Source: Government of Western Australia
The City of Wanneroo is making positive strides in its quest to create a level playing field for local sportspeople – thanks to a new partnership with national disability inclusion program, Sport4All.
The City of Wanneroo is making positive strides in its quest to create a level playing field for local sportspeople – thanks to a new partnership with national disability inclusion program, Sport4All.
Inclusion Coach Dani Pickett has joined forced with the City’s Community Facilities Operations team to help ensure local sports clubs are as welcoming, accessible and inclusive environments as possible, particularly for people living with disability.
Recent Sport4All statistics show that only 14 per cent of adults with disability in Australia participate in sport-related activities once a week. This is despite 75 per cent expressing a desire to do so.
Dani brings a lifelong connection to sport and community clubs to the role. This has included coaching, administration and program development duties. She also brings her lived experience to the role as a mum of two boys with disability.
Son Bailey represents Wanneroo Football Club in their Integrated All Abilities Team with proud mum Dani the current team manager.
Sport4All is committed to provide resources and training available for all club coaches, volunteers and school faculties to promote inclusive practices that encourage participation from people of all abilities, cultures and identities.
It also supports local sporting clubs with tailored assessment reports to identify opportunities to enhance inclusion and accessibility, training opportunities and information about available grants.
About 30,500 people in Wanneroo currently live with some form of disability.
“For some members of our community, there are barriers that make participation more challenging. My role is about working with clubs to break down those barriers and ensure everyone feels welcome,” Dani said.
“Choice is powerful. It is important we can all choose how to be involved, how to feel included, how to be ourselves and feel the same as everyone around you.”
Dani’s work will also extend into local schools where she can provide guidance, resources and practical support.
Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken said the City is committed to building a more connected and inclusive community.
“Sport has always brought communities together, while supporting mental health, physical wellbeing, confidence and social connection,” she said.
“By supporting our clubs and schools to be more inclusive places, we are strengthening our community and ensuring more people can experience the social, physical and emotional benefits of participation.”
For more information, visit wanneroo.wa.gov.au or Sport4All