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Over 210 industry members came together last week at the 2024 Diversity and Inclusion in Leisure Forum to learn about and discuss ways that the aquatics and recreation industry welcomes, supports and includes people and communities,

Held at the Zinc venue in Melbourne's Federation Square, the Forum was presented as a result of collaboration between key organisations and businesses including Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV), AUSactive, Aligned Leisure, Bluefit, Belgravia Foundation, The Y Victoria and Disability Sport and Recreation.

The Forum delivered:
• 13 short TedX-style presentations aimed at sharing evidence-based practices which have been developed and implemented across the Aquatics and Recreation Industry to advance Diversity and Inclusion.
• Two panels discussing employment impacts and outcomes and social value impact and outcomes..

Presentations covered topics across a range of themes, including cultural diversity, community engagement, technology, disability, homelessness, young people and early intervention programs, mental health, LGBTIQ+, local partnerships and indigenous communities

ARV has advised that preliminary analysis of the Forum feedback and evaluation indicates an overall positive impact with delegates enjoying the short presentation format, the diverse array of topics covered, networking opportunities and took away ideas, new motivations and drivers for change in their organisations.

ARV thanked the five collaborating organisations on the coordinating committee along with the input from Liz Tesone, Chief Executive Disability Sport and Recreation and event MC; Chris Alexander of AUSactive; Leonie Shaw of Bluefit; Dr Jeff Walkley of the Belgravia Foundation and Belgravia Leisure and Michael Lacy of Aligned Leisure.

2024 ARV Industry Gala Awards
ARV has also opened nominations for its 2024 ARV Industry Gala Awards, supported by Perfect Gym.

Each year, ARV's Industry Gala Awards are a key celebration of the achievements, innovations and success of our industry.

Last year's Industry Gala Awards attracted more than 900 guests, coming together to celebrate the incredible work that this industry does.

24 awards will be celebrated in 2024.

The Industry Gala Awards event will be staged on 21st June,

Click here for more information and to nominate.

Images: Presentation at the 2024 Diversity and Inclusion in Leisure Forum (top) and ARV Chief Executive Kathy Parton addresses the event (below). Credit: Bruce Laverty, Bubble Pics.

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