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"SPORT4ALL" ACCESS AND INCLUSION PROGRAM - OUTCOMES AND LEARNINGS

Inclusion Coach, Jamilla McCoy · Community Facilities | Community Services Department

Executive summary

This report outlines the outcomes of the Sport4All Inclusion Coach program delivered through a partnership between Get Skilled Access (GSA) and Noosa Council from June 2024 to June 2026. The program was designed to build the capacity of local sporting clubs and schools to create inclusive and accessible participation opportunities for people with disability. This was achieved with training, practical tools and targeted guidance. The Inclusion Coach role was embedded within Council to deliver community-level outcomes, while also contributing to broader organisational capability in access and inclusion. Over the course of the program, 25 sporting clubs and organisations were engaged, 16 Inclusion Action Plans were completed or progressed, and almost 150 individuals were trained, significantly exceeding the original program target. The program also facilitated a range of additional outcomes beyond its initial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including inclusive program delivery, immersive training experiences, infrastructure input, and cross-sector partnerships. Importantly, many of the program’s most impactful outcomes were not prescribed within the original scope but were enabled through the presence of a dedicated inclusion role within Council. This demonstrates the broader value of embedding access and inclusion capability across both community and organisational contexts. The program has strengthened Council’s ability to support inclusive participation, contributed to improved accessibility across services and facilities, and built partnerships that enhance community wellbeing and connection. While the program has delivered substantial outcomes and demonstrated strong ongoing demand, there is currently no dedicated funding allocated to continue this function beyond June 2026. The report therefore recommends that Council consider funding a dedicated access and inclusion function in future budgets.

Recommendation

That Council

  1. Note the report by the Inclusion Coach to the General Committee dated 9 June 2026 regarding the outcomes of Noosa Council’s Sport4All Access and Inclusion Program;
  2. Subject to future funding availability, consider establishing an ongoing, organisation-wide Access and Inclusion function to strengthen inclusive practices across planning, infrastructure, services and programs, and support community organisations to sustain and expand participation pathways; and
  3. Subject to future funding availability, develop a whole-of-Council Access and Inclusion Framework to embed inclusive principles and guide priorities.

Report

Background

Sport4All is a national initiative delivered by Get Skilled Access (GSA) and funded by the Australian Government. Following a successful pilot in Victoria, the program was expanded nationally to support local governments, sporting clubs and community organisations to become more inclusive and accessible for people with disability. Rather than a competitive grant, Sport4All operated as a two-year partnership between GSA and participating councils. A key strength of the Sport4All model is its provision of two-year funding to better facilitate long-term change. By building local capability and confidence, clubs and organisations are better equipped to continue inclusive practices beyond the life of the program. Noosa Council voluntarily joined the program in 2024, becoming the first local government in South East Queensland to participate. Through this partnership, Council received both funding support and specialist expertise to employ a 0.6 FTE Inclusion Coach over the two-year period.

Noosa Demographic Relevance Noosa Shire has a diverse and ageing population profile, with a growing need to ensure equitable access to sport, recreation and community services and infrastructure for all residents. Key demographic considerations include: • A resident population of 56,298 people as at the 2021 census with a 2025 estimated resident population of 59,551 • A median age of 50.5 years, significantly higher than the Queensland median • 36% of the population aged 60 years and over • 29.6% of residents living with one or more long-term health conditions • 5.6% of residents requiring assistance due to a profound or severe disability These figures highlight a substantial proportion of the community who may experience barriers to participation in sport, recreation and community life. In addition, the ageing population profile indicates that: • The prevalence of disability and access needs is likely to increase over time • Demand for inclusive programs, facilities and services will continue to grow Noosa is also characterised by a highly engaged and active community, with strong participation in sport, volunteering and community life. Ensuring these opportunities are accessible and inclusive is critical to maintaining community wellbeing, social connection and participation. This evidence demonstrates a clear and ongoing need to embed access and inclusion across Council services and community programs and public infrastructure, ensuring that all residents have equitable opportunities to participate in community life.

Noosa Access and Inclusionary Program – Overview Noosa Council delivered the "Sport4All" Access and Inclusion program from June 2024 to June 2026. Critical to setting up the program for success was the recruitment of the part-time Inclusion Coach role and ensuring that the person appointed had lived experience of disability, experience within the sports sector and a strong ability to develop effective relationships and partnerships. The role had two key purposes: • Strengthen inclusive practices across community organisations, particularly in the sport and recreation space; and • Improve Council’s organisational approach to access and inclusion The Inclusion Coach worked closely with local sporting clubs, schools and community organisations to assess accessibility, deliver targeted training, and support the development and implementation of Inclusion Action Plans. Ongoing guidance helped embed inclusive practices into programs, facilities and operations in a practical and sustainable way. A secondary focus of the role was to influence broader access and inclusion outcomes across Council services. Locating the Inclusion Coach within Council enabled a broader organisational impact beyond the original program scope, particularly through the provision of advice on inclusion in planning, service delivery and infrastructure. This demonstrated the value of a dedicated specialist role in strengthening Council’s understanding of the needs of people with disability and improving equitable access to its facilities, programs and services.

Deliverables and Outcomes The program delivered outcomes significantly beyond its original scope, demonstrating both strong community demand and the value of a dedicated inclusion role. Program Reach and Participation The program achieved significant reach across the community, far exceeding the required Sport4All indicator of engaging a minimum of 4 sporting clubs: •

sporting clubs and organisations engaged •

Inclusion Action Plans completed or in progress • Over 12 face-to-face training sessions delivered • Approximately 150 individuals trained • Engagement extended beyond sport to include schools, disability support organisations and community groups The role also supported the delivery of inclusive sport opportunities, including: • Walking Basketball program, delivered with support of Noosa Cyclones Basketball Club at the Noosa Leisure Centre • Wheelchair Basketball Kids Club, delivered with the support of Suncoast Spinners • A four-week Wheelchair Rugby League program delivered at Tewantin State School • Adaptive Skateboarding initiatives at Peregian Skate Day • Adaptive Pickleball and inclusive participation initiatives • Modifications made to ParkRun Noosa These programs responded to identified community demand and established sustainable participation pathways. Wheelchair Basketball Kids Program in partnership with Suncoast Spinners Sport4All Club Training - Peregian Beach Tennis Club Capability Development A key outcome of the program was the measurable increase in knowledge, confidence and capability across clubs, organisations and Council staff. This was achieved through targeted training, one-on-one support, and partnerships with specialist organisations such as Carers QLD and Spinal Life. Feedback from participants indicates improved understanding of both visible and invisible disability, and increased confidence in adapting programs, environments and communication approaches to support inclusive participation. Importantly, the program shifted practice from awareness to action, with organisations implementing practical and sustainable changes through Inclusion Action Plans and ongoing guidance. Sport4All school training Partnerships and Community Outcomes The Inclusion Coach facilitated strong partnerships between sporting clubs, disability support organisations, schools and the Department of Education, and Council services resulting in more coordinated and accessible participation pathways across the community. These partnerships resulted in tangible and sustained community outcomes, including: • Improved access to Council facilities and community spaces for disability support organisations to deliver sport and recreation programs. • Increased utilisation of Council halls and facilities for inclusive programs and activities. • Direct connections between clubs and disability support services, enabling more consistent and supported participation opportunities. • Practical pathways for individuals with disability to transition from supported programs into mainstream community sport and recreation environments. • Increased confidence among clubs and community organisations to engage with and support participants with disability. In addition, these partnerships enabled system-level outcomes, including: • Greater alignment between Council services, community organisations and local clubs. • Improved awareness of inclusion opportunities across the community. • A more connected and responsive local inclusion network. These outcomes demonstrate a shift from isolated engagement to a more integrated and sustainable inclusion ecosystem across the Noosa community. Infrastructure and Accessibility The Inclusion Coach role opportunistically contributed to improved accessibility outcomes through targeted input into infrastructure planning, facility upgrades and program delivery, supporting more inclusive design and use of Council assets. Key contributions included: • Providing advice and feedback on accessibility considerations for facility upgrades, including support for funding applications and project planning. • Supporting beach accessibility initiatives at Main Beach, including consultation on wheelchair storage and access considerations. • Working with internal teams and facilities to embed inclusive design principles into planning, upgrades and operational decision-making. These contributions resulted in: • Improved consideration of accessibility needs at the early planning and design stages, reducing the need for reactive modifications. • Increased confidence among Council staff to incorporate inclusive design into projects and facility management. • Greater alignment between community needs and infrastructure outcomes. This work has supported a shift toward a more proactive, integrated and consistent approach to accessibility across Council, ensuring facilities and public spaces are better positioned to meet the needs of all community members. Improving access within Council facilities - Noosa Cyclones Walking Basketball team Equipment and Innovation The program supported practical inclusion by developing and providing adaptive equipment and locally driven solutions, increasing participation for people with disability across the community. Key initiatives included: • Development of Boccia ramps, including locally made versions in partnership with Noosa Men’s Shed and Boccia Australia • Introduction of an Angled Aid through the Noosa Library of Things • Investment in adaptive equipment to support inclusive programs across clubs, schools and Council facilities This work delivered meaningful outcomes: • Improved access to affordable, practical equipment • Increased capacity for local organisations to deliver inclusive activities independently • Reduced reliance on external resources through locally available solutions • Strengthened partnerships across community, local and national organisations • Greater innovation through community-led responses to local needs • Integration of inclusive equipment into existing community infrastructure This work supported a shift toward sustainable, community-driven inclusion, with equipment and resources embedded locally for ongoing use. Organisational Impact Immersive training in partnership with Spinal Life The Inclusion Coach position provided specialist advice and support across multiple Council departments, including Community Development, Arts and Culture, Libraries, Parks and Playgrounds, Infrastructure Planning, Design and Delivery, Disaster Reconstruction and Commercial Business Advisory. There has been ongoing and increasing demand for access and inclusion expertise, reflecting a growing need to embed inclusive practice across services, facilities and projects. This has contributed to earlier integration of accessibility into planning and improved consistency in inclusive service delivery across Council. The role also supported the Sports and Active Lifestyles team with implementation and ongoing use of the Cerge accessibility platform across key facilities, including Noosa Leisure Centre, Noosa Aquatic Centre, Cooroy Badminton and Noosa Tennis Club. This improved the accuracy and visibility of accessibility information and enhanced the user experience for people with disability. Research and Innovation The Inclusion Coach role supported two University of the Sunshine Coast Occupational Therapy Honours projects, providing practical insight to ensure outcomes were relevant to local community needs. The projects focused on adaptive sports equipment access and sensory spaces for inclusive events. Key contributions included: • Identifying local priorities to shape project direction • Providing practical guidance and real-world context • Reviewing solutions to ensure applicability across Council and community settings This work resulted in: • Innovative, locally relevant inclusion solutions • Improved access to resources supporting participation • Increased capability across Council and partner organisations It also strengthened partnerships with the tertiary sector, supported workforce development, and overall contributed to a pipeline of future-focused, evidence-informed inclusion initiatives.

Key Learnings This program marked Noosa Council’s first dedicated access and inclusion program, providing valuable insights that will inform and strengthen future action planning and programming. The scale and breadth of outcomes delivered under a part-time (0.6 FTE) role demonstrates a high return on investment relative to program cost. Collectively, the outcomes represent a shift from ad hoc inclusion efforts to a coordinated approach, helping to position Noosa as an emerging leader in inclusive sport and recreation. What worked well: • Importance of recruiting someone with lived experience and expertise • Embedding the role within a Council context • Positive impact externally and internally of having an access and inclusion point of contact and champion in the organisation • Development of strong relationships with clubs, schools and organisations • Support from expert, external advisors • Model and flexibility of program delivery • Ongoing, tailored and practical support to ensure realistic and sustainable change Improvements for future planning: • Earlier and more coordinated integration with internal Council teams • Allocation of dedicated resources to support development and implementation of programs • Stronger cross-department collaboration to embed inclusion in planning and operations • Improved long-term planning and funding certainty to support program sustainability • Clearer governance, accountability, and reporting frameworks to track progress and outcomes

Next Steps

To sustain the outcomes of the Sport4All Inclusion Coach program and maintain momentum, a structured pathway forward is recommended. Transition Planning With the program concluding in June 2026 transition planning is underway to: • Share knowledge and resources developed through the role; • Transition and maintain relationships; and • Identify priority areas for continuation or expansion. Establishment of an Ongoing Access and Inclusion Function The breadth of outcomes achieved through the program demonstrates the value of a dedicated inclusion function within Council. It is proposed that Council consider establishing an ongoing Access and Inclusion function, including a permanent Inclusion Officer role, to provide organisation-wide coordination and expert advice. This function would: • Facilitate the development of an Access and Inclusion Framework or Action Plan is recommended to guide priorities, accountability and measurable outcomes, aligned with the

Report details

Index: ECM/114.1 - Sport Access and Inclusion