The National Sports & Physical Activity Convention 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 for 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 2025 NSC Oration on the 25th June at the Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre.
The award categories are:
- MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
The communication messages that innovatively activates the community for more people to be active, play, recreate and participate in community sport at a local level or through a major event.
- INCLUSION PROGRAM/INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR in partnership with Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Alliance (DISA)
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.
- TECHNOLOGY
Innovations in technology that support Business to Business (B2B) improvements for the industry or Business to Consumer (B2C) experiences.
- OUTDOOR SPORT & LEISURE FACILITY DESIGN
Innovative design, solutions and management that creates an environment where more people are active (outdoor environments, with natural, synthetic and built forms), whilst embracing the principles of sustainability.
- INDOOR SPORT & LEISURE FACILITY DESIGN
Innovative design, solutions and management that creates an environment where more people are more active and can be excited by the design and built form, looking at how innovation can encourage and attract more visitors and participation, whilst embracing the principles of sustainability.
- 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.
7. PLAYGROUND DESIGN
Designs and developments that allow and encourage more children to play, have fun and be active.
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 7 category winners.
Congratulations to our finalists who include:
- Sutherland Shire Council – Hybrid Turf Pilot Program
- Polytan – Poligras Paris GT Zero
- Belgravia Leisure – Move IT CBR!
- City of Swan – The Ballajura Intergenerational Playspace (Weitj Park)
- Landscape Solutions – The Gables Sports Precinct
- Penrith City Council – Gipps Street Recreation Precinct
- Sporteng – St Joseph's School Sports Precinct
- Clubland Australia – The Sports Club Web Platform
- Olly Timing – Swimming Timing System
- SportsGrid – ASF Club Donation Integration
- City of Swan – Swan Active Midland Refurbishment
- Peddle Thorp – Coonawarra Willam Aquatic Centre
- Blacktown City Council – Blacktown Exercise, Sport and Technology Hub, BEST
- Maribyrnong City Council & Football Victoria – GoFamily
- Moriarty Foundation – John Moriarty Football Remote Indigenous Football Program
- New Horizons Tasmania – Champions Program
- WSYD Moving – WSYD Moving
Editor’s Notes
The National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC) has grown since 2016 as Australia/New Zealand’s largest and most prominent community sport and recreation convention and expo. This year the NSC returned to Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre on 25 – 26 June 2025. The organisers worked with its 50+ collaborators to curate a program with international and Australian experts, providing the most comprehensive program on community sport recreation and sports facilities in Australia. The event also features the largest sports and recreation Expo with 80+ Exhibitors and 7 Activation Areas for the ultimate industry playground for industry professionals.
Photos from the NSC can be found at www.nationalsportsconvention.com.au
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Further information contact Martin Sheppard, at martins@smartconnection.net.au or (03) 9421 0133.