Regional Victorian athletes will have greater access to elite training environments and high performance support through a new partnership between the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS), Federation University and the WestVic Academy of Sport (WVAS).
The partnership recognises Federation University as a Preferred Regional Training Partner of the VIS, creating more opportunities for regionally based scholarship athletes to train closer to home while remaining connected to Victoria’s high performance system.
VIS Chief Executive Officer Nicole Livingstone AO OLY said the agreement reflects a commitment to ensuring talented athletes across Victoria can access the environments, expertise and support they need to succeed.
“Where an athlete lives should not limit their ability to pursue excellence,” said Livingstone.
“This partnership is about expanding access to elite training environments and making sure regional Victorian athletes are given every opportunity to thrive within the high performance system.
“By working with Federation University and WVAS, we are extending the reach of the VIS and ensuring more athletes can access the support, structure and opportunities they need without leaving their communities behind.
“We want to see VIS athletes thriving and succeeding on the big stage and inspiring Victorians.”
Under the agreement, Federation University will provide VIS athletes with free access to gym and associated facilities at Mt Helen, with strength and conditioning supervision available where required.
The partnership strengthens the pathway between regional Victoria and the VIS, reducing the need for travel or relocation to access high performance support.
Federation University WestVic Academy of Sport CEO Scott Allison said the partnership would deliver immediate benefits for regional athletes.
“For many regional athletes, accessing elite sporting support can involve several hours of travel for a single training session or appointment,” Mr Allison said.
“This partnership brings those opportunities closer to home and creates a more accessible and inclusive high performance environment for athletes across western Victoria and beyond.”
Federation’s Exercise and Sports Science Head of Discipline Professor Rob Aughey said the arrangement would strengthen the connection between athlete development and sport science.
“Athletes perform best when they have access to quality facilities, expert support and evidence-based training environments,” Professor Aughey said.
“This partnership creates new opportunities to bring those elements together in a regional setting and further enhance the support available to Victorian athletes.”
For the VIS, the partnership supports both performance outcomes and broader impact, helping athletes remain connected to education, work and community while progressing through the elite pathway.
