At Belgravia Foundation, our mission is to ensure there are "no barriers to recreation or leisure," and this dedication to inclusivity and accessibility was recently recognized at the 2023 Moreton Bay Business and Innovation Awards. The event was a moment of pride for the Lawnton-based team of 314 staff members, as they were honored with the prestigious EPIC Assist Award for Accessibility & Inclusiveness Excellence on Friday, 14th July.

Zubran Nabi, Belgravia's Regional Manager, expressed the significance of the award, stating, "This means a lot to the team." With 18 years of presence in the Moreton Bay Region, Belgravia Leisure has been committed to fostering access and inclusion as a fundamental aspect of our core business values.

We are proud to facilitate approximately 150+ individualized programs every week, with our incredible team of teachers and learn-to-swim coordinators leading the way in making physical activity accessible to all. Our mission is simple: to ensure that regardless of people's limitations or disabilities, everyone can participate in physical activity in a way that suits their needs and preferences.

To achieve this goal, Belgravia Leisure has implemented several new strategies, including the appointment of eight Access and Inclusion Coordinators throughout the region. Furthermore, all our team members undergo sensitivity training during the onboarding process through the YouMe&Us online training program. This training is designed to foster understanding, challenge pre-existing perceptions of stereotypes, and educate our staff on the abilities of people with disabilities.

Our Goswim program, catering to all individuals, is a testament to our commitment to accessibility. Private classes are now more accessible through NDIS funding and delivered by fully-qualified industry professionals, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and supported.

Mr. Nabi emphasized that the recent success at the Moreton Bay Business and Innovation Awards marks the completion of a five-year strategy, and we are now looking forward to the next phase. As we move forward, we are committed to aligning our strategies with the Moreton Bay Regional Council to continue our journey of making a positive impact on the community.

We celebrate this recognition of our efforts and rededicate ourselves to the belief that inclusion is not just a mission; it is at the heart of everything we do. Belgravia Foundation will continue to strive for a world where everyone has equal opportunities to engage in recreational activities, regardless of their abilities, and we are honored to serve and support our community in achieving this vision. Together, we build a future where recreation and leisure know no boundaries.