Last month I wrote about thinking outside the box and a message about 

Connection before Content.

This month, I will try and build on that message. As you would know, last week was Budget week and the Treasurer released the budget details for 2018-19. Sadly, many Australians have no interest in the budget; I think I heard that 50% of Australians are not tuned into the release of the budget and its implications to the Australian community. There are probably good reasons for this, however even though I have only been with ACHPER for a short period of time, I can see that members and stakeholders within the HPE sector do care. The health and education budgets are of real interest and relevance.

For ACHPER, one of the key Budget outcomes is that the Federal Government has committed to investing $230 million to implement a range of sport and physical activity initiatives with the aim to see more Australians more active, more often. Of this, $42 million will be provided to extending the Sporting Schools Program. The Federal Government states 'that sport is vital for the health and wellbeing of all Australians, and is foundational to the Government's sports plan which will be released later in the year'.

So is this good news for organisations like ACHPER, its members and stakeholders? I think the answer is yes; but only if one has the connections in the right places to advocate and influence decision making. I am pleased to report, that based on recent discussions between the National Board and Branches, we will start building the right connections at a Federal level, so that we can influence policy outcomes. As a membership organisation, we know that one area that is highly prized by members, is the ability of an organisation to influence policy development of political parties.

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ACHPER is pleased to announce that the 2019 International Conference is going to be held at the Australian Institute of Sport  in Canberra ACT, Australia.  

Make sure you SAVE THE DATE - January 14th - 16th 2019! The ACHPER 2019 Conference Website is COMING SOON, in the meantime to k eep up-to-date with all conference news visit:

www.achper.org.au/professionallearning/2019-achper-international-conference

#ACHPER2019

ACHPER is pleased to announce our first Keynote Speaker Tom Martinek, for the 2019 ACHPER International Conference in Canberra.

Tom Martinek is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology. During his 40-year tenure at University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), Tom's research has focused on the social and psychological dynamics of teaching and coaching. Tom has directed and taught in Project Effort which consists of after-school sport and leadership programs for underserved children and youth. 

The basis of his work has evolved from his past sequential research on teacher expectancy effects, learned helplessness, and resiliency of at-risk youth. He is also the advisor of the Community Youth Sport Development graduate program. Most recently, he has established an alternative high school (called a middle college) for at-risk students on UNCG's campus.

We are extremely pleased and excited to have Tom present at the 2019 ACHPER International Conference in January! 

#ACHPER2019