Priorities set
Australian Sailing have wrapped up their nation-wide Club Conferences tour, with a focus on growing the club with increased female participation.
11 July 2022
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Growing club membership, the new ten-year strategy and female participation were all on the agenda as Australian Sailing’s Club Conferences toured the country over the past month.
In a welcome return, all states were able to host in-person events for the first time since 2019, with the final conference in Melbourne rounding out the successful series.
Nation-wide, more than 300 club and class representatives came together to network, share stories and hear from Australian Sailing about a variety of key topics, including club pathways and best practices for safety and integrity.
The events were well received by representatives in attendance, as they got the opportunity to hear first-hand as Australian Sailing introduced its new ten-year strategy, Sailing 2032, and detailing the way it affects clubs.
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Through this strategy, Australian Sailing confirms its intent as a member-centric organisation and details plans to continue supporting clubs and growing the sport of sailing, getting more people on the water in more ways, more often.
It also specifies a focus on diversity and inclusion, particularly around increasing female participation.
SheSails is a key driver of this pillar, regularly showcasing female participation and achievements both on and off the water, as well as delivering resources and educational opportunities to women nation-wide.
Australian Sailing CEO, Ben Houston, says that the positive uptake on the events suggests the success of the strategy in the early stages, as well as that the sailing community is as passionate and committed as ever.
“After two years of largely hosting events like these online it has been so great to get around the country and meet so many club representatives at the Australian Sailing Club Conferences,” said Houston.
“Our clubs are driven by so many passionate sailors, many of them giving up their weekends to attend these events on top of the many, many hours they contribute to their clubs.
“It has been so valuable to hear from them face-to-face, as it is their feedback that helps drive what we do at Australian Sailing.”
With the 2022 events now competed, Australian Sailing will look to incorporate attendee and club feedback and continue the success of events in 2023 and beyond.
In the meantime, Australian Sailing urges all club representatives to keep an eye out for an official Coach, Official and Instructor Development Plan, which will assist clubs to grow and further prepare their staffing team.
Australian Sailing thanks club representatives who gave their time to attend and contribute at the events, as well as the clubs who hosted around the country.
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