Part 1: Workshops strengthen Sunshine Coast sport and recreation industry

When Di Brown of the Sunshine Coast attended a series of Queensland Government workshops to gather information for her studies, she didn't expect it to lead to a fulfilling career in the sport and recreation industry.

As part of research into volunteer management and club administration, Ms Brown participated in three Building Active Communities workshops in November 2003.

The one-day workshops in Caloundra covered risk management, club governance and creating a safe environment for children and youth.

In fact, the workshops helped Ms Brown secure her current role as administration officer for the Sunshine Coast District Junior Rugby Union.

Ms Brown said the workshops had provided invaluable information on issues facing the sport and recreation industry on the Sunshine Coast.

"I found the presentations clarified important areas and the excellent presenters gave me direction in how to deal with these issues," she said.

"This really took the mystique out, and I found the topics were not as complicated as I originally thought.

"The topic that really jumped out for me at the workshops was risk management.

"The presenter from Volunteering Queensland delivered a high-level presentation covering volunteering and risk management that really heightened my interest in those areas."

Ms Brown said the information she took away from the workshops had also helped to simplify processes at the Sunshine Coast District Junior Rugby Union.

"Since the workshops, I've developed an interest in some of the topics covered and have learnt even more about them," she said.

"I can now provide advice and information to members of the nine Sunshine Coast junior rugby union clubs, saving them time and effort."

This greater knowledge of sport and recreation issues and a commitment to study resulted in Ms Brown being offered a paid position at the organisation when the opportunity arose, with help from SRQ's Traineeship Assistance Package (TAP).

Sixty-one organisations have received funding through the Traineeship Assistance Package (TAP) to employ staff under a sport and recreation traineeship.

The Building Active Communities workshops are a Queensland Government initiative to address current trends and issues facing the sport and recreation industry.

The workshop programs, which focus on key local issues, build on knowledge within the local community and encourage sport and recreation development throughout Queensland.

The Department has delivered both TAP and the workshops throughout the State, as part of the Queensland Government's commitment to building a sustainable sport and recreation industry.

Read more about how the Sunshine Coast District Junior Rugby Union benefited from Ms Brown's attendance at the Building Active Communities workshops.

Part 1: Workshops strengthen Sunshine Coast sport and recreation industry

When Di Brown of the Sunshine Coast attended a series of Queensland Government workshops to gather information for her studies, she didn't expect it to lead to a fulfilling career in the sport and recreation industry.

As part of research into volunteer management and club administration, Ms Brown participated in three Building Active Communities workshops in November 2003.

The one-day workshops in Caloundra covered risk management, club governance and creating a safe environment for children and youth.

In fact, the workshops helped Ms Brown secure her current role as administration officer for the Sunshine Coast District Junior Rugby Union.

Ms Brown said the workshops had provided invaluable information on issues facing the sport and recreation industry on the Sunshine Coast.

"I found the presentations clarified important areas and the excellent presenters gave me direction in how to deal with these issues," she said.

"This really took the mystique out, and I found the topics were not as complicated as I originally thought.

"The topic that really jumped out for me at the workshops was risk management.

"The presenter from Volunteering Queensland delivered a high-level presentation covering volunteering and risk management that really heightened my interest in those areas."

Ms Brown said the information she took away from the workshops had also helped to simplify processes at the Sunshine Coast District Junior Rugby Union.

"Since the workshops, I've developed an interest in some of the topics covered and have learnt even more about them," she said.

"I can now provide advice and information to members of the nine Sunshine Coast junior rugby union clubs, saving them time and effort."

This greater knowledge of sport and recreation issues and a commitment to study resulted in Ms Brown being offered a paid position at the organisation when the opportunity arose, with help from SRQ's Traineeship Assistance Package (TAP).

Sixty-one organisations have received funding through the Traineeship Assistance Package (TAP) to employ staff under a sport and recreation traineeship.

The Building Active Communities workshops are a Queensland Government initiative to address current trends and issues facing the sport and recreation industry.

The workshop programs, which focus on key local issues, build on knowledge within the local community and encourage sport and recreation development throughout Queensland.

The Department has delivered both TAP and the workshops throughout the State, as part of the Queensland Government's commitment to building a sustainable sport and recreation industry.

Read more about how the Sunshine Coast District Junior Rugby Union benefited from Ms Brown's attendance at the Building Active Communities workshops.