The Western Australian Institute of 2005/2006 Yearbook and Annual Report Challenge Stadium, Stephenson Avenue, Mt Claremont, Western Australia, 6010. PO Box 139, Claremont, 6910, Western Australia. Telephone 08 9387 8166 Facsimile 08 9383 7344 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wais.org.au 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 2 3 Contents Premier’s Foreword 2 Contents FROM THE PREMIER OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA, The Hon Alan Carpenter MLA 3 Premier’s Foreword 4 Chairman’s Report Having in mind the valued work being undertaken by the Western Australian Institute of Sport in providing world-class programs for the development our nation’s sporting talent, I was delighted and privileged 5 Executive Director’s Report to accept the position of Patron earlier this year. 6 WAIS Board The high reputation of the elite programs at WAIS was further enhanced during 2005 when four of its athletes were successful in winning 7 WAIS Structure world championship events in rowing, triathlon, equestrian and slalom canoeing. 8 WAIS Staff I recognise the success of the WAIS programs in preparing athletes 10 Hall of Champions for the 2006 Commonwealth Games with 30 of Western Australia’s 35 participants in the Games being supported by WAIS. This level 11 Members of representation from Western Australia was the highest ever and 12 Obituary congratulations are extended to each athlete that was selected and particularly those 24 athletes, who were successful in winning medals. 13 WAIS Athlete of the Year I commend the open and cooperative arrangement that exists between WAIS and the Western Australian Government, and I look forward to 14 Commonwealth Games maintaining and developing this positive and constructive relationship. Congratulations are extended to the WAIS Board of Directors, Chairman 16 Sport Programs Grant Boyce, Executive Director, Steven Lawrence and the Institute 18 Individual Scholarship Program staff for their contribution towards another successful year in the development and support of our elite athletes. 20 Athletics I am mindful of the great work undertaken by those members of the 22 Baseball community, who provide their services in a voluntary capacity, within 24 Canoeing the huge number of sporting organisations across the State. Many of our elite athletes gained their initial opportunities from these grass 26 Cycling roots volunteers, and I acknowledge their significant contribution. 28 Gymnastics Western Australia is fortunate, in the support it receives from the 30 Hockey Men’s corporate sector, and I am appreciative of their generous contribution 32 Hockey Women’s towards WAIS programs and the athletes. 34 Netball The success of our WAIS programs is attributable also to the dedication 36 Rowing and commitment from our elite athletes, who make enormous sacrifices in their endeavours to compete at the highest level and achieve success 38 Sailing for their State and nation. 40 Softball This Government recognises the importance and value of sport to the 42 Swimming community, and will continue to provide its support for the excellent 44 Water Polo Men’s work being undertaken by WAIS. 46 Water Polo Women’s 49 Athlete and Coach Services 50 Sport Science 51 Strength and Conditioning Alan Carpenter MLA 52 Clinical Services PREMIER 53 Talent Search 54 Athlete Career and Education 55 Corporate Services 56 Marketing and Sponsorship 58 Finance and Administration 60 Sponsors 2005/2006 yearbook and annual report 4 5 Chairman’s Report Executive Director’s Report Athlete Success University and Edith Cowan adding significant value to the operations In the past year there have again been many outstanding performances of all partners. from our dedicated athletes and these have been detailed in the various sport reports. We acknowledge all of the athletes who make so many WAIS remains committed to the National Elite Sports Council (NESC) and sacrifices on a daily basis in their endeavour to achieve personal best its goals to assist in the leadership and coordination of the Australian performances and to compete against the best athletes in their sporting elite sport system. NESC remains challenged by the need to ensure its discipline in the world. member institute operations have the appropriate balance between competition within our national state based structure and maximising There are many people who deserve acknowledgement for the success the utilisation of our collective resources through complimentary roles. in the past year. Staffing We are most grateful to the State Government and in particular the The WAIS staff quality and commitment continue to be one of our key Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hon. John Kobelke, who in the attributes. Surveys of the staff belief in and adherence to our values short time he has held the portfolio, has provided valuable guidance of people and excellence demonstrate that as a collective we remain and support to us. The State Government provides the majority of the committed to improving our already positive work environment. funding to WAIS through LotteryWest and the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Board is very mindful that we are accountable for There remain significant pressures on staffing levels in specific areas. the way in which the funds are utilised. I would also like to thank Mr Most notably the level of coaching in Athletics and service provision Ron Alexander, Director of the Department of Sport and Recreation, and in strength and conditioning and performance analysis are influencing his staff who have been very willing to assist us in any way that they our operations. The WAIS Board has made the decision to employ an can do so. additional Athletics coach, by a reallocation of current funding, to provide additional support to our track and field athletes in the lead up WAIS is accommodated at Challenge Stadium and we are extremely to Beijing. We will continue to seek opportunities to resolve the other grateful to Mr Dennis McInnerny, Chairman of the WA Sports Centre identified staffing level issues. Trust, and Mr Graham Moss, Chief Executive Officer, for their continued support. Internal Processes One of our major goals in this area was to improve the efficiency and The results that have been achieved this year would not have been effectiveness of the staff performance management system. While possible without the tireless work of the Board and staff. The composition significant enhancements to this system were made during the past 12 of the Board is the same as it was at this time last year and the Minister months this area will remain a major priority for further development. has just recently extended the terms of a number of the members. The current Board represents a wide range of talents and skill sets and I am The vast majority of WAIS internal systems have been clearly defined personally very grateful for their continued commitment to WAIS. It is over the past three years and have inbuilt processes for assisting indeed a privilege for me to be the Chairman of this Board. their continual improvement. We are therefore now able to commence development on information technology support systems to improve their integration and operational efficiency. It is anticipated that with GRANT BOYCE: CHAIRMAN. STEVEN LAWRENCE: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The successes of WAIS athletes is directly related to the efforts of Mr current resources this project will take at least three years. This year has again seen some outstanding achievements by WAIS Steven Lawrence and his committed and talented team who strive for The WAIS purpose is very clear, to support elite and potentially elite athletes in both World Championship events and at the Commonwealth excellence in their daily work lives. Steve’s management team comprises Western Australian athletes achieve sporting excellence, as is our vision, Finance Games held in Melbourne in March 2006. Steve Lawrence has mentioned Mr Tim Mahon (Sport Programs Manager), Mr Martin FitzSimons (Athlete To Produce Champions. WAIS supported athlete performances over the WAIS remains in a strong financial position due to detailed planning some of those athlete performances in his report and I reiterate the and Coach Services Manager), Ms Stephanie Neesham (Marketing past twelve months clearly demonstrate that we continue to meet our and monitoring systems and processes. However, the poor financial Board’s congratulations to all WAIS athletes who competed. Manager), and Mr Kaushik Bhowmick (Finance and Administration purpose and our vision is in focus. status of several state and national sporting organisations remains of Manager).These managers together with all of the staff have made a concern to WAIS. While we have attempted to minimize the impact of The Commonwealth Games are a significant event in the sporting significant contribution to the operation of WAIS and the success of Athlete Performance partner financial difficulties the end result is we have been unable to calendar and give us a good gauge of our prospects for the 2008 Olympic the athletes. I would also like to make special mention of the coaches In 2005 four WAIS athletes were named World Champion in their chosen provide athletes within several sports the level of services anticipated. Games. We are very confident that our athletes are on track to deliver who have the most direct impact on the athletes. They make enormous sport, Robin Bell (Canoeing – C1 slalom), Clayton Fredericks (equestrian On a positive note we are very pleased to acknowledge a significantly some fine performances in Beijing. sacrifices including very early mornings and late evenings and they – eventing), Sarah Outhwaite (rowing – women’s eight) and Peter increased financial contribution by Netball Australia to the WAIS. are often not recognised for their contribution to the success of the Robertson (triathlon). This result surpass’ any previous in WAIS history Planning for the future athletes. of supporting athletes to these pinnacle events. In addition WAIS The state government remains our major financial supporter with 68% Last year the Board prepared a Strategic Plan which covers the period to supported a record contingent of WA athletes to the 2006 Commonwealth of our operational budget provided by them.