09 Feb 2009
The latest WA Police figures on crime statistics indicating a 70 per cent increase in offences committed by young women is appalling and unacceptable.
Recent statistics released by the WA Police also confirmed that less than six (6) per cent of the total assaults committed on licensed premises occurred in sporting and community Clubs in 2008/09, down from nine (9) per cent in 2007/08.
With statistics indicating an increase in offences committed by young women but a decrease in total assaults in Clubs, it clearly shows that local sporting and community Clubs throughout Western Australia support these young women by providing members of the local community with a safe and family friendly environment.
Clubs provide young women with many opportunities in sport, volunteering, careers and many other programs targeted purely to women. There are women’s only social clubs, youth groups, sporting competitions, and events promoting women’s interests.
Clubs WA Executive Director, Peter Seaman said “With over 900 clubs in Western Australia, clubs really are the backbone of every local community. It is now time for our local communities to make a stance towards this behavior, and change the future of our young Australians.”
Young women also have opportunities to approach their local club and make suggestions for programs of interest. There are leadership opportunities for young women wanting to start their own social groups and networks.
Clubs WA conducted its own youth program in 2008 in conjunction with ClubsAustralia to sponsor nine (9) young Australians aged between 18-22 to walk the Kokoda Track. The program identifies people who have the potential to become leaders in their local community. In 2008, Ms Phoebe Tucker of Capel, WA went on to win the Capel Youth Citizen of the Year Award after participating in the program.