The Western Region Academy of Sport commenced operation in July 1991 as a non-profit organisation. The Academy is one of 9 regional and 2 metropolitan Academies established in NSW to provide support to the region’s talented athletes, and to attempt to eliminate the disadvantages country and regional athletes face in comparison to their city counterparts.  Athletes from throughout the region are offered scholarship in Squads (Sport Talent Enhancement Programs) and individually (Individual Talent Enhancement Programs). This creates a significant challenge when scheduling trainings, camps and other events. The logistics of getting all athletes, coaches and managers of a squad together in the one location often requires staff, volunteers and parents to go well out of their way.  Without the generosity and support of WRAS and community members it would be impossible to overcome these obstacles.
Location
The WRAS catchment covers a geographical region of 91,522 square kilometres which is one of the largest areas covered by a NSW Academy. The Academy’s office is located in the CD Blake Auditorium, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst. The region covers nineteen local government areas: Bathurst Regional, Bland, Blayney, Boorowa, Cabonne, Cowra, Dubbo, Forbes, Gilgandra, Lachlan, Lithgow, Mid – West Regional, Narromine, Oberon, Orange, Parkes, Weddin, Wellington and Young.
Academy Management and Structure
Being a non-government and community-based organisation, WRAS is currently governed by a board consisting of 7 members who are nominated, elected and appointed from within the Western Region community. The Board formulates and reviews all strategic direction and policies of the Academy.
The WRAS administration office is based within the Gymnasium at Charles Sturt University. The WRAS employs two paid staff, supported by volunteers and university students.
Corporate Vision
To be recognised as a well managed, professional and effective provider of quality sports development programs and initiatives. To be a leader in regional sports development.
Mission
To enhance experiences for talented sports people and provide opportunities for the wider sporting community.
Corporate Values
The principles of ‘Quality, Flexibility and Mutual Obligation’ apply to all Academy operations. At all times the Academy ensures that -
- the interests, well being and development of the athletes are our prime focus
- the highest ethical standards are exercised in all our dealings and activities
- we are committed to an environment of continual improvement in all that we do
Framework
The business objectives and strategies address four key areas:
- athlete development
- sport development
- operation and management and governance
- promotion and partnerships
Sports in the Academy
The Western Region Academy of Sport currently services 127 athletes, conducting squad programs for basketball, golf, hockey, lawn bowls and netball. There are eight High Performance athletes and seven in the Lone Star program.  The Board considers applications from any sport recognised by NSW Sport and Recreation for inclusion in future intakes.
Other programs that the Academy provide to the Western Region community include Talent Search, Regional Athlete and Coach Education (RACE) lectures, Sports Play for Primary students in remote areas, Rookie Camps for basketball, golf, hockey, lawn bowls and netball and COACH the COACH (a biennial regional coaching conference).
Benefits of the Academy to Athletes and Coaches
- coaching by the Academy’s elite level coaches and visiting coaches from State and National bodies
- development of personal qualities such as self esteem, self awareness and self motivation
- organisation of relevant competition opportunities for squads and athletes
- individualised Strength and Conditioning programs and access to S&C interns
- sports science testing and evaluation
- educational information on a variety of sports science topics, presented via a range of forums
- optical screening
Initiatives
WRAS constantly seeks to improve its operations and the development programs it offers to the community. Â In partnership with the School of Human Movement Studies at Charles Sturt University, the Academy offers Strength and Conditioning internships and operates a Testing and Sports Science Team. These ventures provide significant benefits to WRAS athletes by providing them with access to specialist personnel and equipment and gives students of the School of Human Movement Studies practical hands on experience with pre-elite athletes.
Another initiative of the Academy is COACH the COACH, a biennial conference that aims to minimise the inequality that exists between rural and regional coaches and athletes and their metropolitan counterparts. COACH the COACH provides quality coaching development for all levels of coaches.
The Western Region Academy of Sport continues to deliver substantial benefits to the community in terms of program development, specialist support, capital injection and employment in the region.
Funding
WRAS is a not-for-profit incorporated association, and relies on a variety of funding sources to continue its work. WRAS receives an annual grant from the NSW Government through Communities NSW and in kind sponsorship from Charles Sturt University. These two contributions make up less than 50% of the total annual income. Nineteen local Councils also contribute 5 cents per capita. The remainder of funding is obtained through squad athlete levies, sponsorships, sports body donations and other sundry income.
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