19 businesses pilot AUSactive All Abilities Program

AUSactive has advised of a pilot program for its All ABILITIES initiative, supporting 19 registered and accredited businesses nationally who are undertaking the pilot program from August until December 2022.

Supported by the Australian Government and managed by Sport Australia, the All Australia Bring Inclusivity to Life, through Innovation, Transformation In an Exercising Society, aims to drive organisational change in health and fitness businesses to enhance the lives of the broader community.

Through education and partnerships between disability service providers and AUSactive registered fitness businesses, there will be a more significant opportunity for safe and effective group exercise participation for people with disabilities.

As part of the initiative, staff will be provided free access to UFIT training, an internationally recognised UNESCO developed course, which provides professional education; facilitates the development of inclusive policies; highlights positive communication tools; creates inclusive fitness environments that are accessible to all and guarantee access to health and wellbeing to all citizens, including those with disabilities and chronic conditions.

Program aims and objectives

• Conduct educational training for registered fitness businesses and exercise professionals delivered through online learning platform.

• Recruit participants nationally to participate in a supervised 12-week exercise program.

• Assess participant outcomes - measuring barriers experienced, physical, mental and social benefits of the program.

• Identify capacity, challenges and enablers for businesses and professionals conducting the program.

• Establish relationships and referral pathways between disability service providers and locally trained fitness businesses.

• Develop sustainable relationships between participants and registered fitness businesses and exercise professionals

Nominations set to close for elections to the AUSactive Board
Currently inviting nominations for its 2022 Board Elections ahead of the AUSactive Annual General Meeting on 24th November, the body has is emphasising that nomination close on the 7th October.

This year, AUSactive is seeking one Business Member Director and two REP Member Directors, each of whom will serve for a three-year term.

Following an evaluation of the current skill set, the Board has identified the following areas of experience as a priority for the appointment of new Board Members in 2022:

• Experience in the health sector

• Experience working as or with allied health providers

• Government relations / connection to government / advocacy experience

• Fulfill its aim for diversity and inclusion in the Board's make up, including a balance of board continuity and refresh, along with continued gender diversity, cultural / ethnic background, geographic and all-abilities

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For more information on the All ABILITIES Program, email: allabilities@ausactive.org.au or go to www.ausactive.org.au/all-abilities