Sport is a key medium for creating new relationships among disparate social groups.
People from culturally and linguistically-diverse backgrounds (CaLD) and indigenous Australians can be vulnerable to social and structural disconnection. Research shows participation in sport provides increased opportunities for them to connect with the wider community.
Participation rates by people who have emigrated are relatively lower than people born in Australia. Opportunities exist for sporting associations and clubs to expand their services by encouraging people of diverse cultures to create clubs based on inclusiveness.
Our picture shows Balga Senior High netball coach Rusty Hazel with girls from her CaLD netball team. See story below.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) groups
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse refers to the wide range of cultural groups and individuals that make up the Australian population. It includes groups and individuals who differ according to religion, race, language and ethnicity, except those whose ancestry is Anglo-Saxon, Anglo Celtic, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
New and emerging communities
A term used to describe ethnic communities that are small in number, have recently settled in Australia and often lack established family networks, support systems, community structures and resources, relative to more established communities.
Refugee
Any person who has left their own country of nationality due to an established fear of being persecuted on the basis of ethnicity, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable to, or is unwilling to return to it.
Migrant/immigrant
In Australia, the terms "migrant" and "immigrant" are used interchangeably and refer to a person who moves to another country with the intention of settling permanently.
Play by the Rules website
Case studies
Susan McDonald
Planning and Assessing Officer
246 Vincent Street, LEEDERVILLE WA 6007
PO Box 329, LEEDERVILLE WA 6903
Telephone (08) 9492 9821
Facsimile (08) 9492 9711
Email Susan
The Community Participation Branch of the Department of Sport and Recreation uses a ‘community development’ approach as a key strategy in its quest to enhance community inclusion.
