Diversity and Inclusion in Leisure Forum Overview
Last Wednesday marked a historic moment for the exercise and leisure industry in New South Wales.
The inaugural NSW Diversity and Inclusion Forum brought together leaders, advocates and practitioners. Together, they shared a commitment to creating spaces where everyone belongs.
AUSactive partnered with Aquatic and Recreation Institute, Belgravia Leisure, Belgravia Foundation, Collective Leisure, Pride in Sport Australia and Royal Life Saving Australia to deliver the event.
Importantly, this was more than a forum. It was a movement.
Why This Forum Matters
For the first time, New South Wales hosted a dedicated platform focused on inclusion in exercise and leisure.
The conversations went beyond policy and compliance. Instead, they focused on people, action and real commitment.
Key topics included accessibility, affordability, cultural safety, gender belonging and frontline training.
Each discussion challenged the status quo and encouraged practical change.
As Chris Alexander, General Manager at AUSactive, shared:
“The evidence-based programs presented were truly inspiring. It was fantastic to showcase initiatives to hundreds of industry colleagues. We need to scale these efforts so no one misses out on the ability to exercise.”
Voices That Inspired Change
The forum featured a range of thought leaders who shared powerful insights on inclusion.
Here are some key messages from the day:
- Brooke Hanson OLY OAM: “No one gets left behind. Inclusion isn’t optional, it’s essential.”
- Marco Blanco: “When we foster inclusion, we build resilience and create spaces where everyone belongs.”
- Pierre Comis: “Belonging matters. Inclusion must sit at the heart of every vision.”
- Marina Logacheva: “Accessibility isn’t just ramps. It’s attitude, culture and training.”
- Dr Oscar Lederman: “Co-design isn’t a checkbox. It’s the bridge to trust and real impact.”
These perspectives highlight a clear message. Inclusion is not a trend. It is a responsibility.
Key Themes from the Day
Several important themes emerged throughout the forum:
- Accessibility beyond infrastructure
True inclusion requires cultural change, not just physical modifications. - Affordability and equity
Programs must be financially accessible for all communities. - Cultural safety and belonging
People need to feel respected, safe and valued. - Frontline training
Staff must be equipped to deliver inclusive experiences. - Co-design and collaboration
Programs should be shaped with input from people with lived experience.
What’s Next?
The forum marked the beginning of an important journey.
As Jeff Walkley said:
“Sharing success stories sparks action. More people, more often, in more places.”
Now, the focus shifts to action.
The next step is to scale these initiatives. This will ensure more people can access movement, connection and community.
Diversity and inclusion must become part of everyday practice. This includes strategy, program design and industry conversations.
Thank You to Our Partners and Sponsors
We thank the partners and sponsors who made this forum possible:
- Aquatic and Recreation Institute
- AUSactive
- Australian Leisure Management
- Belgravia Foundation
- Belgravia Leisure
- Cerge
- Collective Leisure
- Office of Sport – NSW Government
- ParaMobility
- Pride in Sport
- Royal Life Saving Society Australia
