Regional athletes to benefit from new Federation and VIS partnership

Regional athletes will be able to access elite training facilities and high-performance support closer to home under a new partnership between Federation University Australia and the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS).

The partnership will see Federation University's Mt Helen campus recognised as a preferred regional training location for VIS athletes, reducing the need for many regional athletes to travel for access to high-performance facilities, training environments and support services.

The arrangement is the first of its kind for the VIS outside Melbourne and marks a significant step in improving access to elite sporting pathways for regional Victorian athletes.

Federation University WestVic Academy of Sport CEO Scott Allison said the partnership would deliver immediate and tangible 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."

Under the arrangement, eligible VIS athletes will be able to access Federation's gym facilities free of charge, allowing them to train locally while staying connected to the VIS high-performance pathway.

Athletes to benefit from the partnership include Ballarat-based Paralympic bronze medallist and world champion para-cyclist Alanah Forster and nationally recognised para-equestrian athlete Kelly Frost, who is competing on the international para dressage pathway.

"Supporting athletes such as Alanah and Kelly to access high-performance facilities and services locally is exactly what this partnership is about. It will help ensure regional athletes can pursue their sporting goals while remaining connected to their communities," Mr Allison said.

"This partnership is a strong endorsement of the facilities, expertise and high-performance environment we've built at Federation University and the FedUni WestVic Academy of Sport.

"Being recognised by the Victorian Institute of Sport as a preferred training venue demonstrates that regional centres can play a significant role in developing Victoria's next generation of elite athletes."

Mr Allison said the partnership would also strengthen connections between Federation and Victoria's high-performance sports system.

"By working directly with VIS staff and athletes, we're creating valuable opportunities to share knowledge, strengthen our programs and further enhance the support we provide to athletes across western Victoria," he said.

"As athletes become familiar with our facilities, staff and services, we're also creating opportunities for them to see Federation University as a place where they can pursue both their sporting and academic ambitions."

Federation's Exercise and Sports Science Head of Discipline Professor Rob Aughey said the arrangement would help strengthen the connection between high-performance sport, 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."

Victorian Institute of Sport Chief Executive Officer Nicole Livingstone OAM said an athlete’s ability to pursue excellence should not be limited by where they live.

“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,” she said.

“By working with Federation University and the WestVic Academy of Sport, 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.”