- Cook Government invests $330,000 over two years for Rugby for Life program
- Holistic approach to boost wellbeing in local rugby clubs
- Education and support to reduce alcohol-related harm and improve mental health
- Workshops to promote healthy eating at junior level
The Cook Government is investing in a new program to create healthier rugby clubs and strengthen wellbeing across Western Australia's rugby union community.
Healthway and Rugby WA will deliver the Rugby for Life program, which aims to tackle alcohol-related harm, boost mental health and wellbeing, and promote healthy eating.
Funding of $330,000 over two years will see the program delivered to clubs across the Perth, Peel, South West, Goldfields, and Great Southern regions.
The program was co-designed with local clubs to create health and wellbeing initiatives that meet members' needs and drive real change. These include:
- the appointment of a dedicated wellbeing co-ordinator to host mental health workshops;
- an annual 'Champions of Rugby' award to celebrate clubs that are leading the way in health and wellbeing;
- healthy eating workshops and tailored resources to help junior players build lifelong nutrition habits;
- healthy lifestyle messages to be embedded in school rugby resources and distributed to more than 230 WA schools; and
- a dedicated health and wellbeing co-ordinator who will oversee the delivery of the Rugby for Life program to more than 55,000 Rugby WA club members and spectators.
Healthway is the only State Government agency solely dedicated to health promotion and preventative health.
The Cook Government is committed to supporting initiatives that keep Western Australians well in the short and long-term.
To learn more, visit www.healthway.wa.gov.au
As stated by Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:
"Sport is part of WA's cultural fabric and a powerful vehicle for change.
"By making local rugby union clubs safe and supportive spaces, we can spark meaningful conversations, advance health and wellbeing, and create stronger communities.
"Rugby for Life provides wraparound support to help members tackle life's challenges and thrive.
"Our government will continue to prioritise ways to boost the health and wellbeing of the Western Australian community."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"For many Western Australians, local sporting clubs are the lifeblood of the community, offering connection and providing a fun space to train and stay active.
"The Rugby for Life program will deliver practical, on-the-ground support for clubs to help strengthen the wellbeing of their players.
"This investment is part of our government's commitment to support active lifestyles and connected communities across WA."
