Published on Thursday, 26 March 2015 at 12:00:00 AM
Kids, adults and grandparents came out over the weekend to try their hand at a variety of sports and recreational activities in the inaugural Have a Go Day. Held in both Tom Price and Paraburdoo the event saw clubs and groups create a fun opportunity for people of all ages to get in and give it a go.
The day also included the traditional Welcome Event, giving new residents the chance to see more of what their town has to offer, to make new friends and to feel part of the local community. Over 500 people attended in Tom Price, and 350 in Paraburdoo, making the day’s festivities a huge success.
A free BBQ lunch provided everyone with the chance to spend time meeting new residents, talking to clubs and registering their participation in the upcoming sport season.
Made possible through a partnership between the Shire of Ashburton, Rio Tinto, the Department of Sport and Recreation and Inclusion WA, the Have a Go day event aimed to raise awareness of, and encourage participation in, local sport and activity for people of all abilities.
Have a Go Day gave the community a chance to see and try the many types of sport and recreation available in their town ranging from BMX start gate sessions, golf putt putt, the softball pitching machine, an assortment of crafts, Youth Club ‘Minute to Win It’ games as well as sporting drills and skills sessions. A jumping castle, tug-o-war, face painting, slip n’ slide, live music and jam sessions topped off an amazing community event.
Shire President Kerry White said the event was a great example of community inclusion and the ongoing focus on health and wellbeing. “Playing sport, or being a member of a group or club, gives people a social outlet and a sense of belonging which is particularly important when living in a remote town,” said Cr White. “Tom Price and Paraburdoo both embraced the Have a Go Day theme and it was wonderful to see so many people trying new things and having lots of fun in the process.
“It was also a fantastic way to welcome new residents to town.”
Rio Tinto general manager Tom Price and Marandoo Operations Anna Wiley said Rio Tinto is proud to support events like ‘Have a Go Day’, as part of their long-term partnership with the Shire of Ashburton.
“Events like this help foster community spirit and a sense of place, bringing people together to enhance our sporting clubs and health services, which are vital to the sustainability of the community,” Ms Wiley said. “Rio Tinto works closely with the Shire of Ashburton across a range of programmes and activities aimed to enhance the liveability of the towns of Paraburdoo, Tom Price and Pannawonica.”
The Shire extends a big thank you to all clubs and groups who contributed their time and efforts, as well as to our event partners who helped bring the day to fruition. Over 20 clubs in both towns participated in Have a Go day and with its outstanding success it will definitely feature again on the event calendar.
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