Community sport and active recreation in Victoria: changes and challenges

Approximately 85.4 per cent of Victoria’s population participated in some form of community sport and active recreation (CSAR) in 2023–24. It represents an integral part of Victorian community health and wellbeing, supported by a range of government policies and funding mechanisms as well as a great deal of volunteer support. However, the sector faces many challenges, sitting at the intersection of discussions around cost-of-living concerns, gender disparities, barriers for marginalised groups, sustainability and volunteerism.

This Research paper delves into some of the most recent participation data from across the state, detailing who is participating, how and in what ways. Data is broken down to consider the impact of age, education and socioeconomic status, among other factors. The paper explores CSAR’s connection to public health—mental and physical—as well as its contribution to social and economic wellbeing.

On a participant level, some cohorts are still underrepresented in different parts of the sports landscape. The paper explores the changing experience of sport for women and the growth in inclusive policies and initiatives. Clubs and organisations also face challenges to longevity and sustainability, including volunteer retention, facilities maintenance and climate impacts. The paper provides an overall snapshot of Victoria’s CSAR sector as it stands today and how these challenges will continue to impact it.