Just Add Venue

Supporting high performance sport through the optimisation of our venues

Side on photo of a solo rower on the water at Champion Lakes Regatta Centre

At VenuesWest, supporting High Performance Sport is at the core of who we are. We understand that the training and competition environment plays an essential role in achieving sporting excellence, that's why we provide specialised venues optimised for High Performance Sport. Whether it's training for a regatta at Champion Lakes Regatta Centre, vaulting at WA Athletics Stadium, practising drills at Bendat Basketball Centre, or introducing a toddler to the world of swimming at HBF Stadium, we provide athletes with the facilities they need to perform their best at all stages of their sporting journeys.

The Just Add Venue campaign shows the importance of having access to the right venue, portraying athletes in unconventional settings as they attempt to engage in their sport but fall short. Once they transition to the premium facilities VenuesWest offers, the athletes are in the optimal setting to grow their sporting abilities and reach their full potential.

Close up photo of Robyn Laimbird posing in her racing wheelchair at the WA Athletics stadium

Robyn Lambird

Robyn Lambird, a distinguished Paralympian and former VenuesWest brand ambassador, trained at Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) and WA Athletics Stadium. Currently playing wheelchair rugby at a national level, Robyn previously competed in wheelchair racing and wheelchair basketball. For para-athletics, career highlights include winning bronze at the 2020 Summer Paralympics and placing fourth at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Robyn notes the importance of the VenuesWest facilities, saying "These facilities have really allowed me to grow as an athlete, and have continued to meet all of my needs as I have progressed from a recreational athlete to an elite level of competition."

Gen Hart

With dreams of one day winning an Olympic gold medal, Gen Hart has represented Australia in rowing on numerous occasions since starting her career in 2018. Gen trains locally in the Swan River and at the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS), and regularly competes at Champion Lakes Regatta Centre. She recently won a Bronze medal at the World Championships as part of the Australian Under 23 Team and hopes to continue her success with further national team selections. Gen is also a current VenuesWest brand ambassador.

Close up photo of Maddi Lawson holding a pole vault pole at the WA Athletics Stadium in Mount Claremont, Perth

Maddie Lawson

After spending her formative years on the Athletics Track and in Gymnasiums, Maddie Lawson begun her pole vaulting career at 14 years old. With consistent hard work and dedication, Maddie has established herself as a national level champion. Recently, Maddie won a silver medal at the 2023 Australian Championships in the Open Women category. When Maddie isn't training at venues such as WA Athletics Stadium, she is busy coaching the next generation of elite athletes.

David Bryant

David Bryant, a two-time Paralympian and former VenuesWest brand ambassador, has trained at VenuesWest facilities since beginning his career in 2007. He competed at both the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics and the recent 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, where he finished 8th. Off the track, David is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Advanced Sports Dietitian, helping athletes optimise their performance through nutrition.

Ben Wright

Starting his powerlifting career in 2012, Ben Wright has achieved phenomenal success as a three-time Australian champion and Oceania record holder in two weight classes (80kgs and 88kgs). Recently, Ben received a bronze medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Ben frequently trains at the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) and competed in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, finishing 7th. Alongside Hani Watson, Ben made history as one of the first Australian powerlifters to compete at a Paralympic Games in over a decade.

Darcee Garbin

Former VenuesWest Brand Ambassador Darcee Garbin has represented Australia in Women’s basketball and spanned her career across the globe. Previously the Perth Lynx captain, Darcee moved to Germany in 2019 to play for Herner TC and then Hungary in 2022 to be part of the Hungarian League under DVTK-Hun-Therm. Spending many hours of her career at Bendat Basketball Centre, Darcee says "Being a professional athlete encompasses so many different elements, including training in a professional environment. The Bendat Basketball Centre provides everything professional athletes need and more, it sets the standard across Australia."

Isla Carr

Isla Carr is an up-and-coming Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) Athlete and Under 23 Track Cyclist with X-Speed Australia. Training regularly at SpeedDome, her favourite routine is a tempo session. Competing across Australia and Europe, career highlights include winning the 1000m and 2000m wheel races at the 2020 Tasmania Christmas Carnivals.

Josh Yong wearing a swimming cap and goggles being tended to by two helpers with clipboards at the WAIS High Performance Service Centre in Mount Claremont, Perth

Joshua Yong

Joshua Yong began swimming at three years old and started competing by the age of eight. Josh trains frequently at the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) and HBF Stadium. At the US TYR Pro Championships, Josh earned a remarkable 3rd place in the 100m Breaststroke Men's Final. His career reached a significant milestone when he competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics and won a Bronze medal.