ise and build interpersonal skills. passion as an Aboriginal sports- Professional athletes usually suitable local strated in the most public of ways lia’s children, young people and The research also tells us that man on the footy field, exclaiming: start their training from a young that mental health conditions re- their educators. fitter children achieve better aca- This is the land that has histori- There is no one, or easy, way to “I am black, and I am proud.” age where they are often coached facilities. And ally are very common and can af- We know depression and anxi- demic results and stay in school cally prized the fair go, which aims avoid this negative cycle of turning That was 25 years ago. And it to be “tough’’, “strong’’, to “get whether kids turn fect everyone. No one is immune. ety can develop early in life, with longer, and that is especially the to be a nation where everyone, re- inwards and away from each was also a moment for which he their game face on”, to “suck it up”. into professional Second, asking for help is not a most issues emerging well before case for boys. gardless of their culture or back- other. But one of the best ways to was heavily criticised. But they aren’t infallible. Nor athletes or not, sign of weakness, but a show of somebody turns 25. In fact, half of These are but some of the many ground, gets a real opportunity to build bridges across any cultural More recently we have seen should they be expected to be. strength. Those who have spoken all adult mental health conditions reasons why more funding for make a success of their life. divide, and create a shared sense of Adam Goodes, a great AFL star While we are seeing improve- they all deserve a out have helped others to find the emerge by age 14. In Australia last grassroots sport should be a pri- Aiming for that fair go has been purpose, is with sport. and an , take ments in attitudes towards mental shot to play on the confidence to do so. year one in seven children aged ority. Let me add one more. vital to us becoming such a won- Former prime minister Paul a stance. Goodes endured years of health in Australia the stigma of team and And we are talking about mil- between four and 17 had a mental At present our country is seeing derfully diverse, peaceful and Keating, in his historic Redfern racist abuse on and off the footy speaking about it remains an issue. strengthen their lions . Almost half of us will experi- health condition. That means a rapid growth in female sports, prosperous place, rich in cultures, Speech in 1992, asked all Austra- field. When he decided to call it out When swimming great Ian ence some form of significant 560,000 children in Australia be- with more women participating in from our indigenous first peoples lians to imagine what it was like to during a match, he was booed re- Thorpe opened up about his own bodies and minds’ mental health issue in our lifetime. tween the ages of four and 17 ex- traditionally male-dominated and our large migrant population. be an indigenous Australian. lentlessly during games from then mental health struggles, it took Anxiety is the most common perienced a mental health issue. sports. A wonderful outcome. We are in fact, one of the most He said: “Imagine if ours was on. Goodes however, undeterred, many in the public by surprise. mental health condition in Aus- If left untreated these condi- But local clubs are struggling to multicultural nations on Earth, the oldest culture in the world and used his platform to advocate an Thorpe had, from all appearances, tralia, affecting one in three tions can dramatically reduce a keep up with the demand and pro- and proud of it. But achieving a fair we were told that it was worthless. anti-racism message. a dream sporting career — world women and one in five men. young person’s chances of leading vide appropriate facilities. Things go all round doesn’t just magically “Imagine [serving your coun- Fortunately, codes like the titles and gold medals abounded. Depression affects one in eight a happy, healthy, contributing life like female change rooms are im- happen. We need to work hard to try] in peace and war and … [then] NRL and AFL don’t just leave the But he was dealing with much Australian men and one in five and might develop into a serious portant, but including women ensure this is an Australia that is being ignored in history books. work of reconciliation to brave in- more than appeared on the sur- women. We know depression is a mental health condition. takes more than that. inclusive for all. “Imagine if our feats on sport- digenous players. Each takes sig- face. In his own words he said: “It high-risk factor for suicide. Forty per cent of parents tell us Many mums are reluctant to Sport is one of the greatest ways ing fields had inspired admiration nificant measures to improve would have appeared as though I Every day it is estimated that their child’s mental health issues get involved in sport themselves to bridge the cultural divide. It is and patriotism and yet did nothing attitudes towards indigenous play- had grasped the world with both 200 people will attempt to take were first noticed in school. So the because they are usually the pri- one of the great levellers. to diminish prejudice.” ers and combat racism. hands — a gifted athlete, student their own lives. On each of those staff of schools and early learning mary child carer and do not have Sport can help transform atti- Each of these wrongs we are Diversity in all its forms, in- with a youthful naivety and inno- days an average eight Australians centres are dealing with these is- the time to train or play. tudes cutting across age and gen- now trying to right and sport has clusion, decency, respect are all vi- cence who chooses to believe in will die by suicide. sues every day. Right now there are clubs fund- der, ethnicity and geography. And been, and continues to be, a vehicle tally important to our nation. And the best the world has to offer …. The latest Australian Bureau Many are relying on instinct, raising for childcare to allow par- sporting clubs are so often the for change. sport can provide a platform to my future seemed boundless. of Statistics data recorded 3128 su- empathy and goodwill to pick up ents to also enjoy the health and heartbeat of communities. It has provided a space in which showcase how to get it right. “This is part of the deception of icides in 2017. That is twice the an- signs a child is not coping. They social benefits of playing sport. Coaches, volunteers, fundrais- have been Take the Invictus Games, re- depression and also mental illness: nual national road toll. may notice that a normally happy Clubs are also crying out for ers, team members and parents, all given a voice on a national and cently hosted in Australia. Every what may appear at face value is a While we will never know the student has become withdrawn or more fields, pitches, courts, light- coming together for a shared in- sometimes international platform single competitor has served their stark difference from the agony trigger for an individual’s decision is disengaged from school, no ing and equipment to meet the terest in sport. The mateship and to say “we are proud of our heri- country in the army, navy or air that lies within.” to end their life, we know the risk longer enjoying the things they demand. lifelong sense of belonging found tage, and we matter”. force. None of us can really im- Many more athletes like Ian factors. We know particular groups once loved. They may notice that We should respond to that cry. inside these clubs provides a com- It was Cathy Freeman who lit agine the trauma and pain that Thorpe have found the strength are at greater risk, such as Aborigi- something is not right, but they We should ensure every club has monality among a group of people the cauldron for the Sydney many of the Invictus Games com- within themselves to speak out nal and Torres Strait Islander peo- don’t know what’s wrong. Or what what it needs to make the biggest who otherwise may not interact. Olympics. And then shortly after- petitors experienced. For many, about their own mental health ple, members of the LGBTI to do about it. possible contribution to our sense This kind of camaraderie has wards when she ran her unforget- the healing power of sport has pro- struggles. community and men who are re- Our new Beyond Blue initiat- of connection with each other, to never been more important than it table 400m in Sydney and won the pelled their recovery, both physi- We’ve seen people like cycling luctant to reach out for support. ive, called Be You will change that. the development of our children, is today, given the new digital gold, she draped the Australian cally and mentally. But it doesn’t champion Anna Meares be very Men are far more likely to die Be You is comprehensive online to our physical and mental health. world of clickbait “news” and so- and Aboriginal flag over each mean their struggles don’t exist. open about her difficulties in the by suicide than women, although support that has been designed for All Australians deserve an cial media-fed conspiracies which shoulder, and ran her victory lap And while athletes can begin to lead up to the Rio Olympics. And more women will attempt suicide. busy educators — from those equal opportunity to participate in have made it an easy age in which barefoot. Freeman said of this mo- take on superhuman-like qualities The way we think and feel can training to join their profession, to sport and access to suitable local to stoke fear. An age in which the ment: “It was always a dream of in our eyes, they have the same affect our physical health. It our most experienced principals, facilities. And whether kids turn “us” and “them” debates are push- mine to not only win an Olympic vulnerabilities as the rest of us. should be self-evident that we teachers and early learning staff — into professional athletes or not, ed to divide and destroy trust gold medal but to do the victory lap As Chair of Beyond Blue, that’s need to be looking after our minds and it’s free. they all deserve a shot to play on among communities. with both flags. I hold the Aborigi- something I’ve taken a particular in the same way we do our bodies. Be You takes a holistic ap- the team and strengthen their As we look around the world, nal community in such a high interest in learning about. Few of us would feel any hint of proach to mental health — emo- bodies and minds. unfortunately it is all too clear that place in my heart so I’m very proud The research tells us athletes shame at visiting a GP for a cough. tional development, relationships Investing in grassroots sport is the politics of division is not just of my indigenous roots.” are no more or less susceptible to We’d visit an optometrist if we and overall wellbeing are all influ- an investment in our collective na- being pursued at the margins. A heart-warming moment, common mental health issues found ourselves squinting at encing factors in a child’s develop- tional future … and this is the fun- In so many countries it has coming six years after she was out- than the general population. But words on a page. ment. And, you guessed it, physical damental role of the Australian been mainstreamed, with leaders rageously criticised by Australia’s they are striving for peak physical Why, then, wouldn’t we see a exercise and sport really matter. Sports Foundation, and I’d par- seeking votes by trying to make chef de mission at the Common- excellence in full public glare. professional if our thoughts were The link between exercise and ticularly like to commend their people fear anyone, and anything, wealth Games for celebrating with They can have whole panels of not serving us well? If our moods good mental health is well docu- work to you all. that is different. an Aboriginal flag. radio and television commen- were keeping us down? If, over- mented. Exercise can release en- And unfortunately, at home, we While Cathy is a standout, we tators dedicated to microscopic whelmed by panic, we consistently dorphins and serotonin, which This is an edited version of the have not been untouched by these have had so many indigenous analysis of their performance, in- become short of breath? boosts mood. It can improve sleep, Prime Ministers’ Sporting Oration, kinds of appeals to spurn those Australians who have excelled on juries and personal attitude every By working within the sporting which also helps to regulate given in Melbourne on Wednesday whose skin is of a different colour, the sporting field, like former sen- time they compete. community to raise awareness moods, increase energy levels and by former prime minister Julia or who worship a different god. ator Nova Peris and Grand Slam It’s a bit like being a politician, Cathy Freeman after her gold medal-winning race in 2000 about mental health, we at Beyond improve memory and learning. Gillard, chair of Beyond Blue. AUSE01Z01MA - V1

THE AUSTRALIAN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018 36 theaustralian.com.au PRIME MINISTERS’ SPORTING ORATION 2018 Off the phones and onto the field

recipient sporting group can JACKSON HEWETT demonstrate a projected return on investment. Mr Walker says small sums of between $5000 and $10,000 can do more to encour- age participation than large sums invested at the elite level. Beyond the health benefits, the ASF is extolling sport as a powerful actor for social inclusion by targeting funding towards marginalised members of society. A health “time bomb” is looming Mr Walker points to the Sun- in Australia as a generation of shine Heights Cricket Club, locat- school kids miss out on creating ed in an area of Melbourne with a lifelong habits around physical large cricket-loving migrant and activity, according to Patrick refugee population, but where the Walker, chief executive of the prospective players couldn’t get Australian Sports Foundation. transport to training or games. To address the problem, the The ASF provided $5000 for ASF is setting ambitious targets of the hire of a minibus for a season raising $300 million a year by that enabled the coach to pick up 2025 to direct into grassroots children in the community. sports, in a bid to get young people Mr Walker says small invest- off the couch, away from their ments like these can have a screens, and onto sporting fields. powerful impact on the commun- Mr Walker quoted alarming ity, quoting ASF research that statistics that 81 per cent of child- shows people who play team ren do not get enough physical sports are 44 per cent more likely activity, 25 per cent are obese or to have an ethnically diverse overweight, and the average child friendship group than the average today would finish 250m behind Australian. the average child from 15 years “How are you going to embed ago in a 1.5km race. (migrants) into Australian society Time to speed “We’ve just got more obese, if you don’t talk to them?” he said. more sedentary, less fit children. “You have to talk in a common What is that going to do for the language and sport is a common nation’s health bill in 10, 15, 20 language. So instead of having a years time?” Mr Walker said. silo mentality, you’re playing “The health of the nation is de- cricket with someone from Asia, up the slower teriorating and we’ve got a health you’re playing basketball with time bomb here.” someone from Sudan. They’re Funding sports at the grass not monsters, they’re people just roots was particularly important, like us. You play sport together, he said, as only 35 per cent of pri- you have a laugh together, and generation mary schools and 57 per cent of you build that cultural inclusion.” secondary schools have a PE Via the PMSO, Mr Walker teacher: “If kids aren’t accessing hopes to raise the profile of the sports in school, then the lifelong ASF, encouraging more com- KYM SMITH behaviours aren’t embedded and munity clubs to take advantage of For many Australians, says Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie, our passion for sport and our competitiveness are the ethos of who we are, and help shape our identity we’re going to struggle when they the tax-deductible status, as well come out of school. They are not as to demonstrate the power of changed. Alarmingly, 56 per cent tional Sport Plan — Sport 2030. lians and those of different ethnic raise $100m a year from philan- going to pick it up at the age of 20.” sport to corporate Australia. BRIDGET MCKENZIE of Australian adults — or more Sport 2030 is the government’s ‘This investment will backgrounds into our sports clubs, thropic sources for community The ASF is the only body that “Corporates donate about than 10 million people — lead sed- strategic plan that charts a path to boost the opportunity and we need to encourage those sport by 2021, and this plays a criti- can provide a tax donation for $6 billion a year but they don’t As a child growing up in regional entary or low-exercise lifestyles. demonstrate how we will con- with a disability to enjoy the bene- cal role in the government’s fund- sporting activities and last year donate to sport because sport Victoria, I watched my dad play Even more concerning, 81 per cent tinue to excel in elite sport, main- for every child to fits sports participation provides. ing plans as set out in our national raised almost $45m, half of which hasn’t asked them to donate,” he AFL and mum playing netball for of Australian children aged 5-17 do tain sporting integrity, support participate in physical This is why initiatives such as sport plan, Sport 2030. came via fundraising for com- said. “Sport is part of what makes the Marysville Mustard Pots. not meet the recommended grassroots sporting organisations, activity so we can, once the Australian Sports Foun- This investment will boost the munity and grassroots clubs. Do- a healthy society both physically Sport and physical activity be- guidelines for physical activity. As and increase participation levels again, become the dation’s Prime Minister’s Sporting opportunity for every child to par- nors can either direct money to a and mentally. It’s as good a way to came an everyday part of my life. a result, 25 per cent of Australian for better health and wellbeing. Oration are so important. This in- ticipate in physical activity so we club or project, or, via the Prime invest in the strength of your To me there is nothing better than kids are overweight or obese, and Sport 2030 aims to ensure that world’s most active itiative seeks to highlight the im- can, once again, become the world’s Ministers Sporting Oration, raise community as anything. Sport pulling on a jersey, jumping in the that figure could reach 33 per cent Australia has a diverse and inclus- sporting nation’ portance of grassroots sport, most active sporting nation. money that the foundation can hasn’t really sold that story and pool for a couple of laps or joining by 2025. ive sport and physical activity sec- reverse our increasing sporting in- We cannot hope to celebrate hand out as grants, provided the we’re trying to help it do that.” my local community park run on a As a former physical education tor where as many people as BRIDGET MCKENZIE activity and instigate a high-level Australian successes at Olympic Saturday morning. teacher, these statistics are quite possible feel the benefits of sport MINISTER FOR SPORT focus on the need to increase on- or , or at Nothing better captures the startling. Research has shown that and physical activity through going philanthropic, corporate World Cups if we do not have a Australian spirit, our values and the average child in 2015 would every stage of their lives. That our and community support in order fertile grassroots sports base to pride than sport. We have an extra- finish 250m behind the average future generations will be more to drive societal change. produce the stars of tomorrow. ordinary passion for it and are child from the 1980s over a 1.6km physically active and better pre- I often say teamwork makes That is exactly what the Sports known across the world for our run — we are truly creating the pared with the skills and know- the dream work. Key to this team- Foundation does. It connects back competitiveness. For many Aus- “Slower Generation”. ledge to live healthy, active lives. work is the leadership of Sport to our grassroots sports. tralians, it is the ethos of who we Physical inactivity is the We want Australia to be the Australia and the Australian It recognises that clubs like the are, and helps to shape our identity. fourth-leading cause of chronic world’s most active and healthy Sports Foundation. Marysville Mustard Pots are the Whether it is success on the po- health problems in Australia and sporting nation, known for its in- Sport Australia lead the physi- heart and soul of many communi- dium at the Olympics or a win at if the trends of increasing inac- tegrity and success. cal activity, participation and ties and that success in achieving the Albury bowls club, Australians tivity and obesity continue, stud- We need to encourage more high-performance sport in Aus- many of the priorities of Sport take their sport very seriously. ies predict the extra health and Australians to become more ac- tralia, empowering sports to em- 2030 literally start in the backyard Sport and physical activity is social costs will climb to $88 bil- tive more often. We need to break brace and engage more or at the local club. about including, inspiring, invig- lion over the next 10 years. down the barriers which are stop- Australians. orating and creating pride. As Minister for Sport, this is not ping women and girls from partic- The Sports Foundation has a Senator Bridget McKenzie is The power of sport can change acceptable to me, which is why ipating in sport at the same rates unique charitable and tax-deduct- Federal Minister for Regional lives and communities. earlier this year the government as men and boys. We need to wel- ible status, meaning donations to Services, Sport, Local Government However, our society has launched Australia’s first ever Na- come more indigenous Austra- sport are tax deductible. It aims to and Decentralisation. Young members of the Sunshine Heights Cricket Club

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