NSW/ACT Aquatics and Recreation Industry Unites for Inaugural Diversity and Inclusion in Leisure Forum 2025 

NSW +ACT aquatics and recreation industry unites for inaugural Diversity and Inclusion in Leisure Forum 2025 

 

On Wednesday, 19 November, the NSW and ACT Aquatics and Recreation Industry gathered at the Aerial Function Centre, UTS Ultimo, for the inaugural Diversity and Inclusion in Leisure Forum. 

 

The event brought together over 110 representatives from across the sector, including aquatics, fitness and leisure to share knowledge and drive progress in diversity and inclusion. 

 

The day was expertly hosted by Brooke Hanson OLY OAM, who set an engaging and inclusive tone from the outset. The program opened with a Welcome, an Acknowledgement of Country, followed by an introduction from Marco Blanco of the Aquatics & Recreation Institute NSW, who outlined the vision for the forum. 

 

A series of evidence-based presentations and lived experience stories followed, at times provoking emotions and even tears. All content highlighted just how important it was for the industry to come together to not only learn from and inspire each other but ultimately work together to take real steps towards improving inclusion for all in aquatics, recreation, fitness and leisure, so no one misses out! 

 

Throughout the day, attendees heard from a diverse range of presenters, including: 

 

  • Pierre Comis from the Office of Sport - NSW Government on promoting safe, fair and welcoming environments in sport and active recreation for all 

  • Chris Alexander from AUSactive provided an overview of industry needs and priorities  

  • Marina Logacheva, Churchill Fellow, MATTA, shared her journey in seeking best practice for inclusive fitness 

  • Suellen Goyne and Whitney Williams from City of Maitland on building inclusive aquatic facilities and communities 

  • Ben Cork from Pride in Sport on inclusion and belonging for LGBTQ+ communities 

  • Ennia Jones from Splash of Colour on moving beyond surface-level inclusion in aquatics 

  • Mel Benjamin from Lakeside Leisure Centre on the role of Inclusion Coordinators as local champions 

  • Dr Oscar Lederman from University of Technology Sydney on culturally responsive physical activity for Pasifika mothers in Western Sydney 

  • Jeff Walkley from Belgravia Foundation on celebrating our sponsors, collaborators, and champions of inclusion 

  • Victoria Goodwin-Barlow from Belgravia Leisure on MHeLP - a free, online mental health e-learning program 

  • Renee Amidy from Royal Life Saving Australia – NSW on learn-to-swim programs for at-risk communities 

  • Ramani Regis from Cook + Phillip Park Pool on trans and gender diversity swim gatherings 

  • Peter Cleaves from Para Mobility on disability access in aquatic and leisure facilities 

  • Byron Gulpers from Wollondilly Leisure Centre on workforce diversification strategies and the inspiring story of Chip 

  • Katherine Forman from Belgravia Leisure on CultureWISE, a free cultural awareness training program about Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures 

  • Chris Kerrisk from Cérge on scaling access and inclusion through communication platforms 

  • Liz Stranix from Belgravia Leisure on community engagement and co-design 

 

The forum concluded with a summary of key learnings and next steps from three emerging leader, facilitated by RJ Houston of Royal Life Saving Society Australia. 

 

The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors and partners, including Aquatics and Recreation Institute NSW, AUSactive, Pride in Sport, Belgravia Foundation, Belgravia Leisure, Royal Life Saving Australia, ALM, Cerge, Collective Leisure, Para Mobility and the NSW Government. 

 

Feedback from delegates has already highlighted the value of the forum in fostering collaboration and inspiring action, with strong interest in future events and ongoing diversity and inclusion initiatives. 

 

Ruby Southam