Access for all lands top award

Belgravia’s mission to ensure there are “no barriers to recreation or leisure” was rewarded at the 2023 Moreton Bay Business and Innovation Awards.

For the full list of winners click here.

Based in Lawnton with 314 staff in this region, Belgravia Leisure won the EPIC Assist Award for Accessibility & Inclusiveness Excellence on Friday.

After receiving the award in a gala night at St Columban’s College, Caboolture, Belgravia’s Regional Manager Zumban Nabi said: “This means a lot to the team.”

“Belgravia Leisure has been in Moreton Bay Region for about 18 years,” he said. “In that time, we have grown this space and access inclusion has become part of our core business.

“We service about 150+ individualised programs a week with our amazing teachers and learn-to-swim co-ordinators that facilitate that program.

"Belgravia Leisure has missions, which are ensuring no barriers to recreation or leisure.

“Regardless of people’s limitations or disabilities, we want everyone to be able to participate in physical activity in whichever way it is available to them.”

Belgravia Leisure has a number of new strategies, including appointing eight Access and Inclusion Co-ordinators throughout the region.

All team members must undergo sensitivity training during the onboarding process by completing the YouMe&Us online training program.

This aims to help users understand differences, challenge their pre-existing perceptions of stereotypes and educate them on the abilities of people with disabilities.

Belgravia’s Goswim program is for all individuals, including private classes made more accessible through NDIS funding and conducted by fully-qualified industry professionals.

“We’ve just finished our five-year strategy … we’re moving into the next,” Mr Nabi said.

“Now it is for us to align our strategies with Moreton Bay Regional Council and ensure we are doing our bit for the community.”