Netball Queensland secures funding for Initiative to Empower Disabled Players

Netball Queensland has secured $429,100 in funding from the Federal Government's Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program which will provide people with disability living in Queensland with improved access to inclusive sporting programs.

The funding means Netball Queensland is expanding its programs to support more people with disability to be involved in netball in Brisbane, Townsville and Toowoomba.

Assistant Minister for Social Security, Ageing and Women Kate Thwaites said the funding reflected the Government's commitment to ensure people with disability can participate fully in community life, including sports and recreation.

Assistant Minister Thwaites noted "Sport is a centrepiece of so many Australian communities. Sporting programs that are inclusive and accessible allow people with disability not just to participate, but also to build community connection.

"It is wonderful to see the benefits people with disability, their families and carers are getting through this program."

Netball Queensland is among the 60 organisations recently named successful in a grant opportunity under the ILC program's Social and Community Participation stream for activities spanning the 2023-24 and 2024-25 financial years.

Projects funded under the Social and Community Participation stream aim to create greater opportunities for people with disability, their families and carers to participate, contribute and benefit from activities including arts, culture, sport and recreation.

Assistant Minister Thwaites said the Federal Government's partnership with organisations like Netball Queensland reflected its commitment to key outcomes under Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-2031.

"Ensuring people with disability are able to fully participate in social, recreational, sporting, religious and cultural life remains a key policy priority for all levels of government," Assistant Minister Thwaites added.

"This funding will ensure that sport remains something everyone can enjoy, as well as the numerous benefits that come with it - be they physical, mental or social.

"Boosting the capacity of individual organisations to better support people with disability is just one way our Government is working to dismantle barriers to participation, because we know that when we make programs more accessible, we all benefit."

More information about the ILC program is available on the Department of Social Services website.