Every great sports organisation has a place to call home – and the South West Academy of Sport can now proudly claim 51 Spencer Street as its address.

The Academy’s new premises in Bunbury was officially opened on November 8 2022 by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman.

The event marked an exciting milestone in the development of the not-for-profit organisation which has shared in the journeys of some of the South West’s most notable names in sport.

SWAS chief executive officer Bernice Butlion said it was an honour to have had Minister Templeman carry out the official proceedings, saying he has been a great advocate for the Regional Academies of Sport Network program.

“It is great to see that the Minister supports SWAS and other sporting initiatives, which give as many people as possible the opportunity to take part in sport,” Butlion said.

Since getting off the starting blocks in 2008, SWAS has built a track record for developing champions.

Talent development opportunities provided by SWAS equip young sports men and women with the tools to succeed in their chosen sport.

SWAS athletes have gone on to compete at the highest representative levels in sport including the Commonwealth and Olympic Games and the AFL, as well as participate in the US college sports system as student-athletes.

The headquarters on Bunbury’s Spencer Street provides SWAS with the space to bring together its administration base with a dedicated workshop space at a high-profile site.

The new premises was secured with the support of long-term sponsor The Apprentice and Traineeship Company. Internal painting was sponsored by Michael Sherry Painting and Decorating.

South West Academy of Sport athletes Connor Fraser and Lauren Rowe join Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman in officially opening the new SWAS office.