STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 13 PRIORITY 4 / ADVOCACY ENERGY PRICES AT SPORTING CLUBS The Vicsport Chairman and CEO have campaigned against excessive increases in energy prices, especially for community-based sporting clubs. The campaign called for a review of tariffs particularly at clubs operating after dark and regularly using floodlights for safety at training sessions throughout winter. In a press release, Chairman of Vicsport, Margot Foster AM said, “Swimming pools and major sporting complexes, many run by local councils, are also significantly and adversely impacted by energy price hikes, which could result in councils and operators raising entry fees and membership costs”. The discussion is ongoing with the Minster for the Environment and Energy, The Hon Josh Frydenberg MP. INDUSTRY REPRESENTATION Vicsport represented the industry on the following panels/ working groups during 2016-17: MEMBER FORUMS & EVENTS Vicsport hosted the following member forums and events throughout 2016-17: LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY FORUM On 13 September 2016 at the Local Government Authority Forum, 52 attendees received an inside look at the current trends and challenges experienced both globally and locally, and how they can impact the sporting sector within their local councils. An experienced panel of presenters and speakers from VicHealth, Australian Sports Commission and Sport and Recreation Victoria discussed potential threats to Victoria’s population growth projections and how this would impact local councils. The Forum gave attendees an opportunity to have their input into the messaging distributed to SSAs and State Government about major sport and active recreation issues related to their respective areas. SPORTS TALK FORUM AND AGM On 22 November 2016 prior to the Vicsport AGM, a SportsTalk Forum was held titled; Podium & Participation: Governance, Recognition & the Return on Investment. The guest speaker for the Forum was respected sports journalist and life member at the South Yarra Cricket Club, Gideon Haigh. Gideon’s presentation looked at the balance between high performance and community sport and the importance of club sport offering more than just physical activity. The Annual General Meeting featured the release of Vicsport’s 2017-20 Strategic Plan. This plan is the next iteration of the 2014-16 Strategic Plan which revitalised Vicsport, enabling it to redefine its purposes, services, and membership.   Commissioner for Senior Victorians - Strengthening Seniors Participation in Communities    Deakin University Exercise and Sports Science Advisory Board   Deakin University Major Course Review Panel – Bachelor of Sport Development   Deakin University Sports Management Advisory Board   Fisherman’s Bend Urban Renewal – Community Infrastructure Consultation    Human Services and Health Partnership Implementation Committee (HSHPIC)    Sport and Recreation Victoria – Active Recreation Project Working Group   VicHealth Prevention of Violence against women and gender equality roundtable  VicHealth Assessment Panels   VicHealth Physical Activity Taskforce   Victorian Active Ageing Partnership (VAAP)   Women in Sport and Active Recreation (WISAR) Implementation Committee Vicsport has delivered submissions on behalf of its members to the following consultations:   Minister for Sport – Valuing Sport and Recreation Submission   Australian Sports Commission – National Sports Plan councils attended LGA Forum 52 Child Safety Standards Industry Forum attendees 78 forward thinking series attendees 348 SSAs & RSAs received support from Vicsport Transition into Mandatory Board Quotas 66 attended 115 SportsTalk Forum