RugbyWA in partnership with Healthway is pleased to announce that the Kalamunda Districts Rugby Union Club has been awarded the Champions of Rugby 2024.
The Champion of Rugby competition, which was launched this year, aims to celebrate excellence in creating healthy and inclusive club environments by promoting and implementing alcohol-free initiatives using the Alcohol Think Again health message.
By championing these environments, clubs are changing club drinking culture and prioritising the health and wellbeing of its players and members.
Healthway’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Hubble congratulated Kalamunda Districts Rugby Union Club on being the first club to win the Champions of Rugby competition.
“We are proud to work with Rugby WA to motivate and support rugby clubs to implement alcohol-free initiatives through training, education and competitions like this one,” he said.
Kalamunda has displayed a commitment to creating an inclusive, healthy club environment. These initiatives have included displaying posters with local support services to integrating low alcohol menus into their bars and establishing an Alcohol Responsibility Coordinator.
“We are excited to create an environment that makes it easier for people to improve their lifestyle and health,” Club President Barry Jordan, said.
“A community club should be at the forefront of creating a healthy culture - it's not just alcohol, it's the lifestyle - for all members and for the wider community.
“In rugby, we're focused on the physical, but we sometimes forget everything else that helps us get to that physical peak.”
Kalamunda has also identified opportunities for growth to continue to promote an inclusive, healthy club space. The club has begun to plan holistic health initiatives for their 2025 preseason, with information sessions and activities targeting specific age groups to promote healthy living. From engagement with a sports psychologist to drug and alcohol education sessions, the club has committed to making the club and their families safer and respectful.
“We're changing ingrained behaviours,” Jordan said. “The club will be better in the future for starting to make change now.”
“The past few months have really brought home to us the importance of these changes. We’re mindful we still have things to do, but we’re willing to keep working on it.”
As the winning club, Kalamunda will receive a $5,000 prize to be used for approved projects or goods that support inclusion, wellbeing and health.
“Kalamunda has displayed immense consideration of the Alcohol Think Again messaging in their introduction of initiatives within their club environment,” RugbyWA CEO, Simon Taylor, said.
“RugbyWA is pleased to see the club actively take the steps to change the culture around alcohol consumption and prioritise the health and wellbeing of their community.”
RugbyWA encourages all clubs to take steps to make their club an inclusive, safe space that promotes the health and wellbeing of its members, families, friends and the wider community. For access to Alcohol Think Again resources for your club, please visit wa.rugby/club-support/alcohol-think-again.
