A partnership between the City of Casey and Get Skilled Access is providing greater avenues of access for those living with a disability, as the Sport4All program looks to help local sport clubs improve inclusivity.
The program, led by an Inclusion Coach, is designed to make community sport more inclusive and accessible for people living with disabilities.
Hampton Park Tennis Club is the first local sporting club to complete the Sport4All program, and as a result, developed its own inclusion action plan.
Casey’s Mayor, Stefan Koomen, said that “this is a fantastic achievement for Hampton Park Tennis Club”.
“To take active steps and embrace this inclusive approach, this aligns with the upcoming pavilion redevelopment that is scheduled to start later this year.
“The Sport4All program is giving clubs the tools to be more inclusive, and Hampton Park Tennis Club has really embraced the opportunity to lead from the front,” he said.
As part of the pavilion upgrades, the club has requested wider door frames for entry to the accessible toilet, in order to better accommodate sports chairs, which are wider than a standard wheelchair.
The City of Casey recently adopted the 2025/26 Budget that included continued investment in Sport4All, which will ensure more Casey clubs are equipped to take part in the program and develop their own inclusion plans.
River Gum Ward councillor, Lynette Pereira, said that her children “used to play tennis at Hampton Park Tennis Club when they were younger, and I’m proud to see the club championing inclusion in such a meaningful way”.
“This is a club with a strong community heart, and their leadership in embracing the Sport4All program sets a powerful example for others to follow,” said Cr. Pereira.
For Mayor Koomen, he said that it’s great to see Hampton Park leading the way.
“We’re looking forward to working with even more clubs across Casey to create a sporting community that welcomes everyone,” he said.
