Expanded Club Development Officer Scheme benefits COGG sport and recreation clubs

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said he was pleased to announce the City of Greater Geraldton is one of the successful recipients to receive funding to expand their Club Development Officer Scheme for a further two years to 2015/16.

The City’s CDO Ryan Thompson plays a vital role in helping clubs in the COGG region.

Mr Thompson plays an integral role in supporting local sport and recreation clubs and helps guide them on a pathway to become sustainable organisations.

He is the point of liaison for sporting clubs at the COGG, will help sporting clubs with the preparation of grants, oversee general governance, the KidSport program and if necessary steer them through mediation.

His aim is to help “deliver diverse opportunities for people to participate in physical activity in the local COGG community, in a safe and welcoming environment”.

Mr Blayney said the State Government will invest $2.6million over the next two years to expand the successful CDO scheme, benefitting more than 3,320 sporting and recreation clubs across the State.

The scheme is a partnership between the Department of Sport and Recreation and local governments which involves CDOs working with volunteers to build the capacity of clubs across the State.

“The CDO scheme has been very successful in supporting community sport and recreation by helping volunteers improve the management of their respective clubs,” Mr Blayney said.

“Thousands of clubs across the State play a critical role in building a sense of community and improving the overall health and wellbeing of Western Australians.”

Under the two-year funding arrangement, the number of CDOs will increase from 31 to 38 and the number of local government areas serviced will rise from 43 to 55. The scheme will now reach more than 3,320 clubs across the State.

The role of CDOs like Ryan Thompson includes:

  • Helping clubs improve their governance and management practices;
  • Assisting with club development through information and updates;
  • Developing partnerships with State Sporting Associations;
  • Undertaking annual club needs assessments; and
  • Providing training, education, information workshops and programs and opportunities.