Grant to help Leisure Networks to build its networks

GEELONG’S Leisure Networks is one of two initiatives being supported by the Victorian government to drive employment and help people with disability participate in the sports they enjoy.

Earlier today (Wednesday, October 16), Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence announced Leisure Networks and Disability Sport and Recreation would share in $5 million from the All Abilities Workforce and Sector Support Program 2024-27 to develop resources and programs to help more people get involved in sport, with a focus on people living in regional and rural Victoria.

Based in Geelong, Leisure Networks co-ordinates a wide range of disability services and programs across the state, and the grant will help them to establish stronger networks across regional Victoria to help more people with a disability land a job working in sport.

Both organisations will work in partnership with local councils, community and sporting organisations and universities to create evidence-based initiatives.

With more than one million people in Victoria living with disability, and only 55 per cent participating in sport and recreation, the All Abilities Workforce and Sector Support Program 2024-27 aims to help the state’s sport and recreation workforce to welcome more people with disability.

Increasing opportunities so that more Victorians have a chance to participate in sport and active recreation is a key focus of the Victorian government’s Active Victoria 2022-2026 strategic framework.
For more information about the All Abilities Workforce and Sector Support Program visit sport.vic.gov.au.

“We are supporting these organisations to make a real difference for people with disability to get involved in sport – with a focus on people living in regional and rural areas,” Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence

“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.”

Geelong MP Christine Couzens, Bellarine MP Alison Marchant and Lara MP Ella George welcomed the announcement.

“Leisure Networks do great work for our Geelong community and regional Victorians more broadly – this grant will make a world of difference to support their work,” Ms Couzens said.

“People with disabilities should have the same access as anyone else and the work of Leisure Networks is another step towards inclusion.”