Participation in aquatic and recreation settings is often framed through access: facilities built, programs delivered, and opportunities made available. Yet access alone does not create participation, and participation alone does not guarantee sustainable pathways. Drawing on Shooting Stars practice, this presentation reframes participation as a relational, systems and health promotion outcome shaped by trust, belonging, community authority and social infrastructure. Working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls, families, local women, schools and communities across WA and SA, Shooting Stars has learned that participation begins long before a young person enters a facility — it begins with how a place feels. For Aboriginal young people, participation is shaped by trust, cultural safety, relationships, family comfort and experiences within mainstream systems. The unspoken questions are: Is this safe for me? Do I know someone here? Can I belong here? This presentation introduces the Conditions for Participation and Pathways Framework: place, trust, relationships, belonging, participation, confidence and aspiration, sustainable pathways, and thriving communities. It argues that physical infrastructure creates access, social infrastructure creates participation, and sustainable environments transform participation into pathways. Using aquatic and recreation examples, the presentation explores how relational approaches can strengthen wellbeing, water confidence, leadership, volunteering and employment pathways. It challenges the sector to consider whether low participation reflects community disengagement — or systems not designed for belonging. Delegates will leave with questions for designing places where young people can enter, return, grow and thrive. Because before a place becomes somewhere to play, it must first feel like somewhere they belong

Keeping young people engaged in sport and recreation has never been more important. Positive sporting experiences not only improve physical health but also build confidence, resilience, social connection and a sense of belonging that can last a lifetime. Join Maddi Hewson from the Stephen Michael Foundation as she shares how innovative youth engagement programs are inspiring young people to participate, stay active and thrive. Drawing on the Foundation's extensive work with Aboriginal communities and schools across Western Australia, Maddi will explore practical strategies for engaging young people, creating inclusive and culturally safe environments, building strong community partnerships and developing programs that make a lasting impact. Whether you're working in local government, recreation, sport development or community services, this session will provide practical ideas and proven approaches to increase youth participation, strengthen community connections and create meaningful pathways for young people through sport and recreation.

How do you develop a fees and charges model that is fair, transparent and financially sustainable while continuing to support community participation? Join Emily Carroll and Steve Handicott as they share practical insights into developing evidence-based pricing models for sport and community facilities. Learn how different approaches to cost recovery, subsidies, facility utilisation and financial hardship can create a balanced framework that supports both community access and long-term sustainability. This session will provide practical ideas and lessons learned for local governments reviewing or developing their own fees and charges policies.

Strong partnerships between local governments and sporting organisations can deliver significant community, participation and economic benefits—but only when the right foundations are in place. Join Anthony Radich and James Duncan as they share the story behind the partnership between Perth Glory and the City of Stirling, exploring the planning, negotiation and governance required to create a successful long-term relationship. The session will examine the key elements of partnership agreements, aligning strategic objectives, managing stakeholder expectations, facility access, commercial considerations and ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes. Whether you're negotiating with elite sporting organisations, community clubs or recreation partners, this session will provide practical insights into developing sustainable partnerships that maximise community benefit while protecting the interests of local government and facility owners.

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with participation booming across all age groups and communities. Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, the sport is attracting everyone from first-time participants and families to older adults and competitive athletes, creating new opportunities for local governments and recreation providers. Join Peter Whitnall, Chair of Pickleball WA, as he explores the rapid growth of pickleball and why it has become such a popular addition to community sport and recreation facilities. Peter will share insights into participation trends, facility requirements, programming opportunities, club development and the practical considerations for introducing pickleball into existing venues. Whether you're looking to activate underutilised spaces, increase participation, diversify your recreation offering or better understand the sport's growing popularity, this session will provide practical advice and real-world examples to help your organisation successfully embrace one of the world's fastest-growing sports.

Community recreation is evolving rapidly, with activities such as pickleball, padel, walking football, walking netball, footvolley, teqball, gateball, spikeball and HYROX attracting new participants and changing the way communities use sport and recreation facilities. As participation trends shift, local governments are increasingly challenged to provide flexible, inclusive and sustainable recreation opportunities that meet changing community expectations. In this session, Adrian Timms will explore how local governments can identify emerging recreation trends, trial innovative programs and adapt existing facilities to support new and growing activities. Drawing on practical examples and industry experience, Adrian will discuss balancing the needs of traditional sports with emerging demand, engaging community groups, and making informed decisions about programming, facility use and future investment. Whether you're involved in recreation planning, sport development or facility management, you'll leave with practical ideas and strategies to help your organisation respond to evolving participation trends and create more vibrant, accessible and future-focused recreation opportunities.