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Belgravia Leisure has commenced the latest stage in the expansion of its national commitment to reconciliation with launch of the Innovate stage of its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The RAP framework consists of four progressive stages - Reflect, Innovate, Stretch, and Elevate - each designed to help organisations deepen their commitment to reconciliation in meaningful and sustainable ways. Following the successful completion of its Reflect RAP - which focused on operations across five aquatic and recreation facilities in the City of Sydney - Belgravia Leisure is now expanding its reconciliation efforts on a national scale.

The recent launch event at the Heffron Centre in the Sydney suburb of Maroubra brought together guests, dignitaries and Belgravia Leisure team members to witness a powerful Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Uncle Les McLeod.

This was followed by a reaffirmation of commitment from Belgravia Leisure Chief Executive, Nick Cox, underscoring the company’s dedication to fostering stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of bespoke artwork created by Lacey Falkner, a Belgravia Leisure team member and aspiring artist. Faulkner shared the inspiration behind her design, which now features across RAP resources and assets available to all Belgravia Leisure team members.

The ceremony concluded with Dr Jeff Walkley, Belgravia Leisure National Disability and Diversity Manager, outlining the key deliverables for the Innovate stage - highlighting how the company will continue to drive tangible change through programs, services and initiatives that positively impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Reflecting on the launch, Cox expressed his excitement about continuing this journey alongside a network of over 2,700 organisations formally committed to reconciliation.

He advised “reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, and we want to find ways to best acknowledge and understand the Traditional Owners of the lands on which our businesses operate. In doing so, it will not only be of benefit to each and every one of us here at Belgravia Leisure, but also our guests and of course members of these communities.

“We have a unique opportunity to lead by example. Reconciliation isn’t just an aspiration - it’s an active commitment. I’m incredibly proud of our team for reaching this milestone, and I look forward to seeing our efforts translate into real, impactful programs that create lasting change."

Dr Walkley added “our commitment to extend and deepen our actions to support reconciliation is a source of deep pride for not only me, but for the many, many colleagues who have embraced and endorsed this commitment.

“During the planning phase, I was heartened to learn about the excitement among colleagues at the prospect of a RAP. Together, we will do our utmost to welcome, support and include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples into everything we can offer a community - facilities, programs, services and jobs.”

Images: Belgravia Leisure has expanded its national commitment to reconciliation. Pictures show attendees at the recent launch event at the Heffron Centre in the Sydney suburb of Maroubra (top), Uncle Les conducting the smoking ceremony (middle) and Dr Jeff Walkley, Uncle Les and Lacey Falkner displaying Falkner's artwork at the event (below).

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