The successful organisations all play a key role in the sport and recreation space, and sit outside the recognised national sporting organisations (NSO) or national sporting organisations for people with disability (NSOD) structure.

Parks and Leisure Australia, Invictus Australia and the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) are among those that will work with the ASC to help more Australians be physically active.

Tomorrow, Saturday 23 November, marks 12 months since the Australia’s Sport Participation Strategy – Play Well was launched.

Executive General Manager Sport and Community Capability and Chair of the Play Well Leadership Group Richard McInnes said Affiliates will work with the ASC over the next 12 months to help more Australians play well through involvement in sport and physical activity.

“We’ve made some great progress as we celebrate one year since the strategy was launched and we’re delighted to partner with these organisations who play a key role in helping Australians be active,” he said.

“The ASC looks forward to working with the Affiliates to complement the ongoing work with the NSO/NSODs to bring the Play Well strategy to life around Australia.

“These sport and recreation organisations are aligned with our mission to create safe, welcoming, inclusive and fun sporting experiences and will help us deliver on our Horizon One outcomes which includes creating a connected, collaborative and aligned sporting sector.”

Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) National President Kristin Davies said the PLA was thrilled to help contribute to the strategy.

“We are proud to be a Play Well Affiliate. This is a huge step for the sport and recreation sector and reflects the strong synergy and alignment between our organisations.”

ACHPER Australia President Sue Whatman said ACHPER was excited to be a Play Well Affiliate.

“ACHPER has been supporting Australians to be active and healthy for 70 years and we look forward to connecting our network with like-minded organisations across the sport ecosystem,” she said.

“Invictus Australia is proud to be part of the ASC’s Play Well Affiliate program, aligning with its vision that everyone has a place in sport,” Invictus Australia CEO Michael Hartung OAM said.

“Through this initiative, we will collaborate with the ASC to foster sporting opportunities for veterans, their families, and the broader community. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that sport and recreation are accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for all Australians.”

Congratulations to the Play Well Affiliate organisations:

Parks and Leisure Australia

Masters Swimming Australia Inc

AUSActive (Fitness Australia)

A look back at the last 12 months:

23 November 2023: Australia’s Sport Participation Strategy Play Well launched.

23 November 2023: Play Well Participation Grant program opens.

19 December 2023: Nominations open to join a Play Well Leadership Group to oversee the implementation of the strategy.

27 March 2024: A 14-person group of experts including the founder of parkrun Australia and a four-time Paralympian are announced as the Play Well Leadership Group that will oversee the implementation of the strategy.

14 May 2024: 54 industry leaders join five project squads to help deliver the 34 priority activities identified in the strategy.

21 May 2024: $10.3 million announced for projects to get more Aussies moving thanks to the ASC’s Play Well Participation Grants.

13 August 2024: Play Well Implementation Plan launched which details the priority activities scheduled to be completed this financial year.

19 August 2024: Play Well Affiliate program announced to ensure more organisations can help transform sport participation across Australia.

20 August 2024: Physical Literacy Coalition announced to help ensure that physical literacy – building the skills to help us lead active lives – is a core component of every child’s development and education.

20 September 2024: ASC and sector stakeholders hit the road to deliver a series of workshops focused on putting Play Well into action.

22 October 2024: Cost of sport surveys announced to help understand how to make community sport more affordable for all.

8 November 2024: Announcement of the Play Well Marketing, Media and Communication Network that will advocate for the strategy.

23 November 2024: Play Well Affiliates announced on strategy’s first anniversary.