A Geelong initiative is one step closer to further encouraging the participation of people with a disability in sports thanks to state government funding.
Leisure Networks will share $5 million from the All Abilities Workforce and Sector Support Program 2024-27 alongside Fitzroy charity Disability Sport and Recreation.
Leisure Networks chief executive David Meade said the grant would allow the support service to establish networks across the state and help people with a disability secure a job in their chosen sport.
“Our goal is to break down barriers to participation and employment in sport, advancing Active Victoria’s vision of a thriving, inclusive, and connected sport and active recreation sector,” he said.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said the grant program supported the sport and recreation workforce to welcome people living with a disability.
“We are supporting these organisations to make a real difference for people with disability to get involved in sport,” she said.
“These two great initiatives will mean even more Victorians with a disability can score great jobs in sport, whether as instructors, coaches, volunteers or administrators.”
School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport dean Professor Russell Hoye said Leisure Networks had a “strong track record in delivering inclusion” to the community.
“Leisure Networks has a strong track record in the planning and delivery of all abilities sports and recreation programs both on and off field,” he said.
“They also help grow the reputation of using sport and recreation to support employment and volunteerism for people with disability.”
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said it was important to help increase and promote participation opportunities for everyone in sports and active recreation.
“People with disabilities should have the same access as anyone else and the work of Leisure Networks is another step towards inclusion,” she said.
“Leisure Networks do great work for our Geelong community and regional Victorians and this grant will make a world of difference to support their work.”
Further funding will be invested in 2025 to support co-designed projects with people with a disability to be rolled out across the state.
