Ep 13 - Breaking Barriers in Local Sport with Liz Griffiths

In this episode I speak with Liz Griffiths, Community Development Officer at Wingecarribee Shire Council, about the 2025 Breaking Barriers Project funded through an Australian Sports Commission PlayWell grant to increase sport participation for older people and people with disability in the Southern Highlands NSW. Liz explains the region’s rural geography, transport challenges, and aging demographics, and how the project shifted from a simple “come and try” plan to building club leadership mindset, capability, and partnerships, including allied health referrals. The project delivered a community seminar with local Paralympian Sam Tate, multi-sport sessions with Disability Sports Australia, club-support webinars, and club-led programs across tennis, netball, soccer, and little athletics, with broader flow-on impacts. Michael also shares his experience leading the delivery of the Bundanoon Rebels Football Club's all-abilities and walking football programs.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:39 Setting the Scene: Collaboration and Roles

02:17 Community Development Initiatives

03:54 Challenges and Demographics of the Region

07:08 Breaking Barriers Project: Origin and Goals

10:39 Early Challenges and Adjustments

13:22 Club Involvement and Community Engagement

23:35 Implementation and Success Stories

37:21 Sustainability and Future Plans

44:21 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

🗒️ Full Show Notes

Get the full show notes for this episode (including links, resources and transcript) at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.inclusivesportdesign.com/podcast/ep13⁠

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Find all the ways you can watch and listen at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.inclusivesportdesign.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠