Leisure Networks

🌟 New Year, New Board Members! 🌟 We’re excited to kick off the year by welcoming four incredible new board directors to Leisure Networks, these talented individuals bring a wealth of expertise and passion to help drive our mission forward as we launch our new strategy. Introducing Our New Board Members: Craig Morgan Craig brings extensive experience as a commercial lawyer, people leader, and social worker. Passionate about social justice, Craig combines his professional skills and lived experience to advocate for inclusive and capable communities, perfectly aligning with Leisure Networks' mission. Sam McGuane A passionate strategic leader with a decade of senior roles at Cotton On Group, Sam has driven global community initiatives and innovative sports partnerships. As Executive Director of Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer (CB4BC), he continues to deliver powerful outcomes for communities and customers. Sam's personal motto is "to always be in the service of others." Alex Hickey Alex is a Senior Finance Business Partner at Barwon Health, with expertise in financial strategy and sustainability. With an MBA, CA accreditation, and extensive experience in financial strategy and management across corporate and not-for-profit sectors Alex is dedicated to fostering positive change and resource effectiveness. Stephanie Gunn An accomplished executive in the not-for-profit and public sectors, Stephanie excels at aligning strategy with organisational capability to drive financial sustainability and exemplary client outcomes. Her leadership has guided organisations through significant change, positioning them for success. We’re excited about the impact their expertise will bring in 2025 and beyond. Please join us in warmly welcoming them to Leisure Networks! #LeisureNetworks #NewBoardMembers #Leadership #Inclusion #CommunityImpact

Kath has been working with Beryl as her Specialist Support Coordinator for two years 😍 In the beginning, it was tough—phone calls and texts were often filled with anger, and words like NDIS or Support Coordinator triggered strong emotions.But Kath remained patient, consistently showing up for Beryl and slowly building trust. About eight months ago, a turning point arrived. Beryl started referring to Kath as her Support Coordinator without fear or frustration, and their conversations began focusing on what Beryl wanted and needed. This week, they met in person for the first time. Over coffee and shared laughter, they spoke about Beryl’s goals and dreams—a big step forward in her journey. At Leisure Networks, Specialist Support Coordinators like Kath work with people with complex needs, offering patience, understanding, and expertise to help them stay connected to their supports and build brighter futures 🧡 To learn more about our Specialist Support Coordination Services, contact our friendly Customer Connect team on 5222 3911. #LeisureNetworks #BuildingTrust #NDISJourney #StrongerTogether #SpecialistSupportCoordination

1890 participants, countless connections, and endless possibilities! 🌟 Leisure Networks proudly supported 1890 participants in all-abilities initiatives, creating opportunities for people to get active, have fun, and connect with their community. From AFL football to basketball, netball, cricket, specialist school gala days plus more, it’s been amazing to see so many people embrace the joy of sport and teamwork 👏 Sport has the incredible power to build confidence, foster friendships, and improve physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s kicking a goal, scoring a hoop, or simply enjoying the game, every moment contributes to living a healthier, happier life 😍 Here’s to continuing the momentum in 2025 – empowering more people to stay active, get involved, and experience the true benefits of sport! 🏅

Dani began her journey with our SLES team brimming with energy and eagerness to work. She successfully completed her Barista certificate, which she then applied during her time volunteering at Fork N Flower Café in Geelong. This experience allowed her to learn valuable skills and also helped her grow in confidence. Since recently completing the SLES program, Dani has secured paid employment at AMA Collision Site - Bellarine Smash Repairs, where she works two days a week as a cleaner. The manager, Andrew, provides incredible encouragement and support, fostering a welcoming environment that enables Dani to thrive. Thanks to the SLES program and Leisure Networks Employment Coach Mark, along with these inclusive and professional workplaces, Dani has developed her career and there is no doubt she will only continue to build on this success. #LeisureNetworks #InclusiveEmployment #SkillBuildingSuccess #NDISJourney #ThrivingTogether

Discover some of our highlights of 2024 and the incredible impact Leisure Networks has made in championing inclusion across our community. This video celebrates the stories, partnerships, and moments that have driven connection and belonging for all 🧡 🎥 Video by Jesse Davis

Congratulations to Laura Williamson, recipient of the Achievement Award at the 2024 City of Greater Geelong Awards for People with Disability! 🎉 Nominated by Leisure Networks, Laura was recognised for her incredible achievements in basketball and her unwavering commitment to creating inclusive opportunities in sport. Laura has proudly represented Australia at the Special Olympics, the World Summer Games, and the Global Games, showcasing her talent on the world stage. Today, she continues to inspire as a coach, mentoring others various basketball programs in Geelong. Earlier this year, Laura shared her story at the Reimagining Disability Employment and Volunteering Forum, hosted by Leisure Networks. Her aspirations to work in sport and recreation inspired the room, and within months, she achieved her goal by taking on a coaching role in Leisure Networks’ Girls Who bALL program. The Girls Who bALL program, delivered in partnership with Geelong United Basketball, was designed to empower women and girls with disabilities to develop their basketball skills, build confidence, and foster meaningful connections. Laura’s leadership in co-designing sessions and working closely with participants left a lasting impact on everyone involved. Laura's journey reminds us all of the power of inclusion and the opportunities that can arise when we invest in people’s potential 🙌 #LeisureNetworks #GeelongIDPWDAwards #InclusionInAction #LeadershipInSport #DisabilityAdvocacy #EmpoweringThroughSport

Last week, Kristin Winberry and Luke Maher attended the Tackle Your Feelings, Australia 2025 Training Day in Melbourne. The event featured inspiring insights from Tackle Your Feelings Ambassador Dylan Buckley, who courageously shared his journey with mental health, the ongoing process, and the person he is today. At Leisure Networks, we’re proud to facilitate the Tackle Your Feelings program across the Geelong region. Over the past three years, we’ve delivered 38 sessions, including a memorable mental health awareness luncheon at Ocean Grove Football & Netball Club Grove earlier this year. Designed to support local football and netball clubs, this program equips players, coaches, and volunteers with the tools to Understand, Recognise, and Respond to signs of mental health. We’re excited to continue supporting even more clubs in 2025, delivering this impactful free mental health training program. If you know a club that would like to host their own session in 2025, please call Luke Maher on 5222 3911.

We are so thrilled to see the GT Geelong Advertiser and Times News Group shining a light on our International Day of People with Disability celebration on December 4th, proudly presented by The Gordon As our CEO, David Meade, so perfectly said: “The breakfast was a celebration of inclusion, a showcase of strength and resilience, and a call to action. It's a reminder that when we come together as a community, we can create pathways for everyone to thrive." These stories remind us of the power of connection and the role we all play in building a more inclusive world. We are so proud to be part of such a supportive and inspiring community, where everyone has the opportunity to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

A picture is worth a thousand words, and the photos from our International Day of People with Disability Celebration Breakfast say it all! Together, we are building a future filled with opportunity and inclusion 🧡 A heartfelt thank you to all our amazing sponsors, including The Gordon, for their generous support, and to everyone who joined us at GMHBA Stadium to make this event unforgettable. We can’t wait to come together again in 2025! 📸 Photos by Meg Read Photography Event Sponsors Beyond Bank Australia White Cross Healthcare Solutions Geelong Connected Communities APCO Service Stations Golf Australia Steigen

Are you one of the 29, or are you Bluebird?” 🫶 At our International Day of People with Disability Celebration Breakfast yesterday, CEO David Meade shared James Elford’s inspiring journey—his dream of becoming a barista, the determination it took to approach 30 cafes, and how Bluebird Cafe in Highton finally gave him a chance to shine. This reel, featuring James, was originally shared earlier this year, and it feels even more impactful now after hearing David’s speech. It challenges us all to reflect: What stops us from saying yes? What can we do to be more inclusive and open to opportunity? Let’s celebrate businesses like Bluebird that lead with inclusion and courage 💙 #IDPWD #InclusionMatters #SayYes #RemoveBarriers #TogetherForChange