Media Releases

ACADEMY TO ACADEMY, STRENGTH TO STRENGTH, WHITE SIGNS ON AS SWAS COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

South West Academy of Sport is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim White as the new Communications Officer. SWAS welcomes Tim as we aim to increase and solidify our brand and identity as the peak high-performance sporting body within the South West region.

Tim joins us with not only the modernised business acumen that resulted in the foundation, rapid growth and outstanding success of both academies but also with an accomplished background in graphic design, specifically branding. Such a background saw Tim during his time as Vice President of Country Football Leagues Football Association, establish brands and identities for all 3 organisations that are now easily recognised and identified throughout not only the South West and regional Victoria but Victoria as a whole.

Tim also brings to the role his skills as a highly regarded and talented football youth development coach but also as the founder and Technical Director of Pro Iithias Football Elite and the South West Football Association, Regional Youth Development & Talented Player Identification Academies.

Bringing in a strong understanding of sporting youth development, the need for athletic support, traditional, modern and social media, in compliments to innovative communication and design we trust Tim to assist in the growth of SWAS in line with our brand blueprint.

With Tim now a welcome member of South West Academy of Sport we look forward to a future in which we are an established name and go-to provider of direct pathways for sporting success within the South West.

 

 

Spotlight on Victoria McPhee

 

Hi Victoria and welcome to the South West Academy of Sport’s Spotlight On series, you have been chosen as our focus this week as you have had a particularly spectacular few weeks in your chosen sport and while we have spotlighted quite a few netballer’s previously, it would be awesome if we could ask you some questions around this and also specifically, what impact SWAS has had on your sporting career.

 

Firstly can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your family, school and what got you interested in netball?

I’m in year 10 at Emmanuel College. I have 2 older sisters and 1 older brother; they’re all quite a bit older than me and no longer live at home. My oldest sister plays and coaches netball so I’ve been going to watch her play for as long as I can remember and so it was just something I always wanted to do.

 

In the last few weeks your amazing form saw you take out the WDFNL Best and Fairest, and also win a Grand Final for Russell’s Creek. What was the most exciting part of both of these feats?

The best part about winning the league B&F was that it was totally unexpected. I’d had a few knee injuries, including patella tendinitis, during the season from playing footy. Luckily I only missed 1 game due to injury but I probably felt I didn’t play as well as I could have this year. Seeing that I was leading when they started the count and then to hold on to win was such a shock, but at the same time it was a really nice reward for all the hard work and training I put in. Having my team mate Charlotte come runner up made it extra special too.

The most exciting part about winning the GF was that it was practically our same team that won the U13 flag in 2017. (Only 1 new player) Most of us have been together for 4 years now, we all get along and so sharing that experience with them again was awesome.

 

Your coach at Russell’s Creek is also your SWAS Coach, have you found this to be a help to your form and game planning?

Yes it was. Thalia brought a few of the different drills etc that we did at SWAS over to our club training which I think helped improve us as a team.

 

Could you explain to our readers what Finals Netball is like and how does it differ physically and emotionally to the normal home and away season?

The pressure to play your best is a lot higher in finals.  Especially when you have finished on top of the ladder there is a lot of expectation to win. Finals are usually more intense and physically harder as both teams are really determined to win. Most players tend to lift in finals so you can’t take your opposition for granted. Finals games can get a little too fast but it’s just about trying to slow it down to your own pace and do what you need to do. Finals mean so much more than regular games so I always get really nervous before a final. My hands shake really bad, but I’m all good once the game starts and I just focus on playing my part.

 

Being In a team sport, Premierships are always the ultimate prize, how did winning this year feel, can you explain your emotions when you realised you had won?

My first emotion was relief. It was a really close, tough game and Kolora actually got a goal in front in the last quarter, so when we got back in front and the siren went I was just so relieved. Straight after that I was really excited. It was just so great to celebrate with my team mates and coach.

 

Has being a premiership player changed how you feel about your future in netball?

Not really. I think all my goals are the same as what they were.

 

What is your ultimate goal in your netball career?

My ultimate goal would probably be to play VNL but at the moment I’d just be happy to play seniors more consistently.

 

Do you have anyone in particular that you look up to? Or wish to emulate?

Thalia has been my coach for 3 out of my 4 years of playing netball. She’s been a big influence on my netball and someone I really look up to and try to learn as much as I can from.

 

Being part of the SWAS program gives you extra support, could you please explain what your week looks like and maybe explain the best parts of your SWAS training?

I also played footy this year so my week was pretty busy with sport.

Monday – footy training,

Tuesday – senior club netball training,

Wednesday – SWAS gym and once a month SWAS netball session,

Thursday – club netball training (U15 & senior)

Friday – LOUD netball training up until the end of May then it became a rest day.

Saturday – netball game

Sunday – footy game and SWAS training once a month.

I really enjoyed the netball training sessions. It was really good to have different coaches to give you a different perspective. I think I got a lot out of them, and that they really helped improve my game.

 

Is there anyone in the SWAS program that you would like to thank?

I really enjoyed all the coaching sessions, so thanks to Thalia, Chris, Melissa and especially Sarah. Sarah also coached me in the U15 LOUD team for the last 2 years and I just love being coached by her. She just gets the best out of you and pushes you to improve, and I’ve really enjoyed having her coach me.

 

Thank you so much for being a part of our Spotlight on Series.

We would like to congratulate you on your stellar performances this year and cannot wait to watch your achievements in the coming years.

 

Spotlight on Ned Deppeler

Hi Ned,

 

Welcome to our spotlight on series. 

So today we are here to talk about your SWAS journey in surfing, we know you well as an athlete who is pretty amazing in both track and field athletics, but it turns out you are also a very accomplished young surfer.

So what led you to pursue surfing? 

I have been surfing since I can remember. My dad, uncle and cousins surf and I live in Port Campbell. I started surfing with my dad pushing me into waves in the Port Campbell Bay and at Crescent Head, then out at the point at Port Campbell. I spend every day of the holidays, weekends and after school surfing. Apart from footy season which takes up Saturdays.

You are very good at a lot of sports, has surfing always been a passion for you? 

I have always loved surfing, it is my main sport in summer. Football is also important to me. I also enjoy boxing. I would say my passions are surfing and playing guitar. I have always surfed and love the feeling of freedom and power it gives me, and the speed.

You’ve recently attended the Torquay surf school, can you explain what that entailed for those of us that may not know? 

We have surfing sessions with Adam Robertson a surfer who has competed on the world circuit. He films us surfing and then we watch the footage and he gives us feedback on our technique and how we can improve our surfing. He also helps with how to deal with fear and nerves and stuff like that.

Warrnambool has fantastic beaches; do you have a favourite local spot to surf? 

Bowkers at Princetown and the Point at Port Campbell. My other favourite is Crescent Head in NSW. I go there for a month in September every year.

Obviously being down at Torquay, you would have visited Bells Beach, which most people have heard of; do you get to surf there often? 

Not often, I surf Winki Pop more than Bells.

So who is your surfing hero, and why? 

Mick Fanning because he seems like a good bloke and Jeff Sweeney because he is a big wave charger and he has been really good to me.

Is there any advice you can give up and coming local surfers to keep them motivated during cold and Windy Warrnambool Winters?

Get a good Ripcurl wetsuit.

What is your season looking like, are there any big competitions or training in warm and exotic places coming up?

I am training in Crescent Head in Northern NSW at the moment and plan on going to Indonesia next year. I am also on the Ripcurl Research and Development Team. I test their prototype wetsuits and have to log my surfing and report about the wetsuits every 20 hours. From the 5th of March until the 11th of September I have spent 178 hours surfing and am testing a wetsuit with a new sort of rubber.

What do you find you personally benefit from in the SWAS program? 

I have benefited from Adam Robertson’s advice and really think that the gym sessions have helped both my surfing and my football.

So do you have to travel much for your sport and if so where is the furthest you have travelled for events?

NSW, Torquay and Portland.

 

Thank you so much for being a part of our spotlight on series, Do you have anyone you would like to thank? 

I would like to thank Peter Cole from Ripcurl and my parents for driving me around.

Spotlight on SWAS Netballers Sarah, Jedah and Chloe…

For this Spotlight we take a bit of a different approach! The three athletes chosen are the first of a three part, identical question series!

We are hoping by asking these questions that we will see how everyone has different perspectives and different ideas when asked the same questions on the same subject.

So let’s begin!

SPOTLIGHT ON SARAH TUNSTALL:

What led you to netball?

I actually had a friend that asked me to play for a side as they didn’t have the numbers and I said yes. I’m very glad I did agree to play. I always have known about netball but this was the first time I was going to play netball out of school.

Can you explain how your journey in the sport began?

I played my first game of club netball when I was 11 against Cavendish. I remember playing shooter and I found that the game came very naturally to me. I started quite late compared to my teammates who had started at an earlier age. During that season I played mostly GS but also transitioned into the midcourt. That year also lead to us winning the grand final so my first season was definitely a memorable one.

Why do you enjoy netball and what is your favourite part of the game?

I love most sports but I have stuck with netball because it has come so naturally to me. I love meeting new people and netball has opened many great opportunities for me. My favourite part of the game is being in a team environment and getting challenged while also having fun.

What is your favourite position on the court?

Centre and Goal Attack are my favourite positions on the court.

What does your training involve?

At the moment I train with two teams, a junior and senior side and also the gym training’s that SWAS offer. I have loved the Netball sessions that SWAS also provide and have trained with inter-league teams throughout the seasons.

What is your favourite/least favourite part of training?

My favourite part of training is getting the opportunity to play some half court or play a scratch match. My least favourite is passing during warm-ups, I’m usually ready to start using my head a bit more.

Do you have to be rigid with your diet as part of your training and competition?

Game days I try to eat as nutritiously as possible but most days I am pretty flexible and don’t do anything extra with my food choices.

Can you tell us about your favourite pre or post game food favourites?

I always eat breakfast pre-game and my favourite would be eggs on toast. Post-game I like something sugary to get my energy back quickly and I try to go for something like a salad roll to replenish.

How long have you been involved with SWAS?

I have only been a part of the program for this year.

What is one thing you would tell people if they asked you about SWAS?

I would tell people that SWAS has given me plenty of knowledge to take away to further my skills and understanding of netball and it has been so fun meeting new people.

Have you had any particular favourite memories from within your sport?

My favourite memory is of my first grand final. I remember it being quite cold and playing goal shooter for the match. Winning the Best and Fairest last year is also something I will never forget. I do also have plenty of good memories associated with my basketball career.

Does anyone else in your family play netball or a team sport?

Yes my younger brother plays netball and also football and basketball. My Dad played basketball and football and Mum played Netball.

Tell us a little about your family!

My family grew up in small country towns and are happy that I get these sort of opportunities. My family actually pushed me towards swimming as my first sporting path but as I grew older I switched to sports my friends played. My brother and I actually got to play our first game together this season as he was just filling in!

Do you have any pre game rituals or superstitions?

I always have to stretch my quads and shoulders and have to take some shots even if I’m not shooting.

Have you ever had any injuries? If you did, what rehab was involved and did SWAS help in that process?

Yes I have had 2 fractured wrists and a fractured knee cap that required some physio. And just the few rolled ankles and corkies. I luckily haven’t sustained any injuries during my time with SWAS.

What advice would you give someone wanting to give netball a try?

Just do it. If you ever get the opportunity take it or you might miss it. It’s played a little differently to other sports but anyone can pick up the rules quickly. It’s fun, competitive and anyone can play.

Netball is a team sport, do you find the challenge of having to do your best for a team a motivator for you to play harder, work harder, train harder or try harder during the game?

It is a big motivator. It goes both ways with your teammates if you see that someone is a bit off, you lift so they can lift, or it can go the other way round. I like to think that I try enthuse my teammates as much as possible and bring lots of energy to games and training.

What different levels have you played at?

With netball the furthest I have competed is with Inter-league. With basketball I have been lucky enough to have attended the Gold Nugget basketball camp. At a younger age I have been able to further represent basketball but now as I have gotten older more Netball opportunities are available.

Do you think living in South West Victoria makes it easier or harder in your sport?

I think it makes it easier. There are so many leagues to play in and compared to other parts of the state we have good numbers of participation and it is still easy to play netball at a higher level.

Where is your favourite local venue to play?

Our club is currently having new courts built and since this venue is so close to home I can easily call it my favourite.

 

If you could explain the game to someone who has never played before, how would you explain it to them?

I would start with explaining obstruction because that is what people seem to get most confused about. I’d let them know what part of the court they are allowed in and reassure them of what a fun game it is.

I’d like to thank…

Firstly I would love to thank my parents for all the transport, costs etc. your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. The coaches have been so helpful and a special thanks to Sarah Wall as your session was a huge highlight.

SPOTLIGHT ON JEDAH HUFF: 

What led you to netball?

I started playing football while my sisters were playing netball and eventually I played netball with my friends too.

Can you explain how your journey in the sport began? 

I really wanted to play sport with my friends.

Why do you enjoy netball and what is your favourite part of the game? 

It is a real team game and you have to work together.  No one person can play the game on their own

What is your favourite position on the court? 

GA or GK

What does your training involve? 

SWAS once a month, junior and senior training from 5-7.30pm on a Thursday night and Western Region training.

What is your favourite /least favourite part of training?

Favourite-seeing my team mates that I only catch up with at netball.  Least-all the running!

Do you have to be rigid with your diet as part of your training and competition? 

No but I try to eat healthy most of the time.

Can you tell us about your favourite pre or post game food favourites? 

I don’t really have any as long as I have had some.

How long have you been involved with SWAS?

Just this year

What is the one thing you would tell people about if they asked you about SWAS? 

It’s good to get to know new people in your sport, it teaches you new skills and also gives you the skills to be able to include being an athlete in your life now and in the future.

Have you had any particular favourite memories from within your sport? 

Winning the qualifying final in overtime last week.

Does anyone else in your family play netball or a team sport? 

My 2 sisters play netball and my brother plays footy, cricket and basketball.

Tell us a little about your family! 

Mum, dad, Ayla 18, Tillee 17 and George 12.

Do you have any pre game rituals or superstitions? 

No

Have you ever had any injuries? If you did, what rehab was involved and did SWAS help in that process?

No I’ve been very lucky (touch wood!)

What advice would you give someone wanting to give netball a try? 

Have a go!  It’s so much fun and a great team sport.

Netball is a team sport, do you find the challenge of having to do your best for a team a motivator for you to play harder, work harder train harder or try harder during a game?

Yes I definitely do! I love my team and I always push myself to work harder so I don’t let them down.

What different levels have you played at? 

Junior, senior, schoolgirls, interleague and State Titles teams.

Do you think living in South West Victoria makes it easier or harder in your sport?

Definitely a lot more travel!

Where is your favourite local venue to play? 

Penshurst

If you could explain the game to someone who has never seen netball before, how would you explain it to them? 

It’s like playing piggy in the middle or keepings off. Really the only way to get the ball is with a clean intercept or a rebound. It’s a very fair game because everyone gets a fair go at goal because the centres alternate.

I would like to thank… My mentor, SWAS coaches, team coaches and teammates.  I have really enjoyed the SWAS experience and opportunities and the great variety of stuff we did.

SPOTLIGHT ON CHLOE MANUELL:

 

What led you to netball?

Friends and enjoying the fitness netball provides

Can you explain how your journey in the sport began?

Started at school in sports class and then played at North Warrnambool Eagles and the stadium

Why do you enjoy netball and what is your favourite part of the game?

I like the fitness side of things and the friendships I have made over the years also the different coaching techniques

What is your favourite position in court?

Favourite position is probably C

What does your training involve?

It involves teamwork fitness and skills

What is your favourite/least favourite part of training?

Favourite part is getting fit least favourite is when it’s over

Do you have to be rigid with your diet as a part of your training and competition?

I don’t really have to diet as I am a very active person

Can you tell us about your favourite pre-or post game food favourites?

My favourite food pregame is fruit in the post-game is jam doughnuts and orange juice

How long have you been involved with SWAS?

I’ve been involved with SWAS since the start of 2019

What is the one thing you would tell people if they asked about SWAS?

SWAS is all about fitness skills and friendships.

Have you had any particular favourite memories from within your sport?

I was chosen in the inter league team in 2018 and 2019 winning both of the grand finals.

Does anyone else in your family play netball or a team sport?

My older sister Emily 17 also plays netball

Tell us a little about your family! 

Firstly my family is always on the go and they always support me in all aspects

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

I always tighten my shoelaces before going on court

Have you ever had any injuries? If you did what rehab was involved and did SWAS help in that process?

I’ve been lucky enough in netball as I have had no injuries at all. But I would strongly agree that SWAS would help me if I did

What advice would you give someone wanting to give netball a try?

I will definitely advise anyone to do netball as it benefits your fitness and you make lots of new friendships

Netball is a team sport, do you find the challenge of having to do your best for a team a motivator for you to play harder, work harder train harder or try harder during a game?

My motivator would definitely have to be all of my SWAS coaches and my netball coaches as they encourage me to do my best

What different levels have you played that?

I have played under 12’s for two years under 13s for two years under 15s for two years and filled in for under 17‘s in 2018 I have also played interleague under 15s twice

Do you think living in Southwest Victoria makes it easier or harder in your sport?

I find it easier as there are many opportunities and everything is close by

If you could explain the game to someone who has never seen netball before how would you explain it to them?

Netball is a noncontact sport and includes constant movement

Where is your favourite local venue to play?

My favourite place to play is anywhere as long as I am playing the sport it doesn’t matter.

Is there anyone in particular you would like to thank?

I would like to thank my parents for taking me to all my trainings and netball games and also all my coaches I have had throughout the year and definitely SWAS for allowing me to participate in an amazing sporting opportunity and for all the support you given me thank you.

Position Available – Communication Officer

SWAS is searching for a talented and professional Communication Officer to assist with and expand our athlete’s events, media and community programs. You will represent the South West Academy of Sport (SWAS) and assist the CEO and board with SWAS initiatives that increase the Academy’s profile and visibility within the surrounding community.

You need to be self-motivated, enthusiastic and community-driven to take on this exciting role. This position requires someone equipped with a positive attitude and ability to work independently and as part of a small team.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Communication

• Represent SWAS positively  with the local community and to young people, promoting the pathways and services offered
• Assist in the organisation and communication of relevant SWAS events including athlete education sessions,  training activities, community events and promotions
• Communicate and liaise with athletes and coaches on regular community engagement opportunities and media opportunities

Community Engagement

• Assist with the implementation and evaluation of a Community Engagement Strategy
• Together with the CEO, assist in maintaining the SWAS website and utilising social media to develop opportunities for youth engagement and service promotion

Athlete Engagement

• Participate in the planning and development of athlete education series
• Maintain a calendar of athlete education and engagement services, including community events, workshops, presentations and other engagement opportunities
• Assist in the development and design of events for target groups to increase the profile of SWAS and deliver key messages and values
• Assist in the promotion and development of athletes

Workstyle, attributes, and attitudes

• Adaptable and willing to embrace innovation and change
• Works positively, effectively and sensitively with a wide range of people
• Models SWAS’s values and behaviours
• Works to deadlines
• Outcome-oriented
• An open and transparent communicator

Level of Responsibility

The position is classed as Grade 4 under the Sporting Organisations Award 2010, *negotiable depending on the skills and knowledge of the applicant.

This position is Part-Time  – 15hrs per week + super & leave entitlements

Applicants are asked to address the selection criteria (two pages maximum) in the attached position description and forward their CV to SWAS CEO Nic Kaiser nic.kaiser@swtafe.edu.au by Monday 16 September.

SWAS Communication Officer Job Description

 

Spotlight on

Jaylen Brown

Hi Jaylen and thank you for being a part of our Spotlight On series.

So, you are a Wheelchair Basketballer, what made you pursue Basketball as your chosen sport? 

I grew up in basketball stadiums watching my Mum play a lot of basketball. That’s where my love for basketball started.

Being based regionally, how do we stack up against the city for opportunities to practice and compete? 

It’s hard for me because all of my trainings are in Melbourne. We do have a wheelchair basketball competition in Warrnambool that I play in and I do some training here on my own. There are more opportunities for me in Melbourne.

Can you explain a little about the level of training and competition that is provided locally?

There is a social competition here on a Thursday night that has 5 teams competing in it at the moment. I enjoy playing but it is only a social competition. I do all of my training on my own with Mum or Dad.

There has been a real focus in the last few years on disability inclusion, not only in Australia, but the world, what advice would you give a young kid who wants to get a start in sport, especially locally?

It’s ok to give anything a try, don’t be nervous you will really enjoy being part of a team and playing with your friends.

Wheelchair basketball looks like a very fast paced sport, what is it you love most about the game?

I like that it’s physical and fast.

What did you have to do to become involved?

I started playing in Brisbane. I was invited to a training session and from there I continued to play.

What does your training involve?

At the moment I’m training on my own a lot but when I can I go to Melbourne I train with the Victorian juniors or the NWBL Kilsyth mens team.

Can you tell us about your teammates, being a team sport and knowing very little about basketball, can you, in a basic way, explain what a game involves.

Wheelchair basketball is very similar to able bodied basketball. Most of the rules are the same except in wheelchair basketball each player has a classification, mine is a 4.0. The classifications are 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5. Classifications depend on your disability, the lower the number means the less function your body has. Each team can only have a total of 16 classification points on the court at one time. E.g. you wouldn’t be able to play 5 players on the court as once if they were all 4.0 because you would then have a total of 20 points on the court. The coach needs to know all their players classifications and what combinations of players can play together so that you don’t go over the 16 points.

How long has wheelchair basketball been your dream?

Since I started playing when I was 7.

Have you ever wanted to play any other sports?

I play AFL and able bodied Basketball.

Do you have any heroes or people you would like to be like?

Giannis Antetokounmpo (NBA Player)

What is your ultimate sporting goal?

To play for Australia.

If you could encourage someone to try your sport what would you say to them?

Come and have a go, its fast and fun. You will enjoy it.

Locally if a person wanted to get involved, would it be costly, is there specialised equipment here that they could use to try the sport, to give it a go?

It costs $5 a week to play and all of the equipment is there to use, you don’t have to bring anything.

Where do you have to go to compete?

We play at the Arc every Thursday night.

With the Paralympics becoming more widely known, is it your ultimate goal?

Yes, I want to play for Australia at the Olympics and at a World Championship.

What is the pathway you would take to make it to Paralympic level?

I would continue to represent my state at the u23 nationals each yr. I’m currently a part of the Australian u23 squad; I’m hoping to get picked to go to the u23 World Championships in 2021. I would need to start consistently playing in the National League Competition and then hopefully be invited to be a part of the mens Australian training squad to one day be selected to go to the Paralympics.

Do any of your family also play the sport?

My Mum plays Basketball and my Dad played Football.

Can you tell us more about your family, do you have siblings, if they don’t play your sport do they do other sport?

My mum is Louise, she coaches and plays basketball with the Mermaids. My Dad is Matt, he coaches Football at Merrivale and I have a little bother Tommy, his too young to play sport yet.

How long have you been involved with SWAS? What do they do to help and support your journey?

6 Months. The weekly gym sessions have really helped me build up my strength.

Is there anyone you like to thank today?

My Mum and Dad for all their support.

We would like to thank you for being a part of our series; we cannot wait to watch your journey!