Sport Inclusion Australia Secures Level the Field Grant to Grow its Inclusive Workforce 

Inclusion should be reflected in every part of sport—not only in who participates, but in who contributes, leads and builds a career within the sector. 

That belief has shaped our organisation for decades. A diverse and inclusive workforce brings lived experience, expertise and perspectives that strengthen the work we do every day. 

That’s why we’re proud to be one of 29 organisations awarded funding through the Level the Field 2025–2027 Grant Program. 

Delivered by Leisure Networks in partnership with the Victorian Government, the $7.16 million initiative supports sport and community organisations to create and strengthen paid and volunteer opportunities for people with a disability across regional Victoria. 

This investment allows us to build on work already underway. As a not-for-profit organisation, sustainable funding gives us the capacity to grow our workforce, invest in people and create more opportunities where people with a disability can contribute, lead and help shape the future of sport. 

Sport Inclusion Australia Chief Executive Officer Chantel Lewis said the funding would allow Sport Inclusion Australia to build on its existing commitment to inclusive employment and create more structured pathways for people with disability to build careers in sport. 

“Inclusion doesn’t stop at participation, and neither should opportunity. People with disability should have genuine opportunities to build skills, develop careers and contribute across all levels of the sporting system,” Ms Lewis said. 

“At Sport Inclusion Australia, we have seen firsthand the contribution people with disability make across our organisation and our work. They bring skills, knowledge, experience and leadership that strengthen our organisation and the way we work with the wider sporting community. 

“This investment allows us to build on that experience by creating meaningful paid employment pathways, providing training and mentoring, and supporting people to develop skills and experience that can lead to longer-term opportunities across sport. 

“Ultimately, we want to see a sporting workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, where people with disability are not only participating in sport, but are employed, contributing, leading and helping shape its future.” 

Thank you to Leisure Networks and the Victorian Government for supporting us and investing in a more inclusive future for sport.