11 Nov 2025
As the Wimmera heads into another hot summer, local clubs are stepping up to keep community sport safe, prepared and enjoyable for everyone.
To support this effort, Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly (WRSA) recently hosted its Heat Safe Sport Webinar – a practical, conversation-driven session focused on helping volunteers, coaches and club leaders manage sport safely during extreme heat and high UV conditions.
The online session brought together a strong mix of regional sporting club representatives from Tennis, Croquet, Squash, Volleyball, Hockey and Golf, along with expert presenters from Grampians Health’s Heat Safe program.
The focus was simple: help community clubs understand the why and how of managing heat risk. Topics included recognising early signs of heat illness, using Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasts and UV Index tools, introducing extra drink breaks, shifting training times, and giving players permission to rest or modify participation.
A Collaborative Effort with Grampians Health
The webinar formed part of a wider regional collaboration with Grampians Health, whose Heat Safe team works across local government areas to build awareness of how heat affects both sport and health outcomes.
By blending WRSA’s on-ground sport engagement with Grampians Health Unit’s public health expertise, the session offered attendees practical, evidence-based steps that can be applied at club level right away.
The presentation, developed by WRSA summarised state and national policies – including guidance from Sport and Recreation Victoria, Sports Medicine Australia and Safe Work Australia – in plain, easy-to-understand language.
Attendees also had the chance to hear from local sport representatives Kate-lyn (Tennis Victoria) and David (Volleyball Horsham), who shared real-world examples of how their sports are responding to changing heat conditions.
What Clubs Said Afterwards
The response from attendees and local clubs has been positive – reflecting not only appreciation for the information, but also the shared understanding that community sport must adapt as conditions become hotter and drier.
“Thank you for sending the webinar recording and related Heat Safe information. I’ll be sharing it with not only Laharum Football Netball Club but also the user groups at Cameron Oval,” wrote Rowena Doyle, Secretary of Laharum FNC.
“I did register but was caught in traffic in Melbourne and couldn’t connect. Thanks again for your work to support local clubs.”
“Many thanks for an excellent presentation,” shared June Liddy from the Horsham Croquet Club.
“Dominic’s address was excellent. Rachel has already circulated the three posters to our entire membership and they’ll also be displayed in our clubrooms. Heat Safe is on the agenda for our meeting on Tuesday.”
“Unfortunately, I was a bit late for the live Heat Safe webinar but managed to watch today and found it very informative,” added Rachel Cousins, Secretary of Horsham Croquet Club.
“Thank you for organising it.”
This type of feedback demonstrates how information can flow quickly through local networks – from a single webinar to club meetings.
Why This Matters for the Wimmera
Extreme heat is no longer a one-off event – it’s a regular feature of the Wimmera summer. Clubs across the region are already noticing the impacts with some members/ volunteers experiencing heat stress, and some players struggling under the midday sun.
WRSA’s aim is not to tell clubs to cancel sport, but to empower them to modify and manage safely. The message is clear:
- Check the forecast and UV rating before every training or match day.
- Plan shade, hydration, and rest breaks into your setup.
- Shorten sessions, adjust uniforms, and give permission to pause play when needed.
- Make “It’s OK to rest” part of your club culture.
By normalising these practices, clubs can protect their members’ wellbeing while keeping participation strong.
Next Steps and Ongoing Support
The Heat Safe Sport Webinar recording and presentation slides are now available Click here to watch the webinar and download the slides. Clubs that missed the live session can revisit the material or share it with committee members and volunteers.
WRSA will continue to support clubs across the Wimmera to review or develop their own Heat and UV Safety Policies, ensuring local conditions and resource challenges – such as limited shade, smaller volunteer bases and travel demands – are taken into account.
For ongoing health-related advice, clubs can also connect directly with Grampians Health’s Heat Safe team, who provide resources, posters and community education across the region.