Keilor East Leisure Centre is committed to creating equal opportunities for all to participate in health, aquatics, recreation and leisure activities. Recently, the leadership team at Keilor East Leisure Centre, noticed a need within the Moonee Valley community to increase opportunities for, and welcome, the LGBTQIA+ community within the leisure centre. A two-day rainbow fitness event was planned with the aim to increase LGBTQIA+ awareness within the community and encourage all community members to attend group fitness classes in a safe and inclusive space.

The venue was showered in rainbow-coloured decorations, creating a joyous space for everyone to enjoy the group fitness sessions and complimentary smoothies and healthy snacks. The creativity and individuality was amplified with attendees encouraged dress up in colourful workout gear and prizes were given to the best dressed. Much fun was had by all, even the staff involved had a great time.

Overwhelming positive feedback from participants at the end of day two suggested the event was a great success, with many encouraging Keilor East Leisure Centre to extend the activities for the entire week. Actively listening to the community’s interest, the decision was made to extend this event for a further five days until the end of the week.

Over 300 people participated in the activities spread across the week, a number far higher than expected by the leadership team at the venue. Penny Palman, Venue Manager at Keilor East Leisure Centre, said “it was absolutely wonderful seeing all of the group fitness classes full of new users and existing members celebrating rainbow pride. This will certainly be an event we run more frequently to continue to break down barriers and get more and more people active.”

This initiative embodies Belgravia Foundation’s commitment to embracing diversity and inclusion, acceptance and equal opportunities for all identities, genders and sexualities. Belgravia Foundation congratulates Keilor East Leisure Centre’s excellence in providing inclusive opportunities and safe environments for all to participate.