Targeted Earlier Intervention Contract Id 1- 1484103992 Parenting Through Sport

2024/25

Parenting Through Sport delivered another strong year across all communities, with participation continuing to grow and families engaging enthusiastically. Several towns recorded their highest numbers yet, while others showed steady consistency, demonstrating that the program has become a valued and anticipated part of community life. Parents and caregivers actively joined in alongside their children, with families reporting they continued activities at home to strengthen motor skills, literacy, and numeracy. A particular strength was the high level of Aboriginal participation, ensuring cultural inclusion remained central to the program. Sector coordination was also evident, with providers linking families to supports and reinforcing Parenting Through Sport’s role as a bridge between communities and services.

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Some great highlights for the year are:

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* Indigenous Social Participation

Indigenous Social Participation was a strong feature across the program, with Aboriginal families making up a significant proportion of attendees in many communities. Towns like Nyngan, Gilgandra, and Collarenebri recorded high Aboriginal participation, reflecting the program’s ability to create culturally inclusive environments where families feel welcomed and engaged.

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* Education and Skills Training

The outcomes were clearly visible across the three-week programs. Children displayed improved motor skills, colour and number recognition, and overall confidence. Families reinforced this learning at home using the provided weekly resources. In some locations, the generational influence of older siblings who had previously attended was evident, parents noted they encouraged their younger brothers and sisters to join in, building excitement and confidence before the sessions even began. This demonstrates the program’s influence across generations.
The involvement of parents and caregivers in these activities has numerous benefits. It not only strengthens the bond between them and their children but also enhances communication, boosts self-esteem, and supports cognitive development. The positive experiences shared by these families led to enthusiastic word-of-mouth promotion, which brought in new participants and further expanded the program’s reach.

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* Community Sector Coordination

In locations where access is often limited, providers used the sessions to share information and introduce their programs, with parents showing genuine interest and, in some cases, signing up for playgroups and other supports.

This level of coordination was particularly valuable in the Far West, where services often face challenges reaching remote communities but made the effort to attend and connect with families. These moments showed how Parenting Through Sport is not only about play and learning, but also a trusted platform for families to access wider community supports in a relaxed and approachable setting.