Diversity and Inclusion in Leisure Forum announces powerhouse lineup of speakers for Sydney event

Organisers of the inaugural NSW/ACT Diversity and Inclusion in Leisure Forum are thrilled to announce the full program and an inspiring line-up of presenters who will take to the stage on Tuesday, 19 November at Aerial, Ultimo. 

Hosted by Olympic gold medallist and Belgravia Foundation Board Director, Brooke Hanson OAM OLY, the Forum brings together industry leaders, innovators, and community representatives to explore evidence-based best practice approaches to inclusion across leisure, aquatics, sport, and recreation. 

This year’s program has been shaped by sector intelligence and community evidence, including survey data from workers in the sector in NSW, Belgravia Leisure’s Community Network Forum data, AUSactive Fitness Industry Trends Report and insights from sector leaders and allies. Each presentation has been carefully curated to respond to real community needs and highlight proven solutions that are making an impact across Australia. 

Program Highlights 

Selected from 39 Expressions of Interest and through an independent and thorough assessment process, the Forum features 14 dynamic presentations exploring a wide range of inclusion priorities including worker training, communication assets and approaches, mental health, LGBTQ+ belonging, disability welcome and inclusion, cultural awareness and safety, workforce diversification, and community engagement and co-design. 

Presenters include: 

  • Ben Cork (Pride in Sport) 

  • Byron Gulpers (Wollondilly Leisure Centre) 

  • Chris Kerrisk (Cerge) 

  • Dr Oscar Lederman (University of Sydney) 

  • Ennia Jones (Splash of Colour)  

  • Katherine Forman (Belgravia Leisure) 

  • Liz Stranix (Belgravia Leisure) 

  • Mel Benjamin (Lakeside Leisure Centre ACT) 

  • Peter Cleaves (Para Mobility) 

  • Ramani Regis (Cook + Phillip Park Pool) 

  • Renee Amidy (Royal Life Saving Australia) 

  • Suellen Goyne (Maitland Council) 

  • Victoria Goodwin-Barlow (Belgravia Foundation) 

Opening presentations will also feature insights from AUSactive, Office of Sport NSW, and UK visiting Churchill Fellow Marina Logacheva sharing her international learnings on inclusive leisure facilities. 

Click here to view the entire program. 

Evidence-Based, Best Practice Focus 

Each session has been selected to highlight evidence-based, practical solutions to the challenges faced by communities and the sector. The Forum program reflects the real issues identified through community consultation and industry research, given the audience tangible take home guidance to implement in their own organisations and facilities. 

As a collaborative effort between Aquatics & Recreation Institute (ARI NSW), AUSactive, Belgravia Foundation, Belgravia Leisure, Collective Leisure, Pride in Sport and Royal Life Saving Australia, the Forum is designed to spark learning, conversation, and lasting change across the leisure sector. Communication Partner Australasian Leisure Management are sharing information about the event, ensuring widespread awareness and access to this first-of-its-kind opportunity in NSW. 

Tickets are on sale now! 
Join us for a day of inspiration, connection, and collaboration. Click here to secure your place. 

 

Emma Lowe