Over two days last week the Community Network Forum Roadshow made its way across Singleton, Cessnock and Port Stephens local government areas to host forums in each region to ask about the very important question of “how can we better serve our communities to ensure no one misses out?”

The Forum Roadshows aim to connect communities to leisure through collaboration and common interests to improve access and inclusion to our wonderful community aquatic and leisure assets.

Lead by Dr Jeff Walkley, Belgravia Leisure’s National Disability and Diversity Manager, and senior Belgravia Leisure leaders across northern NSW, each forum welcomed local representatives across a variety of sectors throughout northern NSW communities.

We connected with over 40 people representing 32 local agencies, business and community groups.

At the end of the two days there was a significant shared excitement about the possible community outcomes that were raised as a result of conversations instigated by the delivery of the community networks forums.

“It was an insightful two days and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting attendees to learn about local needs, preferences and priorities. We have come away with many ideas on how we can connect the northern NSW community to leisure to promote improved health and happiness,” said Dr Jeff Walkley.

Examples of such ideas include:

• Partnership with local SES to provide facility access to volunteers for deep water rescue training, volunteer pathways for leisure centre staff particularly lifeguards who have many of the required skills and First Aid and CPR training for SES volunteers delivered by Belgravia Leisure Training.

• Joint funding applications to address the transport barriers many not for profit and service agency clients face in accessing community aquatic and leisure centre programs and services.

• CPR and First Aid subsidized training delivered by Belgravia Leisure Training to community groups such as young mothers groups and Indigenous communities in venues convenient to them.

• Water familiarization programs for people living with a disability.

“We are looking forward to working more closely with communities to learn how the Belgravia Foundation can support the work of similar organisations to improve community outcomes.”

Importantly, all money raised through the Belgravia Foundation will be used to address local needs and is guaranteed to be allocated only to the communities in which it was raised.  Whatever is raised in a local community stays in that community, meaning local effort creates local impact.

“The Community Network Forums are supported by our local government partners who encourage collaboration across all sectors of the local community, Community Network Forums do exactly that,” added Nicole Dunn, Regional Manager.

Belgravia Leisure welcomes further ideas and suggestions from the local community on how Belgravia Foundation can further support and assist. Please contact Lakeside Leisure Centre, Kurri Kurri Aquatic and Fitness Centre or Singleton Gym and Swim Centre.