ARV to present inaugural Victorian Diversity, Inclusion and Leisure Forum

Aiming to provide a showcase of evidence-based best practice supporting unrepresented groups to engage with and benefit from participation in the facilities, programs, services and employment provided by the aquatic and recreation sector, Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) will next month be presenting the inaugural Diversity and Inclusion in Leisure Forum.

Bringing together 15 leading professional organisations including leisure management operators, government, researchers, peak organisations and industry stakeholders, including Parks and Leisure Australia (VIC/TAS), the Forum aims to create a unique opportunity for learning and development by aquatic, recreation, fitness and sport professionals.

Being held at Zinc, Federation Square on Thursday 9th February, The Forum will include presentations related to evidence-based best practice regarding diversity and inclusion in aquatics and recreation, accompanied by mini-workshops, and early information and access to planned follow-up master classes through which industry professionals can gain skills and knowledge. 

Presentations will focus on key topics including aquatics, fitness/health club, staff training, technological innovations, business case for inclusion, mental health and best practice guidelines related to inclusion. Within these topics, key target populations will be addressed, including disability, CALD, youth, LGBTIQA+ and First Nations peoples.

Introducing the Forum,  ARV Industry Engagement Manager, Taya Phillips advised "evidence confirms many people remain substantially underrepresented in access to and inclusion in the facilities, programs, services, and employment provided by the aquatic and recreation facility sector."

"Typically, people who experience underrepresentation are from known population groups, including people living with disabilities, people of the various culturally and linguistically diverse groups, First Nations peoples, people on low incomes (e.g. people who are older, youth, or unemployed), members of the LGBTIQA+ community, people living with mental illness.”

Following the Forum, an Advisory Group comprising up to 15 representatives from the aquatic and recreation industry will provide input to guide the planning, delivery and evaluation of the Forum facilitated by ARV.

Click here for more information in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Image courtesy of Belgravia Leisure.