Belgravia Foundation set for industry launch

Created with the aim to increase access to aquatics, fitness, recreation and sport opportunities for all Australians, the Belgravia Foundation is to be launched at an inaugural Inspiration Breakfast in Melbourne next week.

Being held at the Pavilion Room in the Arts Centre Melbourne from 7am to 9am on Thursday 8th February 2018, the launch event for the registered charity will highlight its purpose to increase access to leisure opportunities for every Australian, regardless of physical or financial ability, culture or age.

Established by Belgravia Group Executive Chairman Geoff Lord to boost health and wellbeing outcomes among Australia’s marginalised communities, the Belgravia Foundation will raise money to fund programs and services to help communities in need.

After a lengthy and highly successful career, Lord is committed to creating activity opportunities for all Australians, advising “people who face financial hardship, distress, inequity or other barriers will be able to get help through the Foundation.”

Geoff Lord is Chairman and Chief Executive of the Belgravia Group, and is also on the Melbourne Business School’s Board of Directors. A respected business leader, entrepreneur and avid sporting enthusiast, Geoff was the founding and inaugural Chairman of Melbourne Victory and former President of the Hawthorn Football Club.

Alex Lord, General Manager of Corporate Services for the Belgravia Health and Leisure Group, is the Chairman of the Foundation.

Alex Lord is General Manager Corporate Services Belgravia Health and Leisure Group.  Driven by his passion for sport and family, Alex Lord is committed to the ongoing inclusion of everyone in everything he does in business, sports and his personal life.  With over 10 years’ experience in the health and fitness industry, he understands firsthand how the fitness industry can support social inclusion and positively impact the health and wellbeing of local communities.

Speaking of the Foundation, he states "our aim is to give a helping hand to those who find it hard to connect to leisure.”

Associate Professor Jeff Walkley, Belgravia Leisure’s National Disability and Diversity Manager, has been appointed Chief Executive of the Foundation.

Dr Walkley’s passion to advocate for the most vulnerable members of our communities led to his appointment saw him establish Belgravia Leisure’s award-winning access and inclusion program, and has won lifetime achievement awards from state and national disability, sport and recreational industry bodies.

Dr Walkley adds "we are here to ensure everyone has equal access to a healthy and active lifestyle.”

The Belgravia Foundation Board also includes: Brett Nicholson, Belgravia Group Financial Controller; Nick Cox, Belgravia Leisure Chief Executive and Anthony McIntosh, Belgravia Leisure General Manager Operations.

The Inspiration Breakfast will hear from guest speakers, including Olympic swim champion Brooke Hanson OAM, to hear first-hand stories about how removing barriers to access can impact the health and wellbeing of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

The Belgravia Foundation is a registered public benevolent institution ‘charity’ with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC).

For more information go to www.belgraviafoundation.com.au

Images (from top): Geoff Lord, Alex Lord and Dr Jeff Walkley.

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