HUME council has stepped in with the funding to rescue the Access for All Abilities program.
The program is designed to get more people of all abilities to take part in sport and recreation opportunities.
The program, which includes activities such as
basketball, swimming, community dancing and cheerleading as well as
providing information and support services to individuals and clubs,
was previously funded by the state government.
Its future hung in the balance when the government
announced in May it would no longer give the council the $63,894 a year
to fund it.
But the council decided at its meeting last week that it would fund a new sport and recreation officer to run the program.
The officer’s role will also include trying to break down barriers
for Hume residents who struggle to access sporting opportunities.
Cr Helen Patsikatheodorou said it was a very important program.
“It allows people with disabilities to participate in sports on a
lot of different levels,” she said. “It will also give newly arrived
migrants an avenue to be part of our community in a less threatening
way.”
Cr Ann Potter welcomed the council funding but said she was disappointed at the government decision to put a stop funds.
Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School principal Joanne
Nolan said she was pleased the council had decided to save the program.
“We’ve been participating in the program for a number of years now,” she said.
“The events are highly valued by the school community because they
enable students to broaden their networks to learn to work and play
with new people.
“And, of course, they give the opportunity for students to learn
new skills. We strive for our students to have inclusive recreational
opportunities and the opportunity to access a sports program broadens
the scope of experience for students and encourages them to seek out
sports experiences as a recreation pursuit.”
