Inclusive Sport and Recreation Communities

Shaping inclusive opportunities for participation in sport and recreation.

We are recognising the valuable lived experience of people with disability to provide guidance, advice and peer mentoring to support the inclusion and participation of people with disability across all aspects of sport and recreation.

 

On International Day of People with Disability in 2022, Carers Queensland announced our Beyond the Sidelines Reference Group featuring people with both a range of lived experience of disability and sport and recreation knowledge and experience. To find out more about the Beyond the Sidelines Reference Group please click here.

Meet our Reference Group members, to find out how they are driving inclusive change in their communities click on their photo:

Belinda enjoying the great outdoors

Travelling the globe as an athlete with disability in her 20s ignited a spark in Belinda that motivated her to devote her life to improving accessibility and inclusivity for the 1 in 6 Australians who live with disability.
Moreton Bay region.

Gold medallist swimmer Ruby represents Australia for Special Olympics Asia Pacific on the Athlete Input Council and is the driving force behind a campaign to encourage more people in Gladstone to become volunteer mentors for athletes with disability.
Central Queensland region.

After racing his way into the history books as the first para-athlete to finish the Sunshine Coast 70.3 half ironman triathlon, Darron is now channelling his strength to grow inclusive sporting opportunities at a grassroots level.
Sunshine Coast/Gympie regions

Since losing her sight, mother-of-three Lauren is devoting her time to ensuring inclusive sport and recreational activities exist in regional areas, particularly for children who live with disability.
Southwest Queensland region.

Determined to show that people with disability can achieve anything, Evan is passionate about using his experience as an avid park runner and footy player to make the sporting arena a more inclusive space.
Ipswich and surrounds.

Wheelchair moto-cross rider, occupational therapist and disability advocate Timothy is striving to make southeast Queensland the most accessible and inclusive location in the world ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.
Logan/Redlands regions.

As Australia’s fastest female short distance race runner, Amy is empowering people with complex disabilities to achieve their running goals through her charity, Now I Can Run, all while studying to become an occupational therapist.
Gold Coast region.

Through his social enterprise Nature Freedom, Mathew provides meaningful opportunities for participation in nature for young people with disability and/or mental health issues, with a particular focus on empowering and connecting communities. Brisbane South region.

Get involved

We want to hear from you!

Do you know of an inclusive sport or recreation club/organisation in your local area?

Perhaps you are aware of a club/organisation that is looking for ways to become more inclusive.

We would love to hear your story. Get in touch by completing the form below.

The form can take a few minutes to load. Please do not refresh or close the page and wait while we process your form.

  • Hidden

Alternatively, you can contact the LAC Community and Mainstream Team from Carers Queensland at cq.communityandmainstream@ndis.gov.au, or phone the Carers Queensland Enquiries Line on 1300 999 636

Listen now

Podcast Episode 50: Surf's Up at Accessible Beaches

Podcast Episode 40: Beyond the Sidelines (carersqld.com.au)

Podcast Episode 6.3: Running Man: Alberto Campbell-Staines (carersqld.com.au)

Podcast Episode 5.5: Sporting Careers (carersqld.com.au)

Podcast Episode 4.4: Special Olympics – Carers Queensland (carersqld.com.au)

Read now

Aaron’s an asset to WIRAC, a centre dedicated to inclusive practices

Carers Queensland spearheads a project to grow inclusive sport and recreation in communities

Ebony’s passion for dance helped her walk again

Julie reignites passion for horses after acquiring disability in 50s

Gabe finds joy in scouts and nature

Belinda plays key role in driving inclusivity in sport, recreation and tourism