Mitcham Sporting Clubs

Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (15:23): Recently, I had the great pleasure to attend a civic reception held on Wednesday 26 July in the Mayor's Parlour at the Civic Centre, Torrens Park. The reception was in honour of and as a thank you to sporting groups within the City of Mitcham. It was hosted by the Mayor of Mitcham, Mr Glenn Spear. I understand this was just one in a series of several receptions the mayor has hosted over recent years.

The reception was a way to thank all those who ensure local sporting clubs not only continue but also flourish and grow. It was indeed wonderful to know that so many dedicated club members from a wide variety of clubs were invited to attend including football; tennis, being the Hawthorne, Reade Park and Pasadena tennis clubs; bowling clubs, including Colonel Light Gardens; croquet, being the Reade Park Croquet Club; and baseball, the Goodwood Indians. Recognition of the important role that leaders of these clubs play cannot be underestimated, as the value of sport to local government and communities extends beyond sport for sport's sake. It is fair to say that sport plays a role in bringing communities together, having a social and cultural impact, developing social capital and reducing crime and antisocial behaviour.

Regular involvement in sport is widely acknowledged as being beneficial to individuals and communities. It contributes to a range of positive outcomes. It is generally accepted that involvement in local sporting clubs encourages more local people to participate as volunteers in community life. It gives local people a greater voice and influence over decision-making and creates a more cohesive, tolerant and inclusive community that values diversity and instils a sense of belonging and local pride. There are also the benefits of deterring antisocial behaviour with an increased culture of respect and tolerance. The building of community that these clubs enable also sees a reduction in crime and in alcohol and drug misuse, as well as a reduction in the fear of crime.

Of the near on two dozen clubs invited, it was pleasing to see both Mercedes College and Mitcham Girls High School involved, as both schools field many sporting teams across a wide range of sports. It was a vibrant event and I met members from so many clubs, all representative of the passion and enthusiasm of all in attendance. It was great speaking with Reade Park Croquet Club members represented on the night by the president, Tom, and the secretary, Don, who told me they have around 100 members involved in a very active and social club.

Also present were members from the Denman Tennis Club, founded more than 80 years ago and built on a great sense of history and tradition. Colonel Light Gardens and Kenilworth football clubs and Mitcham Hawks Football Club were also invited, with the Mitcham Hawks Football Club remaining one of Adelaide metro area's most durable and historic clubs, without merger or loss of identity. Five players have played over 300 games, and Ray Murray holds the club record with 427 games.

Another vibrant football club of note, with over 300 members, is that of the Kenilworth Football Club, being the second oldest amateur league football club in the state, fielding three senior teams, five junior boys teams and four junior girls teams. Of course, it was also a delight to speak with the wonderful social ladies from the Pasadena Tennis Club, who gather on a regular basis for friendship, fellowship and fun.

The guest speaker for the night was Bronwyn Klei, Deputy Chair of Sport SA and General Manager, Commercial, Events and the Adelaide Strikers at the South Australian Cricket Association, who gave a very engaging and enabling presentation, citing the multidimensional value of sport and the importance of local sporting organisations. Bronwyn has helped create a successful, high-profile sporting business that regularly attracts more than 40,000 people to home games, with more than one million more watching on TV. Bronwyn is also president of both the Adelaide Hills Netball Association and the Aldgate Netball Club, where she continues to play and umpire.

All in attendance clearly enjoyed the reception and the mayor's hospitality in recognising the value of local sporting clubs with the support and passion of volunteers and their important role in building community.