The Road Safety Commission and SportWest have joined forces in a new partnership aimed at reducing road trauma and promoting road safety through the power of sport. With an investment of $1.9 million over the next four years, this initiative will engage and educate the WA community, particularly those involved in sporting clubs, on safe driving practices and behaviours.
The partnership seeks to create a lasting impact on road safety culture across Western Australia by integrating education, behaviour change programs, and community support. It will also target young men, who are disproportionately represented in road safety statistics, using sport as a tool for positive change.
Key initiatives of the partnership include:
- A Road Safety Club Rewards Program
- A Captain’s Club initiative
- A Road Safety Ambassador Program
- A new Road Safety Advocate of the Year category in the WA Sport Awards
SportWest, the peak body for sport in WA, represents over 5,500 sporting clubs and more than 700,000 participants across the state. Its extensive reach and influence in the sporting community make it an ideal partner for the Road Safety Commission in delivering these initiatives.
Minister for Road Safety the Hon Reece Whitby MLA expressed excitement about the potential of the partnership. "Sport has the ability to influence people on so many different levels and now we're using this universal language to boost road safety behaviour in Western Australia," he said.
SportWest CEO Troy Kirkham added, "Sport can be an incredibly powerful vehicle for positive change in communities right across Western Australia, and we’re looking forward to working with our members and their clubs to ensure sport can have the positive influence this challenge needs."
By fostering a culture of safety and encouraging safer driving practices, the partnership aims to improve road safety outcomes moving forward.
Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner highlighted the initiative’s potential, stating: "SportWest is in a unique position to reach and influence the behaviour of thousands of Western Australians who come together through their love of sport and I’m confident that the planned initiatives under this partnership will make more journeys safe."
The Road Safety Commission and SportWest will continue to roll out programs and initiatives through to June 2028, working together to make WA’s roads safer for everyone.
