Across Belgravia Leisure’s 260+ venues, strong community partnerships don’t happen by chance; they’re built through consistent, local engagement.
During Belgravia Leisure’s Community Network Forums held across March and April, teams connected with Council partners, local organisations, service providers and community groups to strengthen relationships and identify real opportunities for impact.
Behind this is a network of almost 70 dedicated Access and Inclusion Coordinators, Community Engagement Coordinators and over 150 team members contributing across venues to turn those connections into meaningful action.
While each community looks different, the approach is consistent: showing up, listening and working alongside local partners to improve access, create employment pathways and increase participation.
Meet some of the coordinators leading this work across Belgravia Leisure.
Jaye Hansford: Turning relationships into programs, pathways and measurable impact
At MOVE Moonee Valley, Jaye’s work shows how strong local partnerships can translate into real outcomes for the community.
MOVE’s ongoing engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations has strengthened the team’s understanding of culturally informed practice and reinforced the importance of learning through community-led spaces.
What started as a connection at the Be Deadly Jobs Expo has grown into a trusted partnership with GOAL Indigenous Services, built through consistent, in-person engagement, most recently at the Cultural Awareness Training at the Koorie Heritage Trust.
“Building genuine relationships grounded in trust and respect is central to our approach. Opportunities like this allow us to listen, learn and continue improving how we engage with community in meaningful ways,” Jaye said.
Jaye’s partnership-led approach is reflected across multiple initiatives, including:
- Culturally tailored water safety programs, delivered with partners like Life Saving Victoria, achieving an 192% increase in water confidence among participants from multicultural communities.
- Inclusive employment pathways, promoted through events like the Be Deadly Jobs Expo, which use a “no CV, no stress” approach to reduce barriers.
- Youth engagement and development, including coordinating placements, programs and partnerships with local schools and councils.
This work has been recognised with the 2025 Sue Fowler Award, highlighting Jaye’s impact in creating opportunities for young people across the Moonee Valley community.
Jaye will be attending the Be Deadly Jobs Expo on May 22, 2026, to further strengthen connections and continue creating new pathways for the local community.
Rowee Stair: Leading with lived experience to create inclusive, community-driven outcomes
At Manning Aquatic Centre, Inclusion Coordinator Rowee is known for delivering strong community outcomes through local leadership, lived experience and active partnerships.
A proud Wiradjuri woman, Rowee has played an important role beyond venue level, contributing to Belgravia Leisure’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and the development of the CultureWise cultural awareness training program, helping shape more culturally informed practices across the organisation.
At a local level, Rowee’s work is grounded in listening to community and turning that feedback into action.
This approach led to the trial of Inclusion Hour, developed in response to Community Network Forum feedback. The initiative created a dedicated, more flexible pool environment for older adults, people with disability and those recovering from injury, improving access and participation.
Rowee also plays an active role in supporting culturally significant community events, including NAIDOC Week activities in partnership with the Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council, helping create welcoming spaces for connection, celebration and community pride.
Her community-first approach is reflected across multiple initiatives, including:
- Chatty Café initiatives, supporting social connection and reducing loneliness.
- Programs for neurodiverse communities and seniors, creating welcoming, low-pressure environments.
- Community events and partnerships, such as NAIDOC Week celebrations with local organisations.
- Contribution to national A&I initiatives, including CultureWise and the Innovate RAP.
Rowee’s work highlights how community engagement, when it is grounded in lived experience and strong partnerships, can create more inclusive and connected spaces for all.
Across Belgravia Leisure, strong community partnerships continue to grow through consistency, trust and genuine connection. This work goes beyond one-off interactions; it’s built through showing up, listening and working alongside communities to create meaningful, lasting impact.
Read Belgravia Leisure’s commitment to social inclusion here.
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