Program Launched to Recognise WA Sport Volunteers

Local Sporting Stars Volunteer Recognition Program

Rowing WA clubs are encouraged to nominate outstanding volunteers as part of a new WA Government initiative designed to celebrate and recognise the people who make community sport possible.

The Local Sporting Stars Volunteer Recognition Program, announced by the Deputy Premier and Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, aims to acknowledge volunteers who go above and beyond for their clubs and sporting communities, while also inspiring others to get involved in volunteering.

Volunteers are widely recognised as the backbone of community sport, providing the time, energy and commitment that ensures opportunities for participation, development and success remain available across Western Australia. This new program has been developed to shine a spotlight on those contributions and publicly recognise the impact volunteers have at a local level.

How the program works

Between March and November 2026, two volunteers from across Western Australia will be recognised every fortnight as Local Sporting Stars. Each recipient will:

• Receive a $400 Spudshed voucher (or an equivalent voucher depending on location), and
• Be featured in The West Australian newspaper.

All fortnightly winners will automatically progress into consideration for the Local Sporting Star of the Year award. The overall winner, to be announced in November 2026, will receive:

• A personal award of up to $1,000, and
• $2,500 in funding for their club.

Nominations now open!

Nominations for the Local Sporting Stars Volunteer Recognition Program are now open, with clubs encouraged to put forward volunteers who make a meaningful contribution to their club’s operations, culture or success.

This is an opportunity for rowing clubs across WA to formally recognise the volunteers who often work behind the scenes to keep programs running, events delivered and members supported.

👉 NOMINATE HERE!

Rowing WA encourages all clubs to consider nominating deserving volunteers and helping ensure their contribution to our sport is celebrated.