Diversity & 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 & Inclusion Forum brought together passionate leaders, advocates, and practitioners committed to creating spaces where everyone belongs.
AUSactive, in partnership with Aquatic and Recreation Institute, Belgravia Leisure, Belgravia Foundation, Collective Leisure, Pride in Sport Australia, and Royal Life Saving – Australia delivered an event that was more than a forum, it was a movement.
Why This Forum Matters
For the first time, New South Wales had a dedicated platform to tackle inclusion in exercise and leisure. The conversations went beyond policy and compliance, focusing on people, action, and commitment. From accessibility and affordability to cultural safety, gender belonging, and frontline training, the day was packed with insights that challenge the status quo.
As Chris Alexander, General Manager at AUSactive, reminded us:
“The evidence-based programs presented were truly inspiring and it was fantastic to profile initiatives to hundreds of industry colleagues. We need to see these scale up to ensure no-one misses out on their ability to exercise.”
Voices That Inspired Change
The forum featured many thought leaders — here’s a snapshot of meaningful and powerful messages about what inclusion really means:
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 insights underscore a critical truth: inclusion is not a trend; it’s a responsibility.
Key Themes from the Day
Accessibility Beyond Infrastructure: True inclusion means cultural change, not just physical modifications.
Affordability and Equity: Ensuring programs are financially accessible for all communities.
Cultural Safety and Belonging: Creating environments where diverse identities feel respected and valued.
Frontline Training: Equipping staff with the skills to deliver inclusive experiences.
Co-Design and Collaboration: Involving voices of lived experience in shaping programs and policies.
What’s Next?
The forum was a starting point, not the finish line. As Jeff Walkley put it:
“Sharing success stories sparks action — more people, more often, in more places.”
The challenge now is to scale these initiatives so that no one misses out on the benefits of movement, connection, and community. Diversity and inclusion must become embedded in every strategy, every program, and every conversation.
Thank you to partners and sponsors that enabled this successful forum to be delivered
- Aquatic & 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
