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The Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) in Western Australia and the Curtin University of Technology have jointly established a specialist research centre in sport and recreation.

Believed to be the first of its kind in Australia, the Centre will adopt an evidence-based approach to investigating current and emerging issues within the sport and recreation industry.

Explaining the establishment of the new centre, WA Minister for Sport and Recreation John Kobelke explained "having a centre for research based at the university under the leadership of Curtin research professionals, working with DSR staff, is a significant step for sport and recreation, not only in Western Australia, but nationally.

"While Australia already has a strong tradition in research associated with sport and recreation, this had tended to focus in such areas as sports science, sports medicine, sports performance and sports management.

"The Centre for Sport and Recreation Research will help to meet a need identified by the department for outcomes-based research in a number of areas not covered by the traditional disciplines."

The Minister said DSR had been developing a sport and recreation structure that was relevant to the significantly changing demographics and lifestyles of Western Australians of all ages and at all levels of participation, adding âWA is facing new challenges from environmental issues, population growth, demographic shifts and servicing the needs of our indigenous people. These challenges will impact upon the fields of sport and recreation, as they will on other sectors of society (and) the centre will provide sound and informed advice to Government, industry and the community on major strategic issues affecting sport and recreation."

Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket welcomed the support of the Minister and DSR for the Centre for Sport and Recreation Research, stating "the centre will be a focal point for applied research collaborations of strategic significance that will benefit DSR, the university and the wider community.

"It will bring together expertise from academics and research students across Curtin in key areas such as of health, humanities, sustainability, science and business.

"We look forward to working closely with DSR on innovative research projects into some of the new challenges and opportunities facing sport and recreation in WA."

DSR will give $120,000 a year for three years to the centre and a further $30,000 a year to support its research while Curtin University will contribute an additional $50,000 a year, up to $50,000 of in-kind office accommodation and administration support, and additional in-kind research time.

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