URGENT UPDATE: The Hawkesbury Sports Council has emerged as a potential game-changer for local sports across Australia, showcasing a model that directly involves the community in managing sporting facilities. This development is crucial as thousands of clubs nationwide struggle with deteriorating fields and bureaucratic red tape.
For over three decades, the Hawkesbury Sports Council has effectively managed the region’s sporting facilities, demonstrating a successful partnership between local communities and government. Founded in 1993, the Council operates under an annual allocation of $1.35 million, retaining all hire fees to reinvest directly into the maintenance and upgrade of 40 sporting facilities across the region.
The impressive results stem from a community-driven approach where decisions are made by local clubs rather than distant council offices. This responsiveness allows immediate action when issues arise, such as unplayable fields or broken lights, without the delays often associated with traditional council-run models.
David Bertenshaw, president of the Hawkesbury Sports Council, stated, “Every dollar parents and clubs put in comes back out in the form of better turf, lighting, and amenities.” This direct link between community investment and visible improvements strengthens trust and engagement among local sports communities.
In contrast to the struggles faced by many sporting clubs across Australia, where funding often disappears into general revenue, the Hawkesbury model promotes transparency and accountability. Clubs in the area actively participate in fundraising, ensuring that their contributions lead to tangible benefits.
The urgency of this model cannot be overstated. As Cr Les Sheather, mayor of Hawkesbury, emphasized, “This model has now stood the test of time for more than 30 years. It has delivered efficiency, ownership, and better outcomes.” He encourages other councils to adopt this approach, noting that the challenges of maintaining sporting facilities are universal.
With community sport essential for health and social cohesion, the Hawkesbury model illustrates a pathway to revitalizing local sports across the nation. As participation rates plummet due to poor facilities, the call for a shift in governance towards models like Hawkesbury’s becomes more urgent.
The Hawkesbury Sports Council exemplifies a blueprint for excellence in community sports management. As this model gains attention, the potential for broader adoption could revolutionize how local sports are funded and managed, leading to better outcomes for families and communities nationwide.
Expect more developments as this story unfolds. Local governments across Australia are urged to take note of the Hawkesbury success story as a possible solution to the ongoing crisis in community sports infrastructure.
