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This article was published on Monday, 8 February, 2016. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Liz Ellis and Kevin Sheedy part of first "Champions For Change" Conference.

The Champions for Change conference focuses on how sport is tackling our big social issues. It will showcase programs where elite and community sport has become a platform for delivering community health outcomes and tackling social issues that have previously and continue to be delivered by health, education and community services.

The non-profit conference provides an opportunity for sport to learn from Government, the private sector and philanthropists about why they view sport as an important driver to deliver health promotion programs and how sport can best position itself to leverage off these opportunities.

Keynote speakers include Liz Ellis, Kevin Sheedy and Dr Emma Sherry. In 2009, Liz Ellis became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Australia Day Honours for services to netball and the encouragement of women in sport, and to the community through support for a range of charitable organisations. Kevin Sheedy is an innovator and the inspiration behind the ANZAC Day Match, Dreamtime At The ‘G’ and is currently pioneering a Farmers Round to recognise the importance of Farmers to the Australia culture and economy.

Dr Emma Sherry is a Senior Lecturer within the La Trobe University Centre for Sport and Social Impact, co-editor of the Journal of Sport for Development and Director at VicSport will present on her research and experiences around using sport for non-sport outcomes.

The topics covered will include Closing the Gap, Connecting Cultures, Health and Wellbeing and Investing in Community Development – Why Sport? The conference will include speakers from VicSport, a number of AFL clubs, Reclink, Tiwi College, Melbourne City Football Club, Cricket Victoria, the Midnight Basketball Program, Australian Sports Foundation and the Outback Academy and many more well-known groups.

The conference brings together over 50 guest speakers from all over Australia that use sport to assist in the prevention and management of health and social issues. Greater Shepparton City Council Manager, Active Living, Tony Tranter said “The conference is unique in that it draws on a wide range of providers who run effective and successful programs across various sporting codes. This is a great opportunity to learn about practical solutions to common issues that can be adapted for anyone working in

Mr Tranter says the conference will showcase some of the amazing programs being delivered by sport. “Through a carefully constructed program the conference will provide a mix of case studies and information sessions on delivery models such as foundation arms of sports clubs. It will explore why government, philanthropy and the private sector see sport as an important vehicle to drive social change. Of course it will also provide opportunities to network and create future opportunities,” he said.

The Champions for Change conference will be held on Thursday 3 March and Friday 4 March 2016 at Deakin Reserve, Shepparton, Victoria prior to the Melbourne Vixens and Adelaide Thunderbirds in the ANZ Pre-season match on Saturday 5 March. The NAB Cup Geelong vs Essendon match will be held on Saturday 5 March as well. Participants in the conference receive discounted tickets to the netball game.

More information can be found at facebook.com or email championsforchange@shepparton.vic.gov.au or phone the Greater Shepparton City Council Active Living Department (03) 5832 9431 during business hours.