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Vision:
Sport, active recreation and racing at the heart of a thriving South Australia.

Mission:
Leading and supporting a proud, active, and connected community.

Download Strategic Plan Snapshot

We are the lead South Australian Government agency for sport, active recreation and racing.

We provide leadership and support through the development and delivery of funding, policy, programs, infrastructure planning and management, and high-performance pathways.

This is achieved through our Strategy and Investment, Sector Capability and Partnerships, Infrastructure and Planning, and South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) divisions.

We are recognised as a respected organisation, delivering high-quality services to support our vision.

We are dedicated to being an employer of choice by fostering an inclusive workplace culture where every team member feels valued, empowered and supported to reach their potential and where staff take pride in contributing to our success.

South Australians have a renowned passion for sport, active recreation and racing. From the parents who dedicate their weekends to kids’ sport, to the volunteers who show up rain, hail or shine, to the fans cheering for our hometown heroes on the world stage - these efforts form the heart of something much greater. They help build healthier, more connected and more resilient communities.

That’s why it’s so important to have a clear strategy and a bold, unifying vision - one where sport, active recreation and racing are truly at the heart of a thriving and vibrant South Australia.

Our government has already taken great strides to achieve this vision, and we are committed to continuing that momentum over the next five years. A key focus will be on encouraging more children and young people to get active and stay active - replacing screen time with sport and movement. Lifelong participation starts with welcoming, inclusive environments and the dedicated people who make those experiences possible.

We will continue to support the sector through the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing’s innovative grant programs that provide clubs, coaches, volunteers and organisations with the resources they need to succeed, now and into the future.

We’re also investing in elite sport and infrastructure, with the Mile End Sports Precinct developed as a high-performance hub. This commitment will grow even further with the $92 million investment to rebuild the Netball SA stadium to create a multi-sport, world class facility that will nurture the next generation of champions.

As we look ahead to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a legacy - one that inspires participation, volunteerism, celebrates excellence, and strengthens South Australia’s position as a national leader.

Together, this plan will guide our efforts to ensure every South Australian has the opportunity to get involved in sport, active recreation and racing, get active and feel the benefits of a more connected and vibrant community.

Hon Emily Bourke MLC
Hon Emily Bourke MLC
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing

I’m proud to share our ambitious vision through the 2025 - 2030 Strategic Plan. This is a valuable opportunity to reset, refocus and clearly define the priorities that will shape our work over the next five years. This plan sets the direction for a thriving sector, and we are committed to laying the strong foundations needed to deliver meaningful outcomes across each of its key pillars.

The environment we operate in is constantly evolving. Participation trends are shifting, organisations are facing new challenges, and communities are engaging in different ways. One of our core priorities is ensuring the sector is equipped to respond to this change, with the tools, knowledge and support needed to strengthen governance and create environments that are safe, inclusive and welcoming to all. Volunteers are the heartbeat of our sector, and we are deeply committed to supporting and recognising their vital contributions.

We’re also investing in our own capability at the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Having the right people, with the right skills, in the right roles is critical - not only to delivering on the plan, but to leading with purpose and setting a strong example across the sector. With a skilled and passionate team in place, we can provide more effective support and generate positive ripple effects that benefit clubs, organisations and communities across South Australia.

Importantly, we know we cannot achieve this vision alone. Strong and enduring partnerships across government, industry, education, and the community will be key to our success. Collaboration has always been a strength of this sector, and we will continue to nurture connections that drive innovation and amplify our impact.

This plan sets out not just where we’re heading but how we’ll get there, and that is together.

It’s built on a shared belief in the power of sport, active recreation and racing to create lasting, positive change for all South Australians.

Kylie Taylor
Kylie Taylor
ORSR Chief Executive
Each of ORSR’s strategic objectives is connected, collectively shaping a thriving sport, active recreation and racing system. An inclusive and sustainable sector, sporting excellence, activated places and spaces, and legacy all support and strengthen each other.

Sector Success

The South Australian sport, active recreation and racing sector is diverse, equitable and sustainable, enabling growth through an inclusive, welcoming environment that supports lifelong involvement.

Sector Success

Support the sector’s adaptation and growth, focusing on good governance, safety, integrity, financial sustainability and innovation to stay relevant in a changing environment.

  1. Implement improved governance structures to drive strong outcomes.
  1. Support the creation of accessible, flexible and low-barrier opportunities that grow participation and support diversified revenue streams.
  1. Leverage co-designed, place-based approaches in regional South Australia to create active, connected communities.
  1. Provide leadership and support for improved safety and the integrity of sport, active recreation and racing.

Elevate the skills, capacity and engagement of the sector’s paid and volunteer workforce.

  1. Develop innovative strategies to attract, engage and retain volunteers by addressing the evolving needs of the sector.
  1. Support the development of skills and expertise to grow emerging talent and future leaders in the sector.

Drive inclusive practices across all levels of sport and active recreation by removing barriers, increasing representation and fostering safe, welcoming environments.

  1. Educate the sector to ensure its culture is inclusive, respectful, supportive and representative of community.
  1. Support the development and promotion of community sport and active recreation programs that are accessible and affordable to under-served populations.

Increase children’s and youth participation through accessible, inclusive and enjoyable programs that build social connection and support lifelong participation.

  1. Reduce the cost of participating in sport and active recreation for children and young people.
  1. Invest in programs that engage and inspire young people, empowering them to become role models and active leaders within their communities.
  1. Partner with education providers to encourage more school sport opportunities.

Sector Success

Sporting Excellence

Athletes in the South Australian high-performance pathway receive exceptional coaching, performance support and daily training environments to support their goals for national representation and success at Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games.

Identify, develop and support South Australia’s elite talent to win the right way. 

  1. Optimise and diversify the athlete talent pool with a focus on delivering at Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games, aiming for SASI’s best-ever games in Brisbane 2032.
  1. Prioritise and support athlete wellbeing as a key factor for athlete success.

Build exceptional performance support teams to assist South Australian athletes in reaching their maximum potential and performing when it matters most.

  1. Develop world-class coaches as outstanding leaders.
  1. Develop expert performance support personnel to deliver best practice for supporting an athlete’s performance goals.
  1. Establish South Australia as a performance destination for National Centre’s of Excellence.
  1. Drive improved athlete performance through cutting-edge facilities, technologies, engineering and equipment at SASI and the Australian Centre for Sports Aerodynamics.
  1. Facilitate opportunities for targeted performance support to select South Australian based national league teams.

Build effective performance partnerships that lead system-wide innovation.

  1. Partner with the Australian Institute of Sport, universities, national sport organisations and industry to deliver world-class services and deliver podium success for SASI athletes.
  1. Support state sporting organisations to deliver effective high-performance pathway programs underpinning SASI sports programs.

Connect and inspire the South Australian community by driving high-performance achievements and celebrating success. 

  1. Empower and unite the South Australian community by celebrating achievements and motivating continued success.
  1. Strengthen community engagement with South Australia's high-performance system by increasing the visibility and impact of the SASI brand.

Activated Places
and Spaces

South Australians have access to inclusive, accessible and sustainable places and spaces that encourage sport and active recreation participation at all levels.

Activated Places and Spaces

Plan and develop new and existing places and spaces.

  1. Inform and invest in major sport and active recreation infrastructure that meets the diverse needs of the community and creates a legacy for future generations.
  1. Promote inclusive, multi-purpose places and spaces that are financially, environmentally and administratively sustainable at every level, enhancing the sporting experience while delivering long-term value for future generations.
  1. Ensure sport and active recreation is a priority of state urban growth planning and development.
  1. Support the planning and development of local facilities, encouraging multi-purpose sporting hubs.

Lead the delivery of major sporting infrastructure.

  1. Ensure new major facility developments are delivered efficiently, within budget and on schedule while effectively meeting community and sporting needs.

Responsibly and sustainably enhance the utilisation of state-ownedsport and active recreation facilities. 

  1. Focus on the maintenance, renewal, safety and sustainability of the government’s sport and active recreation facilities to increase community use.
  1. Drive effective governance and sustainable property management by optimising resources, maintaining compliance and securing long-term financial and environmental viability.

Activate places and spaces to maximise community benefit and return on investment. 

  1. Maximise the use and appeal of government sport and active recreation facilities to engage diverse communities and attract innovative and varied events.
  1. Encourage innovative programming and opportunities that attract diverse investment and empower entrepreneurial ventures.
  1. Improve the accessibility and utilisation of other government assets for the public’s sport and active recreation use.

Legacy

Legacy

Sport and active recreation initiatives leave a lasting legacy, providing social and economic benefits for all South Australians.

Capitalise on the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games opportunities to enhance the sport and active recreation system. 

  1. Attract national and international talent, interest and investment by leveraging SASI Mile End and other sport and active recreation facilities.
  1. Develop a robust and engaged volunteer network for sport, inspired by the 2032 Games.
  1. Inspire, enable and sustain increased community engagement in sports by providing lasting pathways for involvement beyond the 2032 Games.

Provide world-class opportunities and performance support for athletes with eligible impairments to be identified and connected to Paralympic pathways.

  1. Support people with disability to access sport by connecting them to inclusive environments and opportunities.
  1. Strengthen the capacity of the sector to inclusively and sustainably support people with disability, by embedding accessibility, adaptive coaching, and equitable opportunity into all levels of planning, development, and pathways.
  1. Celebrate the talent and contributions of South Australian Para-athletes, coaches, and professional support providers, and advance awareness and engagement in Para sport across the state.

Promote and embed lasting environmental sustainability in sport, active recreation and racing infrastructure and events.

  1. Integrate sustainable design, energy efficiency and renewable technologies into the development and operation of the government’s sport and active recreation facilities.
  1. Provide education and support to the sector to implement environmentally sustainable practices at facilities and events.
  1. Support sustainability planning to enhance the resilience and future readiness of the sector.

Leverage sport and active recreation events to stimulate economic activity, increase participation and promote South Australia. 

  1. Collaborate to attract high-profile sport and active recreation events that elevate South Australia's national and international profile.
  1. Boost community participation by harnessing the visibility and momentum generated by major sport and active recreation events.
  1. Position the sport, active recreation and racing sectors as key drivers of personal wellbeing, community connection and economic growth.

Foundations

The agency is driven by a culture of innovation and collaboration and committed to accountability, investing in our people, modernising our processes and embracing cutting-edge technology to lead the way forward.

These serve as the foundational principles of our strategy, guiding our resources, our decision-making and our long-term vision.

Build a thriving and inclusive workforce by attracting exceptional talent, strengthening corporate systems and governance, enhancing sector engagement, and honouring our commitment to First Nations peoples.

  1. Attract, develop and retain exceptional talent by cultivating an engaging and supportive workplace culture.
  1. Enable effective and responsive corporate support through integrated systems, strong governance, and quality services.
  1. Advance meaningful connections and impact through strategic engagement and communication across the sector.
  1. Continue our commitment to respecting, advancing and celebrating First Nations peoples through the implementation of our Reconciliation Action Plan.

Drive innovation using data, research and technology.

  1. Seek insights, efficiencies and continuous improvement through data projects and initiatives.
  1. Identify and explore issues and trends through research and analysis.
  1. Bring world-class thinking to deliver best solutions.
  1. Leverage emerging technologies to enhance operations and support innovation.

Strengthen partnerships and invest strategically through collaboration, targeted funding, and transparent frameworks.

  1. Pursue and develop partnerships with key stakeholders that amplify the impact and accelerate the progress of our strategic objectives.
  1. Fund the racing industry to ensure financial sustainability and good governance.
  1. Deliver grant programs and subsidies that drive the achievement of our strategic goals.
  1. Implement robust funding frameworks and assessment processes that prioritise transparency.

The Purpose Behind Our Actions

Placing sport, active recreation and racing at the heart of a thriving state positively impacts our people, culture and economy in the following ways: