NUMBERS for the Northam school holiday program have been steady across the past two weeks and numbers for sessions in Toodyay have been exceptionally strong.
Inclusion WA’s Ciara King said it was particularly pleasing to see a wide range of activities on offer for the whole community in both Northam and Toodyay.
“I have personally seen parents stay around and get involved in sessions, and this showcases that we can all participate in community sport together,” she said.
“Terry Larkin coached the soccer session so well, we had about 50 participants, and with parents it was well above 60 in total”.
Similarly, numerous other clubs and groups have engaged with community members to get them involved and to build social relationships within the community.
This April, the Inclusive Holiday Program has also seen a bus from Bakers Hill bringing children to the activities and following the April holidays, a community consultation will soon be held to discuss the future of the programs in both Northam and Toodyay.
“From Inclusion WA’s point of view, we want each program to be reflective of the community around it,” she said.
“We want all community members to have an opportunity to engage in various sports and recreational activities and all the clubs are great at promoting an ongoing involvement for participants.”
The Toodyay school holiday program is being held for just the second time and following an immensely successful January Program.
Ms King said that the program has been an instant success with a high level of community buy-in and commitment from the Shire of Toodyay.
“When we see this sort of commitment from the Local Government, the entire community wins,” she said.
“That is what it is all about- serving the community and assisting all residents to find a belonging within their local community.”
With 14 sessions of inclusive sport and recreation on offer in Toodyay, this program has really given all residents
the opportunity to participate in their local community.
Some sessions saw in excess of 70 people participating, further highlighting the need for this program in Toodyay.
Inclusion WA’s Sport & Community development manager, Denver D’Cruz said Toodyay’s program has been “ridiculously successful”.
“All praise must go to The Shire of Toodyay for leading the way and for listening to the desires of the community,” he said.
“The Shire has been proactive and has really responded to past issues by addressing them and by getting Inclusion WA involved.
“Together we have formed a strong partnership and this will no doubt continue to benefit local residents in Toodyay”.
Mr D’Cruz said when Inclusion WA heard from the Shire of Toodyay that Toodyay has the highest youth crime level in the Wheatbelt, they knew they had to help out.
“This program is providing youth an opportunity to be engaged and to take pride in their own community,” he said.
“Speaking solely on Toodyay’s behalf, we couldn’t be any happier because we have seen fantastic outcomes in such a short time.
“Everyone is talking about it and all credit to The Shire of Toodyay”.
For more information on either program, contact 9201 8900 or email northaminclusive@gmail.com (Northam) or eso@toodyay.wa.gov.au (Toodyay).