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West Australian
14-05-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Rita Saffioti 10 Things: Can't wait to have the Matildas back in WA this winter
1. What a week it's been for sport, headlined by WA UFC fighter Jack Della Maddalena's stunning win in Montreal last weekend. It's the first time a West Australian has won a UFC world title. Jack's character, work ethic and resilience in bouncing back from injury setbacks is just incredible, and we are so proud of him. 2. It was WA Labor that removed the ban on the octagon when we came into Government in 2017. UFC is a professional sport followed by millions and millions around the world. We've hosted some incredible UFC events in Perth, which attract thousands of tourists and generates valuable money for our economy. Excited to have UFC back again later this year and next. 3. Also can't wait to have the Matildas back in WA this winter to play four international friendlies against Slovenia and Panama — three at HBF Park and for the first time, one in Bunbury at Hands Oval. A great opportunity for the South West to see the Tillies in action before next year's Asian Cup. 4. Of course, the redevelopment at Hands Oval in Bunbury has meant they are now capable of hosting big sporting matches, like the AFL game between North Melbourne and the West Coast Eagles and now the Matildas. Our Government has contributed more than $13 million to the redevelopment. 5. It was a privilege to launch the new WA Institute of Sport Para Sports Unit on Tuesday. This program will support our incredible para-athletes by reducing barriers, enhancing performance pathways and ultimately driving future success at Paralympic Games, particularly Brisbane 2032. Up to 40 athletes will be supported each year. Very proud to support this initiative. 6. Across the regions, we've announced some important cost-of-living relief for families. We're delivering on our $8 million election commitment to cut costs for regional students who attend Country Week — a popular annual sports carnival in Perth between regional high schools. This will save families up to $500. 7. As Sports Minister, I'm proud of the record amount we're investing into sporting infrastructure. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent supporting new courts, ovals, change rooms, leisure centres, lighting and facilities. This is the best way to keep young people participating in sport and help talented athletes reach their full potential. 8. There has been significant growth in grassroots rugby league across the suburbs. I visited the Alkimos Tigers' home ground last week where I learned their participation has increased from 40 to 400 in just eight years. To keep young people engaged in their chosen sport as they grow older, it's important they can see the future. Having our own NRL team gives them that. 9. The Perth Bears have clearly struck a chord with many West Australians and of course original fans in North Sydney. We know many of these fans will come to Perth to support their team, meaning visitation and spend in WA. This team will help bolster the growing supporter base in our suburbs and drive more tourism outcomes. 10. Our approach to support a range of sports and events is paying dividends. We're not about a one hit wonder (like Basil Zempilas' $2 billion Commonwealth Games idea). We're about supporting a range of events, with the likes of WWE, UFC, league State of Origin, international rugby union, the Matildas and Socceroos just an example of the events coming up in the next year to cater for everyone.
ABC News
08-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Kids' sport challenges families struggling with cost of living pressures
River Allum will be a long way from home when he runs out to play in Kuala Lumpur later this year. The 13-year-old from Geraldton, 420 kilometres north of Perth, has been honing his skills on the soccer field, while his parents have been sacrificing to save the $3,630 needed for travel costs, tournament fees and gear. His mother Rachell Allum said she had already spent about $1,700 on her son's soccer-related costs this year. She said the rising cost of living was making it harder to afford. Ms Allum says she and her husband are sacrificing and saving. ( ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt: Chloe Henville ) Australian government data showed 6.3 per cent of children surveyed could not afford sport or the associated travel costs as recently as last year. Ms Allum said her family was budgeting strictly for the Kuala Lumpur trip as River was not eligible for any grants she could find. She said living in regional WA had also multiplied the cost of participating in sport over the years, as River often travelled to Perth for competitions such as Country Week. "We have to miss out on a few things ourselves, but we wouldn't deny him that chance as much as we possibly could," Ms Allum said. River says he is grateful for his parents' ongoing support. ( ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt: Chloe Henville ) "We've got to find accommodation for ourselves, let alone petrol … the petrol prices are ridiculous." But she said the costs were worth it to see River excel at a sport he loved. "Every annual fee is expensive, and he's growing — you know, new boots, new uniforms, new everything — but we are very, very proud of River," Ms Allum said. Understanding the sacrifice The high-school student said he was aware of the financial strain. "I do feel a bit bad about all the costs," River said. River has been playing soccer since he was six. ( ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt: Chloe Henville ) He said sport helped him work through emotions such as sadness and anger. "I can just go to soccer and just wipe my head away from it, and it makes me feel a lot happier again," River said. The teenager said everyone should have access to sport as an outlet, regardless of their financial position. It is a perspective shared by Federation University sport science professor Rochelle Eime. She has conducted a national study in conjunction with the Australian Sports Commission. Yet to be publicly released, the study found fees were a growing barrier to club sport participation. Rochelle Eime has conducted a study on the cost of sport across Australia. ( Supplied: Rochelle Eime ) "Cost has always been an issue, but more of an issue now with the rising cost of living," Professor Eime said. " Participation is much lower in areas of lower socio-economic status. " Critical opportunity missed Professor Eime said lower participation had huge implications for physical fitness, mental health and social connection, especially for young people. "Without those opportunities to play sport, they're missing out on a lot of life skills," she said. Professor Eime said though sport was often the "social fabric" in regional communities, participants could incur more costs than their metro peers, something the Ballarat woman was familiar with. Professor Eime says sport is important for social connection in small towns. ( ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt: Chloe Henville ) She said her 18-year-old son, Jay, was travelling to China to compete in a tennis tournament, but even local travel took a toll. "He's commuting an hour-and-a-half to training several times a week … now that he can drive, that saves me," Professor Eime said. Along with the price of fuel, she pointed to other travel fees including overnight accommodation to join metro competitions. Professor Eime said geographical barriers and cost burdens could limit the sporting potential of some talented regional players. ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt — local news in your inbox Get our local newsletter, delivered free each Thursday Your information is being handled in accordance with the Email address Subscribe
