Breaking down barriers : collective leisure's commitment to access and inclusion for a more equitable society as a social enterprise

Collective Leisure is an Australian social enterprise that focuses on promoting access and inclusion through co-creating initiatives with underserved and hard-to-reach communities. As a member of the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS), they have become an exemplar of social enterprises that work with diverse populations to reduce health inequity within communities. Their purpose statement of "enabling well-being without boundaries" reflects their dedication to creating an inclusive society that benefits everyone. Collective Leisure is Australia's first social enterprise leisure management company certified by the Australian regulator Social Traders. They lead two solution ecosystems in Western Sydney, New South Wales, aimed at promoting inclusive initiatives to support system change. The WSYD Moving initiative is a whole-of-system solution that aims to reduce physical inactivity in Western Sydney. Collective Leisure also operates as a work integration social enterprise (WISE) through their Path to Potential program, which provides training and employment opportunities for refugees in the sport, leisure, and physical activity sector. Collective Leisure's commitment to access and inclusion is demonstrated through various initiatives catering to special populations. These initiatives include weekly Sportability Clubs for individuals with disabilities, social sport programs for mental health recovery, seniors well-being programs, sports mentoring programs for disengaged youth, and culturally inclusive physical activity programs for culturally diverse communities in Sydney's Western Suburbs, such as Pacific Islanders. Collective Leisure's work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically with a focus on good health and well-being and reducing inequality at the local level. Their work also aligns with the Inner Development Goals, which are fundamental to their efforts in reaching the SDGs. Collective Leisure's philosophy, learnings, and insights will be shared in their presentation, highlighting the importance of access and inclusion in creating a more equitable and healthy society for all.