Following is a media release from the Hon Anika Wells MP, Minister for Communications and Sport, regarding the new podcast series Pitch In, which has been produced by the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia in partnership with the Australian Department of Home Affairs, and developed in collaboration with the Australian Sports Commission, Sport Integrity Australia and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.
Broadcasters are encouraged to find out more about the program, preview it and air it on their stations here.
Volunteers, the heroes of grassroots sports, are being recognised and celebrated in a new podcast series funded by the Albanese Government.
Pitch In is an eight-part podcast showcasing the vital roles community sport and volunteers play in building connection and belonging – especially in regional and remote locations and for diverse communities.
Hosted by comedian and entertainer Anthony ‘Lehmo’ Lehmann, Pitch In reminds us how sport brings people together, highlighting the contributions of volunteers throughout Australia who make community sport possible.
Listeners will hear from extraordinary volunteers who are maintaining playing fields, hosting competitions, serving food in the canteen or stepping in to act as a mascot.
Each episode highlights the rewards of volunteering and the social and community connection it brings.
The series has been developed through a partnership between the Australian Government and the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA).
Pitch in aligns with the objectives of Australia’s National Sport Strategy, Sport Horizon, which seeks to promote community connection, inclusion and belonging through participation in a range of roles.
Pitch In is out now and widely available across podcast platforms.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:
“Community sport is one of the strongest ways we build connection and community across Australia.
“Our community broadcasters have a special ability to tell local stories like these, connecting with local audiences across the country.
“We know volunteers are the backbone of community sport. Every weekend across the country, volunteers are out there – coaching kids, washing uniforms, managing teams and keeping clubs running.
“Pitch In showcases the stories of a wonderful group of volunteers, inspiring all Australians to get involved, no matter their age or stage of life.”
Quotes attributable to Pitch In host, Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann:
"I was so lucky to travel around the country as the host of Pitch In. I met some truly extraordinary volunteers – people who give so much of their time, energy and heart to their local clubs and communities – without expecting anything in return.
“This series is about more than sport. Volunteering connects people from all different backgrounds, creates friendships, breaks down barriers and gives people a genuine sense of belonging.
“Every story is different - some were touching, others funny and all of them were fascinating. But they all had one thing in common – that volunteering has an incredible power to bring people together.”
Quotes attributable to CEO of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, Jon Bisset:
“CBAA is proud to be a production partner for Pitch In. Community broadcasters share a lot in common with sporting associations – community radio and TV stations, like local sports clubs, are organisations powered by the skills, passion and commitment of thousands of volunteers dedicated to serving their communities.
“We are proud to have been able to contribute to this series that celebrates the people that Pitch In to build a strong sense of connection, belonging, health and wellbeing among all communities.
“We are also excited to be able to make this series available in a broadcast format to all 450 Community broadcasters to share with their local audiences.”