Community inclusion

The department uses a community development approach to ensure all community members have an equal opportunity to take part in sport and active recreation. This approach means the community's needs, goals and aspirations become the key drivers behind what they do and how they do it.

Supporting inclusion around the State

The department works to increase participation in sport and active recreation by low socio-economic communities including key low participation groups such as Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD), Aboriginal, people with disability, seniors and youth.

Our inclusion officers work with communities and sport and recreation organisations to development opportunities and identify projects which assist to develop inclusive environments and increase participation in sport and recreation.  

Community Engagement team

The Community Engagement team are responsible for:

• working with the community to establish projects that encourage increased sport and active recreation participation
• supporting organisations to develop inclusive sport and active recreation environments and to foster inclusive practices
• building relationships with government, non-government agencies and service providers to create and deliver community based inclusive projects
• facilitating education/training to community organisations to encourage participation in sport and recreation and inclusive practices
• developing resources that promote community participation in sport and active recreation.

To find out more about what's happening in your area of the State and how you can develop and promote inclusive sport and active recreation, please contact the Community Engagement team.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) groups 

CaLD refers to the wide range of cultural groups and individuals that form part of our community. It includes groups and individuals who differ according to religion, race, language and ethnicity.

Sharing our cultural heritages

In 2021, 27.6% of Australians were born overseas. Only half of Western Australians who were born in non-English speaking countries participate in an organised physical activity — that is, have memberships at local and state sporting clubs. However, many more are actively involved in social sports at school, in parks, with youth groups and with family and friends.

Sporting associations and clubs have a great opportunity to expand their membership, by encouraging people from diverse backgrounds to join and share their unique cultural heritage with other members.

Members of the CaLD community

To find a CaLD community group in your area, you may like to start by checking this list of local service providers and their contact details or for information about other service providers in Western Australia, contact the department. 

Definitions

New and emerging communities

Small ethnic groups who have recently settled in Australia and often lack the family networks, support systems, community structures and resources that make up established communities.

Refugee

Individual who has left their own country and is unable, or unwilling to return, due to fear of being victimised because of ethnicity, religion, nationality, certain social connections or political opinion.

Migrant and immigrant

Individuals who move to another country with the intention of settling permanently. The terms migrant and immigrant are used interchangeably within Australia.

More information