Pause for Life Wins the 2025 Hyundai Sport’s Initiative of the Year
Paddle WA is celebrating a standout moment in Western Australian sport, with the Pause for Life program winning the 2025 Hyundai Sport’s Initiative of the Year at the SportWest WA Sport Awards. This prestigious honour recognises the program’s profound impact on supporting peri‑menopausal and menopausal women through education, empowerment, and sustainable lifestyle change.
This award places Pause for Life at the forefront of community‑focused innovation in sport and wellbeing, acknowledging the program’s leadership in driving positive, inclusive, and life‑enhancing outcomes across Western Australia.
United in Support
The success of Pause for Life is the result of strong, collaborative partnerships. Paddle WA extends its deepest thanks to:
- The Australian Government’s Play Our Way funding, which has provided essential support for delivering an accessible, evidence‑based wellbeing initiative.
- BetterMe, whose health and wellness platform has been a vital partner in empowering participants with personalised tools and resources that promote long‑lasting lifestyle change.
This achievement stands as a testament to what is possible when sport, government, commerce and community come together for meaningful impact.
Expert Facilitation
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated facilitators who shared their expertise, wisdom, and compassion throughout the Pause for Life program. Their deep knowledge in menopause and perimenopause has empowered women with valuable insights, practical tools, and confidence during a pivotal stage of life.
| Dr Manju Ambekar | MBBS, MD, MRCOG, FRANZCOG King Edward Memorial Hospital |
| Dr Monica Sinha | GP St John’s Medical |
| Lorraine English | Clinical Nutritionist, Lept Nutrition |
| Anbumoly Kuppusamy | Cultural Barriers, Communities Liaison Specialist |
| Diane Harnett | Art Therapy, Artist, Painted Sparrow Studio |
| Leonie Auld | Mental Health and Menopause, and Strength Training, BSc(Psych), Dip Fit, MHFA |
| Casey Melville | Pelvic Health Physiotherapist. WA Health Group |
| Karen Jones | Nature Based Therapy, One Herd |
| Jenny Sanderson | Retreat Art Therapy, Jenny Sanderson |
| Rebecca Bryant | Yoga, BetterMe Yoga Instructor, Advanced Diploma of Holistic and Classical Yoga Practices, Diploma of Nutritional Therapy |
| Stephanie Schmidt | Certified Polestar Pilates instructor, Occupational Therapist B.Sc(OT) Hons |
| Leonie Cockman Belle McBennett Kate Martin | Paddle WA Kayaking Instructors |
More info
The next cohorts of the program run Saturday mornings 9am -12pm from 2 May 2026 – 30 May 2026, with the retreat 26 – 28 June 2026. We will be running two groups during this period, one in Mosman Park the other in Ascot/Bentley. If you would like more information on the program, or would like to join the waitlist for these sessions, please visit : Pause for Life – Paddle WA.
Celebrating Orlando Fonseca – Finalist for the 2025 WA Junior Sports Star of the Year
The celebrations don’t stop there. Paddle WA is incredibly proud of Orlando Fonseca, who was named a finalist for the 2025 WA Junior Sports Star of the Year. Orlando’s dedication, talent, and passion for paddling continue to inspire young athletes statewide.
This recognition reflects not only Orlando’s remarkable individual achievements, but also the strength of Paddle WA’s junior pathways and commitment to nurturing the next generation of sporting talent.
A Milestone Year for Paddle WA and the WA Sporting Community
The 2025 WA Sport Awards highlight the breadth, diversity, and excellence of sport across Western Australia. For Paddle WA, the dual honour of an award win and a junior finalist marks a defining moment, one that reinforces the organisation’s contribution to community wellbeing, innovation, and sporting excellence.
Pause for Life’s triumph is a shared celebration, made possible by visionary partners, committed leaders, and communities eager to champion women’s health and participation.
We are excited to see what 2026 will bring!