Skate Australia's national community engagement activities commenced this week, with over 1,300 responses received from skaters in the first few days.
Community members are invited to 'have their say' by completing a survey, attending an online or in person forum, or making an online submission.
The insights gained will help inform the development of Skate '28 - Skate Australia's 2023-28 Strategic Plan.
Skate Australia Executive Director Ariane de Rooy was excited by the success of the first online forum.
'Thanks to those who attended our first 'Have Your Say' community forum last night.
I'm thrilled to say it was really respectful and constructive session. Participants were a cross section of disciplines and social/fitness skaters from a range of states, age 14 to 60+.'
'The matters raised weren’t surprising', said de Rooy, 'but it's valuable to hear it directly from our community. Common issues include:
Lack of access to facilities
Difficult to find information centrally online about events, clubs coaching, lessons etc
Discipline specific issues - governance of roller derby nationally and the lack of a cohesive skateboarding representative pathway'
'I'm proud that a small organisation like Skate Australia is undertaking one of the largest community engagement activities in sport in 2022, and grateful to Sport Australia for their financial support to do so.'
Insights are gained from the forums, surveys and submissions will be shared on www.skate.org.au The community engagement activities will continue for four months until the end of September 2022.