2024 Australian Sport, Recreation and Play Innovation Awards Finalists Announced

The National Sports & Physical Activity Convention | IAKS 2024 is again host of the Australian Sport, Recreation and Play Innovation Awards. The purpose of these awards is to recognise individuals, government, not-for-profits, the commercial sector, play sector, recreation and sports of their innovations to get more people active in the community.

With the largest ever number of submissions this year, the standards have been exceptionally high, and short-listing was very hard. Congratulations to all those who submitted as they showcase the excellent work that is being invested in communities across Australia. Award winners will be announced as part of the 2024 NSC Oration on the 27th June at the Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre.

The finalists in each category are:

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Innovative programs, activities and events that have been developed to encourage the community to be more active and increase participation.

• Valley Outdoors – The F.O.C.K: Festival of Canoe and Kayak
• PLAYBK Sports – SUNS Active Lab
• Collective Leisure – Liverpool Seniors Well-being and Social Group

INCLUSION PROGRAM/INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR
Recognises outstanding efforts by individuals or organisations in delivering programs/initiatives that champion inclusion and active participation across diverse communities. This could include initiatives that have advocated for gender equality, involved LGBTQIA+ communities, supported people with disabilities, empowered indigenous populations, reached out to culturally diverse and multicultural communities and encouraged participation among other underrepresented communities.

• South East Leisure – Welcome to the Game
• Sport4All
• Mill Park Leisure (Belgravia Leisure) – Whittlesea Somali Men’s Social Swimming Program

TECHNOLOGY in partnership with CODE Sports
Innovations in technology that support Business to Business (B2B) improvements for the industry or Business to Consumer (B2C) experiences.

• Playground123
• The University of Western Australia – KIDDO
• Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia – Transforming volunteer management in golf – the PGA of Australia and Golf Australia’s implementation of volunteer management system, Rosterfy.  

PLACES AND SPACES DESIGN in partnership with Theca Rubner
Innovative design, solutions and management that creates an environment where more people are active (indoor and outdoor environments, with natural, synthetic and built forms), whilst embracing the principles of sustainability.

• Australian Institute of Play – Joomunjie Land
• The University of New South Wales – Village Green
• Warren and Mahoney – Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre

SPORT AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Innovations that organisations have embraced to recognise the impact that sport can have on climate change and how they have focused on reducing their carbon footprint.

• ICP Group Australasia – CSS CoolTop
• K20 Architecture – Knox Regional Netball Centre
• FieldTurf Australia – FIFA Quality & World Rugby Core Prime System

PLAYGROUND DESIGN
Designs and developments that allow and encourage more children to play, have fun and be active.

• Kingston City Council – Peter Scullin Playspace Renewal
• Place Design Group – Buttenshaw Park Inclusive Youth Play Space
• Australian Institute of Play – Joomunjie Land

THE OVERALL SPORT, RECREATION AND PLAY INDUSTRY AWARD FOR INNOVATION
This award will provide the prize for the Overall Sport, Recreation and Play Innovation Award. The winner will be chosen from one of the above 6 category winners.

Congratulations to our finalists.