Reflecting on the Diversity and Inclusion in Leisure Forum 2025
Reflecting on the Diversity and Inclusion in Leisure Forum 2025
The Diversity and Inclusion in Leisure Forum, held on February 12 at ZINC in Melbourne, brought together over 220 industry professionals for an engaging and insightful exchange of ideas. Hosted by Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV), this event underscored the sector's commitment to fostering inclusive, accessible, and diverse recreational spaces.
Belgravia Foundation congruatulates all presenters for their contributions, delivering compelling insights on critical topics including, community engagement, promotion of healing and education, BEING inclusive, evidence-based decision-making, ending loneliness, workforce diversification, and social inclusion assets. The concise 13-minute TEDx-style presentations provided focused and impactful learnings, while the digital showbag offered extended resources for delegates to explore beyond the event.
A key element of the forum is its collaborative and inclusive approach to shaping the agenda. Months in advance, industry organisations are invited to submit expressions of interest, proposing programs, initiatives, or resources that contribute to sector-wide improvements. These submissions are carefully reviewed by the working group—comprising representatives from key industry partners—to ensure the topics selected align with the forum’s objectives and provide valuable insights to attendees. This process reflects the forum’s broader mission: to not only share knowledge but to actively engage stakeholders in shaping the future of diversity and inclusion within the leisure sector.
Networking played a pivotal role in the forum, facilitating meaningful connections and collaboration across the sector. These interactions serve as a foundation for long-term partnerships, driving progress in accessibility and inclusion. By bringing together thought leaders, practitioners, and advocates, the event reinforces the importance of continuous engagement in shaping an inclusive industry.
Belgravia Foundation acknowledges the collective effort required to bring an event of this scale to life. The success of the forum is a direct result of strong industry partnerships, including
These organisations ongoing commitment to inclusivity and accessibility within the leisure sector is instrumental in driving meaningful change.
The 2025 forum reinforced the critical role of collaboration and shared learning in advancing diversity and inclusion within the industry. Belgravia Foundation looks forward to continuing to work alongside sector leaders to create more inclusive and accessible recreational opportunities for all.
