Belgravia Foundation Celebrates Local Venues Championing Access and Inclusion
Belgravia Foundation Celebrates Local Venues Championing Access and Inclusion
Belgravia Foundation proudly acknowledges the success of the Yarra Ranges Access and Inclusion Expo, which welcomed over 100 attendees and showcased the unwavering commitment of local venues in supporting, including, and welcoming all members of the community.
Belgravia Leisure’s team across the Yarra Ranges played a pivotal role in the event’s success, working collaboratively through a dedicated working group established in February 2024. Partnering closely with Yarra Ranges Council, this initiative provided a platform for Monbulk Aquatic Centre and Yarra Centre to highlight the diverse services available that promote inclusivity and accessibility.
The Access and Inclusion Expo, held at Kilsyth Basketball Centre on Saturday, January 18, saw representatives from Monbulk Aquatic Centre and Yarra Centre engage attendees with a range of exciting activities. Dance Society dance lessons, chair aerobics, and pickleball sessions proved to be crowd favourites, fostering a fun and inclusive environment for all participants.
In addition to the interactive sessions, Belgravia Leisure distributed 35 show bags filled with valuable information and special offers to encourage community members to explore the facilities and programs available to them. A lively “Guess How Many Lollies in the Jar” competition brought an extra element of excitement, with young participant Cruz taking home the prize for the closest guess of 475 lollies.
The event was met with overwhelming positivity from attendees and partners alike. Megan from Inspiro praised the event, saying, “Such a great event. Lots of community and lots of different stalls for people to visit.” Participants echoed this sentiment, with Pax sharing, “This has been so much fun, the best day ever,” while Renae noted, “This has been such a great day, the kids have loved it.”
Following the expo, the community came together to celebrate the grand opening of a brand-new Changing Places accessible toilet and change room at Kilsyth Sports Centre, further reinforcing the commitment to inclusive and accessible facilities for all.
Outstanding connections were also formed at the expo, resulting in new collaborative opportunities. A pivotal conversation between Community Engagement Coordinator Kelly and Renae sparked the planning of Autism Family Events at Monbulk Aquatic Centre. As a direct outcome of their discussion, Kelly has arranged to reconnect with Renae in the coming weeks to co-design a neurodiversity-friendly swimming night. These events, set to run four times a year, will provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
The neurodiversity swimming nights will be hosted outside of normal trading hours, ensuring a calm and comfortable atmosphere. The events will feature fun activities such as games, a BBQ, and the inflatable, making it an enjoyable experience for all attendees. To enhance the experience, Belgravia Foundation is raising funds to ensure the program remains free of charge. Additionally, partnerships are being explored to provide gift bags and sensory stations, further supporting an inclusive and engaging event.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Sarah from Yarra Ranges Council commented, “It was great to see the energy and enthusiasm throughout the day. Everyone I spoke to shared how much they enjoyed the event, and your efforts played a huge part in creating such a positive and engaging experience for all.” Amanda from Yarra Ranges Council added, “It was an amazing success, and there is definitely interest in holding another expo in the future.”
Belgravia Foundation commends all involved in making this event a resounding success. By showcasing inclusive programs and fostering welcoming spaces, Belgravia Leisure continues to lead the way in creating opportunities for all to connect, participate, and thrive within their communities.
