Disability Sport and Recreation

03/09/2026

The 2026 Inclusive Infrastructure Award recipient is...

Serendip Sanctuary, You Yangs Precinct – Parks Victoria 🌱

The new Sensory Garden at Serendip Sanctuary invites people of all ages and abilities to explore, learn and connect with nature and Wadawurrung culture. Opened February 2026, it was co-designed with people with lived experience of disability, accessibility specialists, educators, community groups and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation. The sanctuary features accessible pathways, sensory planting, tactile paving, raised garden beds and cultural audio stories. A place to connect, belong and experience Country together.

Check out Serendip Sanctuary here: https://loom.ly/zkw2_Dw

This award is proudly sponsored by The Owl Insights.

03/09/2026

Every Body Moves is coming to Melbourne this school holidays — and it's free!

Bring your family, friends, siblings or support network and try different sports and activities, meet local organisations, and explore opportunities to stay active close to home.

📍 Bundha Sports Centre, Fitzroy North, Melbourne
📅 Wednesday, 30 Sept 2026 (School Holidays)
⏰ 10am – 1pm

Register here: https://loom.ly/hyVuTCk

Every Body Moves is a free community event series bringing people with and without disability together to get active and connect, delivered by Disability Sports Australia and presented by Bupa Australia through its Healthy Cities initiative.

We are proud to support the Melbourne event and we hope to see you there!

02/09/2026

Meet Ryan Holloway – our 2026 Coach or Fitness Leader of the Year 🏆

For 9 years, Ryan has coached the Victorian Ivor Burge Men’s Basketball Team - Basketball Victoria, including 5 years as Head Coach, helping more than 25 athletes develop their skills, confidence and opportunities to succeed.

Under Ryan’s leadership, the team has secured 3 consecutive state gold medals, while supporting athletes to progress to represent Australia 🏀

Ryan’s impact goes beyond the scoreboard. He creates an environment built on high expectations, genuine care and a belief in every athlete’s potential , while also mentoring emerging coaches and helping them grow their skills and confidence.

Congratulations, Ryan, on an outstanding contribution to disability sport and the athletes and coaches you continue to inspire!

This award is proudly sponsored by etrainu.com

02/09/2026

We are delighted to announce a new official partnership with the Victorian Goalball Association (VGA) 🤝

Delivered through DSR's Community Sport Inclusion Partner Model, the partnership will support the delivery of the 2026 Australian Goalball Championships at RMIT University Bundoora this October, continuing through to the 2027 season.

🏐 Goalball is a fast-paced sport for athletes who are blind or have low vision, building confidence, connection and independence.

Read more about the partnership here: https://loom.ly/RP8r5Jo

Want to get involved? we are looking for volunteers for the Championships - Goal Judges, Scorekeepers, Timers, Court Assistants and Commentators needed! 👉 https://loom.ly/_6hzIPc

01/09/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Volunteer of the Year – Tanya Twaits!

For more than a decade, Tanya has been a driving force behind RDA Victoria - Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria, including 6 years on the Board and much of that time as President, all as a volunteer.

Tanya played a pivotal role in rebuilding RDAV's programs post-COVID, helping restore services across all 33 affiliated centres. Today, RDAV supports 1,000 participants a year through 200 volunteers, 200 coaches and 300 horses 🐴

From visiting centres to fundraising and volunteering locally, Tanya leads with compassion and an unwavering belief in the power of inclusive riding to build connection, confidence and community💙

A truly deserving recognition for an extraordinary contribution to inclusive sport and recreation. Congratulations, Tanya! 👏

This award is proudly sponsored by Inspire Group, DSR’s preferred learning partner.

01/09/2026

30/08/2026

It is with great honor that we announce Peter Cullen AM as the 2026 recipient of the Kevin Coombs Lifetime Achievement Award.

For more than 35 years, Peter has challenged what is possible through sport and recreation. As the founder of Reclink Australia, Peter champions a simple but powerful belief: everyone should have the opportunity to participate, connect and belong.

Today, Reclink delivers around 350 sport and recreation sessions each week, reaching 20,000 people every month across 75 sports and activities, with more than 20% of participants living with disability.

Peter's approach has always focused on adapting sport to the person, creating genuine opportunities to participate, compete, build friendships and represent their community. Still involved at grassroots level, Peter continues to run a weekly session in Werribee, while his vision has grown into a national legacy through Reclink and AAAPlay.

Join us in celebrating our newest DSR Lifetime member 💙

28/08/2026

2026 VDSR Awards night: full of inspiring stories, full of heart, full of pride 💙

27/08/2026

The 2026 Victorian Disability Sport & Recreation Awards lit up Marvel Stadium on Tuesday night ✨

270 guests. 64 incredible finalists. One unforgettable evening celebrating the athletes, volunteers, coaches, organisations and initiatives driving inclusion through sport and recreation in Victoria.

Hosted by Lachy Wills, the evening was packed with inspiring stories, proud moments and well-deserved recognition across 11 award categories.

Among the night's most moving moments was Peter Cullen AM being honoured with the 2026 Kevin Coombs Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his lifelong dedication and leadership in our sector.

📖 Full recap and complete winners list here: https://bit.ly/vdsrawards2026

25/08/2026

2026 DSR Awards