Exploring inclusive sport with the City of Greater Geelong
Travis Zimmer
Inclusion Coach - City of Greater Geelon
As part of Sport4All’s ongoing work in the Geelong region, I recently partnered with the City of Greater Geelong – Community Participation team to deliver an inclusion focused session at the Leisuretime Sports Precinct. The aim of the session was to provide council staff with a practical, hands on experience of what adaptable and inclusive sport can look like, and to explore how accessibility can be embedded into everyday practice across council-run sport and recreation facilities.
This type of inclusive sport training plays a vital role in shifting mindsets, removing barriers, and building long term cultural change in community sport.
Why inclusive sport training matters
1 in 5 Australians identify as having a disability, yet people with disability remain underrepresented in community sport. Many local governments, clubs and schools are eager to be more inclusive but often aren’t sure where to begin.
That’s where Sport4All comes in. Through tailored programs and on-ground support, we deliver inclusive sport training that’s practical, locally relevant, and focused on long-term impact. Our aim is to equip communities with the confidence, tools, and mindset to create environments where everyone is welcome, on and off the field.
Designing a practical, reflective experience
The session in Geelong focused on experiential learning. Council staff took part in inclusive activities and engaged in an immersive mobility challenge that invited them to view the stadium through a new lens. This process revealed everyday physical and environmental barriers, such as tight doorways, limited signage, or inaccessible seating areas, that can exclude people with disability, even unintentionally.
We also explored non-physical barriers like communication styles, program flexibility, and common assumptions about participation.
Learning from lived experience
A key part of the session was a two-way conversation with local community members who have lived experience of disability. These discussions created space for honest reflection and deepened participants’ understanding of how inclusive sport is shaped by attitudes, systems, and the built environment.
By pairing inclusive sport training with lived experience and practical activities, we were able to create a space for open dialogue and shared learning.
Key Reflections from the Day
- Inclusion is everyone’s role, not just those working in disability-specific services.
- Small, thoughtful changes to programs, environments or language can make a significant difference.
- Local government is well placed to lead and model inclusive practice within community sport.
Watch the highlights
Looking ahead
This session is part of a broader effort to build inclusive practice into the day-to-day delivery of community sport. As we continue to work with local councils, clubs, and schools across Australia, we’re reminded that inclusion is not a one-time fix, it’s an ongoing commitment.
If you’re interested in bringing inclusive sport training to your organisation or region, get in touch with the Sport4All team. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
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