The landscape of community sport is ever evolving, and with over 16 years of industry experience, Brooke has seen her fair share of trends come and go.  With experience across local and state levels of government, Brooke shares her thoughts on strategy, in the latest episode of the LN Connect Podcast, and the significant role it can play in shaping a club’s future.’

This week the dynamic duo from LN Connect Tim Downes and Michael King delve into the topic of Physical Literacy with one of the AFLW Geelong Cats champions, who also happens to be part of our Leisure Networks team Kate Anderson.
So what is Physical Literacy? What are the benefits? Why is it so important for our young children to learn?
Kate is currently the program coordinator of Mini Movers a physical literacy based program that uses sports as a vehicle to increase the motor skills of children aged 3-7, ensuring they have the suitable skills heading into primary school and to give them the tools to stay physically active for years to come! So a great person to explore this topic with.

Kate's passion, enthusiasm, energy and warmth make her the perfect person to help our kids “Turn Screen Time into Play Time”

This Episode the LN Connect podcast team will be talking Disability in Sport, catching up with Shawn Stevenson from Sport and Recreation Victoria who has worked in the field of autism since 2003 and Madeleine Hogan a 3 time Paralympian, Bronze medallist at Beijing 2008, and London 2012 Track and Field athlete (Javelin) @Change Our Game ambassador and a board member of Disability Sport & Recreation
Its so important for people with a disability to participate in sport for a number of reasons such as Fitness, Function, Family, Friends, Future and Fun!

Mental Health has been a talking point for a number of years but now there is a greater push for individuals and communities to advocate, communicate and share the importance of mental health and wellbeing. This week the team from LN Connect caught up with Michael Parker Manager, and Tayla John, Education Coordinator, from Read The Play to discuss what they’re seeing in community, the services they offer and how we can all work together in supporting ourselves and each other.

This episode tackles the topic of leading through a crisis and why it requires great empathy.   Who better to talk about this than Leisure Networks CEO Libby Mears.
"Taking time and connecting with your staff and not being afraid of showing your own vulnerability especially when talking about the challenges. However it is also really important that decisions are made with confidence, in a timely way and that your communication speaks to all your people and their own situations. It is a privilege to lead through a crisis and an amazing opportunity for growth".

Simone Bellars head of womens Strategy at the Geelong Football Club and Leisure Networks Fiona Bennett Project Coordinator for the The Barwon Game Changer have a great conversation about how to future proof women and girls in sport.
As a starting point, creating a safe and supportive environment to have the conversations, having men at your club buy into the importance of gender equity and to create change we need to accept our current position and seek improvement.

The current situation regarding Covid-19 has had an extraordinary impact on our current industry environment. It has led to many temporary reductions and closures of clubs, facilities and events within the sporting industry -  Tune in and listen to Tim Downes and Michael King as they discuss this and what we need to put our energy into re-booting engagement and connection with our community clubs.