Victorian aquatics and recreation industry collaboration delivers successful inaugural diversity and inclusion in leisure forum

Aquatics and Recreation Victoria has advised of the success of the inaugural Diversity and Inclusion in Leisure Forum which attracted over 200 representatives from organisations supporting areas of the aquatics, fitness and recreation industry on Thursday 9th February.

Held at Zinc, Federation Square, the event saw the Victorian aquatic and recreation industry come together with Victorian peak organisations, management companies, local governments, community organisations, researchers, funders and suppliers collaborating in delivering a successful event.

With the theme ‘Collaboration towards Inclusion’, the day consisted of 14, short, TEDx-style presentations, emceed by Olympic gold medallist Brooke Hanson who provided energy and engagement ensuring the delivery of a fantastic day of presentations.

The event was designed and developed by an Industry Advisory panel comprising a collaboration of industry representatives including:

• Belinda Conna, City of Greater Shepparton
• Chris Alexander, AusActive
• Dr. Jeff Walkley, Belgravia Foundation
• Dr. Ruth Jeanes, Monash University
• Elaine Heaney, Sport Integrity
• Emma Lowe, Belgravia Leisure
• Garry West-Bail, Alliance of Sports for People with Disabilities
• Jacqui O’Dwyer, Aligned Leisure
• Jessie Pigott, Clublinks
• Julia McCusker, Sport and Recreation Victoria
• Kathy Parton, Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (Chair)
• Leonie Shaw, Bluefit
• Libby Dewar, Glen Eira Leisure
• Scott Bryant, The Y
• Garry West-Bail , Alliance of Sports for People with Disabilities

The program was informed by an industry survey, that asked what the industry needs and priorities were, and priority groups and industry areas requiring Diversity and Inclusion training, guidance and resources.

Presentations were all evidence-based and provided examples of successful initiatives that have supported inclusion of key underrepresented groups within our Aquatic and Recreation facilities and services.

Presentations & Presenters:

• Inclusion is Good for Business - Jeff Walkley, Chief Executive, Belgravia Foundation
• Victorian A&Rec Industry Access & Inclusion Guide - Jerome Parot, Manager Strategic Operations, Aquatics & Recreation Victoria
• Cérge - Chris Kerrisk, founder, Cérge
• All In Aquatics Inclusion - Tayla Pallas, Aquatics Coordinator, Belgravia Foundation
• Employment Supporting Workforce Diversity - Evan Strahan, LG & CSO, Kilsyth Centenary Pool
• Y Streetball - Phoebe Dougall, Centre Coordinator, North Melbourne Community Centre
• YouMeUs - Mala Doyle, Inclusion Officer-Disability, City of Greater Dandenong
• Health Clubs & Cerebral Palsy - Georgia McKenzie, PhD Candidate, La Trobe University
• M.A.T.E. (Making Aquatics a Terrific Experience)  - Bradley Low, Chief Executive, AUSTSWIM
• Mental Health eLearning Program - Emma Lowe, National Access & Inclusion Coordinator, Belgravia Leisure
• FitSkills Program - Professor Nora Shields, La Trobe University
• Hydro Functional - Dr Sophie Heywood, Physiotherapist & Managing Director
• LGBTIQA+ inclusion (Q Fit) - Bridget Leroy, Community Activation, Active Merri-bek
• All Abilities Program - Chris Alexander, General Manager, Industry Standards & Development, AUSactive

The day concluded with table workshops , enabling reflection on learnings and discussion regarding recommendations for the industry to be developed and implemented.

Industry feedback has already indicated a strong interest in both hosting the event again, and the need for other Industry inclusion and diversity activities in 2023 and 2024.

The Victorian Diversity and Inclusion and Leisure Forum 2023 was generously supported by the Belgravia Foundation, Mobility Plus and Bluefit.

Lower image shows delegates at the Forum.