Hundreds of people hit the courts at an adaptive sports event today to mark the launch of a new community directory highlighting inclusive opportunities across sport, recreation and art.
The free guide is designed to help people overcome barriers to participation by connecting them to a range of welcoming events and programs from more than a dozen local organisations.
Councillors Mark Brooker and Elizabeth Adamczyk alongside Community Disability Alliance Hunter Board President Naomi Curry, join participants at the Abilities Unleashed 'come-and-try' sports day. City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said the community directory sits among a range of initiatives to make Newcastle a more welcoming city.
"City of Newcastle is committed to finding ways to increase social inclusion and community connections," Ms Duffy said.
"For the past four years we have partnered with Disability Sports Australia to deliver the Abilities Unleashed program in Newcastle, which has supported more than 1,000 children and adults living with a disability to engage in sport at the annual come-and-try events.
"The launch of our new online directory today takes this support a step further, highlighting year-round opportunities in sport, recreation and art for a range of community members who may experience barriers to participation, including people with a disability, women, seniors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally diverse and LGBTQIA+ communities.
"It includes resources for local organisations to become more inclusive and shares real stories from participants, giving community members confidence to take the first step toward getting involved."
The directory showcases a range of local initiatives including Northern NSW Football's walking football for over-50s with limited mobility, the Newcastle Merfolk group, Society of Artists Newcastle and a modified nippers program at Nobbys Surf Life Saving Club.
It highlights the stories behind the inclusive initiatives, including the establishment of the Shake, Rattle and Roll choir following its founder's diagnosis with Parkinson's disease, and the surf coach who brought together her passion for surfing and work in the disability space to offer free surf lessons for children with autism.
Healthy Change Challenge client Michael Wheatley and Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk celebrate the launch of City of Newcastle's Inclusive Sport, Arts and Recreation Directory. Chair of City of Newcastle's Access and Inclusion Committee, Cr Adamczyk said the event and directory are part of a broader effort to make participation more accessible across the city.
"Abilities Unleashed shows what's possible when barriers are removed, giving everyone the opportunity to try new activities, build confidence and connect with others through sport" Cr Adamczyk said.
"The directory builds on this by making it easier for people to find local programs and spaces that are welcoming and inclusive all year round.
"This work is part of our Disability Inclusion Access Plan, which guides practical improvements to access and inclusion across Council services, facilities and public spaces, and is up for renewal in 2027.
"Community members can help shape the next iteration of the plan by sharing their experiences to highlight what could be improved, and how we can continue to create a more inclusive Newcastle."
To access the Inclusive Sports, Arts and Recreation Directory visit City of Newcastle's Community Directory webpage.
Community members can find out more and make a submission on the Disability Inclusion Access Plan via the Have Your Say page on City of Newcastle's website before Monday 15 June.
