SPORT clubs across the city will come together this week to look at Ipswich City Council support and future opportunities as the city’s population continues to boom.
Council will hold an Ipswich Sports Forum at the North Ipswich Reserve Corporate Centre on Saturday, bringing together key stakeholders, including club representatives.
Community and Sport Committee Chairman Jacob Madsen said the forum would outline the Council’s current and future efforts in improving community sport assets and infrastructure and look at where there were opportunities for clubs to play a role.
He said the focus of the forum would be on Council’s efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the city’s booming community and grassroots sports sector.
“Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from Michael Connelly, an expert in sports governance, planning and community development, who will discuss management models for clubs and the importance of developing a sustainable tenure model that empowers clubs with the support of Council to both grow and prosper into the future,” Cr Madsen said.
“Michael brings a wealth of knowledge from his vast experience working with clubs, organisations and councils to ensure sport and recreation thrives across communities.”
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said sporting clubs and associations were central to communities, and the success of its athletes were a major source of pride for the people of Ipswich.
“Sport and activities are a major part of the fabric of life in Ipswich, bringing people together to enhance our city’s social and cultural dynamic, as well as improving health outcomes,” Mayor Harding said.
“With a rapidly growing population, it is important that Council has a clear understanding of how we can continue to support and grow our sporting clubs while ensuring our community sporting landscape is sustainable in the long term.
“That means coming together to share successes and to discuss what the community sporting landscape will look like in coming years.”
Cr Harding said she was passionate about ensuring the city’s sporting clubs had the support and knowledge needed to build a strong future.
Those affiliated with a local sporting club wanting to attend can email Ipswich City Council Sport and Recreation at [email protected].
