Sports Focus

04/09/2026

Winning is part of sport. But it’s not the whole story.

Club culture is more than just what happens on the field. It’s reflected in the way people treat each other, the behaviours that are encouraged, the values that are lived and the experiences people have as part of your club.

A strong club culture doesn’t happen by accident — it’s built through the everyday actions of everyone involved.

So, take a moment to ask yourself:
What does your club stand for? And what do you want people to feel when they’re part of it?

Swipe through to learn more about what shapes club culture 👉

03/09/2026

💛 R U OK? DAY Thursday 10 September

A reminder for our community sport clubs, teams, volunteers, coaches and players — checking in can make a real difference.

Sport is about more than what happens on the field. It’s about connection, belonging and looking out for the people around us. Sometimes, a simple “Are you OK?” can open the door to a conversation someone may really need.

This R U OK? Day, take a moment to check in with a teammate, coach, volunteer, friend or someone in your club.

💛 Ask
💛 Listen
💛 Encourage action
💛 Check in

You don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes, being there and listening is enough to start a conversation.

Let’s continue building community sporting environments where people feel connected, supported and know they don’t have to face things alone.

R U OK? 💛

03/09/2026

Looking for a healthier way to reward your junior players? ⚽🏀

Healthy Sports Rewards are a great way to recognise effort and participation while encouraging positive, lifelong healthy habits!

⏰ Expressions of interest close Friday 4 September — don’t miss out!

Healthy Sports Rewards offer an alternative to the less healthy food and drink vouchers often presented to junior sporting club participants ⚽🏀

These rewards are an easy and effective way for clubs to recognise effort, encourage participation, and promote lifelong healthy habits for junior players.

Expressions of interest close on Friday September 4.

🔗 Apply now: https://go.bendigo.vic.gov.au/healthysportsrewards

This program is delivered in partnership with Bendigo Community Health Services.

02/09/2026

Creating a sporting club where everyone feels safe, welcome and respected starts with all of us.

Through Set The Standard, coaches and club leaders have access to practical tools and resources to help recognise racism, challenge harmful behaviour and build more inclusive sporting environments.

This important conversation from VicHealth highlights the powerful role coaches and club leaders can play in creating positive change.

🎥 Take a moment to watch and learn more about how we can all help Set The Standard in community sport.

Want to take the next step? Contact the Sport Focus team to find out how your club can access free, subsidised anti-racism training through Reflect Forward.

📞 5442 3101
📧 [email protected]

01/09/2026

What an incredible journey it has been for our Sailability Bendigo community member, Simon Bibby.

Simon first joined Sailability as a participant, discovering the joy, freedom and connection that sailing can provide. From there, he became a valued Sailability volunteer, giving back to the program that helped him get out on the water.

Simon’s passion for sailing continued to grow, taking him from participating locally to competing in para sailing at state and national level.

And now, another exciting milestone! At Australian Sailing’s Para Inclusive Wing Development Camp in Townsville, Simon achieved a breakthrough moment — getting up and foiling for the first time! 🚀

It’s incredible to see how far Simon has come, and even more exciting to see where this journey might take him next.

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Simon’s achievements and the pathway that began right here with Sailability Bendigo💙

Congratulations, Simon! ⛵️👏

31/08/2026

⛵ MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH BENDIGO SAILABILITY!

Looking for a fun way to give back to your community? Bendigo Sailability is looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to join the team — and no sailing experience is needed!

Volunteers help co-sail specially designed accessible dinghies, working one-on-one with people living with disability and helping create an inclusive and enjoyable experience on the water.

✨ Once-a-month commitment (or join when you can)
✨ Free training provided
✨ Learn new skills
✨ Supportive and inclusive environment
✨ Be part of a friendly team making a real difference

Come along, meet some great people and make a difference while having fun doing it! 💙

📞 More information: Maggie at Sports Focus — 5442 3101
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://bit.ly/4wV0aLp

28/08/2026

💜 COLOURS OF COURAGE | WEAR IT PURPLE DAY

Today, our staff are wearing purple to show our support for Wear It Purple Day and this year’s theme, Colours of Courage.

In sport, courage can be as simple as creating a space where everyone feels welcome, supported and proud to be themselves. It’s about standing beside others, speaking up and making sure every person knows they belong — on the field, on the sidelines and within our community. 💜

Today, we’re proud to stand together as allies and celebrate the courage, diversity and strength of LGBTQIA+SB young people and communities.

Because sport is for everyone!

28/08/2026

💜 COLOURS OF COURAGE | WEAR IT PURPLE DAY

Today, our staff are wearing purple to show our support for Wear It Purple Day and this year’s theme, Colours of Courage.

In sport, courage can be as simple as creating a space where everyone feels welcome, supported and proud to be themselves. It’s about standing beside others, speaking up and making sure every person knows they belong — on the field, on the sidelines and within our community. 💜

Today, we’re proud to stand together as allies and celebrate the courage, diversity and strength of LGBTQIA+SB young people and communities.

Because sport is for everyone!

belonging CommunitySports

27/08/2026

💜 COLOURS OF COURAGE | AUGUST 28 🌈

Another local club showing their support this Wear It Purple Day! ⚽️💜

We’re proud to see Kyneton District Soccer Club continuing their Wear It Purple Round and creating opportunities for their members and community to learn, connect and show their support.

Every club has a part to play in creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and belongs. 🌈

Courage comes in many colours. 💜

26/08/2026

Still thinking about bringing an anti-racism workshop to your club? Now’s a great time to get involved.

Delivered by Reflect Forward, these fully subsidised one-hour sessions are designed to give club leaders the confidence and practical skills to challenge racism, lead with respect and create a club environment where everyone feels welcome.

Your club leaders will walk away with simple, actionable ways to create safer and more inclusive spaces for players, coaches, officials and the wider community.

If your club is affiliated with AFL Victoria, Basketball Victoria, Cricket Victoria, Football Victoria, Netball Victoria, NRL Victoria or Tennis Victoria, reach out to the Sport Focus team to find out more and book a subsidised workshop for your club.

Sessions are limited, so don’t miss out!

Contact Sports Focus today!
👉5442 3101
👉[email protected]

VicHealth