Merri-bek City Council is proud to announce its continued connection with Sport4All, a nationwide program that assists community clubs and local schools in facilitating accessible and inclusive sport programs for people with disability.
To support the continuation of the Sport4All program, Merri-bek is recruiting for an 'Inclusion Coach' who will engage directly with local clubs and schools.
The Inclusion Coach will be filled by a person with lived experience with disability, who has been involved in sport in any capacity—be that as a player, volunteer or administrator.
The Inclusion Coach will guide local schools and sporting clubs through Sport4All's online learning resources, helping understand what inclusion areas need focus. The role will also assist in the implementation of Sport4All's practical tools, guiding schools and clubs to be more accessible and inclusive for people with disability to participate in sport.
Bringing the lived experience of a person with disability to clubs and schools will create a strong link to Sport4All's purpose, highlighting the benefits the program can bring and empowering people with disability to have choice and control over where and how they would like to participate in sport.
In collaboration with the Australian Sports Commission, the nationwide implementation sees a renewed focus on reaching all Australians, including regional and remote, First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.
The Sport4All Program is designed and delivered by Get Skilled Access, a Disability-Owned Business Enterprise founded by Paralympic Gold Medallist, Grand Slam champion, and 2022 Australian of The Year, Dylan Alcott AO.
Merri-bek City Council Mayor Adam Pulford: "Community sports bring people together from diverse backgrounds and experiences and provide the chance for people to build relationships and connections, all while having fun and being active. We want people with disability to be able to choose how and when they're involved in sport and not be limited by a lack of accessible facilities or programs. We're proud to be connected to Sport4All and the new Inclusion Coach position will support us to make school and community sports in our city more accessible for everyone."
Ben Pettingill, former Sport4All Program Manager: "Sport shouldn't just be a privilege for most people to participate in, it should be a right for every single Australian no matter their ability. Losing 98% of my eyesight overnight at age 16 didn't change my love of sport and if anything, only increased it and the importance it played in my life. All I wanted to be able to do was be a part of my local club and stay involved with my mates"
Council will be recruiting for the Inclusion Coach position in January 2024. Check back on the Careers at Merri-bek page
