Victoria University (VU) has partnered with Outback Academy Australia and Paralympics Australia to support access to sport for people with a disability, in particular indigenous women.
Indigenous production team TypeCast Entertainment created short films features personal and inspirational stories from Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander women athletes, which VU hopes will inspire people with a disability to play sport, particularly indigenous women.
VU’s Susan Alberti Women in Sport chair, professor Clare Hanlon, said the project was an important step to empowering more people with disabilities to play sport.
“This is an invaluable resource made up of the voices of indigenous women. We can listen to their stories of good practices that have attracted and retained them in sport and share those crucial insights,” Professor Hanlon said.
Outback Academy Australia chairperson, Leanne Miller, a Yorta Yorta woman said: “Winyarr Ganbina captures the lived experience and views of Indigenous women with disability. Their voices encourage greater inclusion for all in sport.”
Paralympics Australia chief executive Catherine Clark said sport participation brought different positive outcomes.
“We know that women with a disability are underrepresented in sport, particularly Indigenous women,” she said.
“We also know that participation in sport has positive outcomes, including a sense of belonging, connection to community and improved physical and mental health.
“That is why Paralympics Australia believes in the potential of this project to open doors for Indigenous women to get involved and gain the benefits that come from involvement in sport.”
Max Hatzoglou
