UWA Sports Council celebrates 100 years

Photograph provided by University of Western Australia.

The University of Western Australia (UWA) Sports Council reached a significant milestone on 23 April when it celebrated 100 years since its formation.

The UWA Sports Council began as the Sports Council Advisory Group with 100 students and over time the membership grew significantly to include both juniors and the general community.

Consisting of student representatives from UWA affiliated clubs, the first meeting was held on 23 April 1920 at Irwin St Building in East Perth. The Council provides an opportunity for student representatives to be a valued voice for their respective clubs within the UWA Community.

Centenary celebrations began with the Anniversary Launch Breakfast attended by University delegates, current Sports Council representatives and club executives. UWA Sport Council President Max Qua commented, “the Sports Council serves as a voice for all students of UWA affiliated sporting clubs. It has been a privilege to contribute to growing and upholding student representation in sport at UWA. Being president has afforded me invaluable opportunities. I have gained insight into and contributed towards the evolution of UWA Sport over the years, and seen it become a fundamental part of the student experience at UWA”.

The University had planned to continue celebrations in April recognising the first meeting held on 23 April 2020 with a Special General Meeting and Sundowner event involving UWA Sports Council alumni and invited guests. However due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sundowner event was postponed and the current Sport Council delegates met via Zoom to hold the Special General Meeting.

While the centenary year of the Sports Council has seen a level of uncertainty, the work of the Council, together with the UWA Student Guild, highlights how the UWA community has remained unified and is still adapting after 100 years. “Sports Council is really the best example of opportunity, giving students the chance to try new leadership roles relating to sport outside of the usual captaincy or club leadership. It’s a body to unite sporting clubs across campus and provide that student voice”, says UWA Student Guild President Bre Shanahan.