Local Government Case Studies
City of Launceston
Social participation through sport
Goal
Encourage people from non-English speaking backgrounds to become involved in their local community through sport and recreation.
How?
Develop a resource kit, run an educational and promotional campaign, and implement a mentoring program in collaboration with sports and recreational clubs.
More …
The Open boundaries … fairer playing fields program introduced migrants to their new community in the very Australian context of sport. New arrivals were linked with clubs and volunteer 'buddies' in sports such as swimming, soccer, basketball, table tennis, volleyball and even latin dancing.
The benefits extended well beyond Launceston's new arrivals. The sports clubs learnt cross-cultural skills, raised their profile, made important networks, and attracted new members. The volunteers had the satisfaction of helping new migrants really get on with life in Australia, and the whole community benefited through improved community relations.
The program was an initiative of the Launceston City Council in partnership with the Northern Tasmania Municipal Organisation, the Migrant Resource Centre of Northern Tasmania and Volunteering Tasmania. A coordinator's position was funded by an Australian Government Living in Harmony community grant, and the council contributed in-kind support.
Contact
Mhairi Vogt
Community Development Manager
Launceston City Council
Telephone: 03 6323 3219
Email: mhairi.vogt@launceston.tas.gov.au