Social inclusion through sport

CEO Ramesh Kumar with performers from the Unity in Diversity festival pre Covid-19. Picture: SMRC

By Mitchell Clarke

Newly arrived migrants, refugees and women across the Cardinia Shire are set to become engaged in a new initiative to encourage social inclusion.

The Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre (SMRC) – based in Dandenong but operational across Casey and Cardinia – received more than $500,000 in funding as part of a Federal Government program to drive social inclusion through physical activity.

Federal La Trobe MP Jason Wood said the SMRC was identified as serving an “important role” in bridging the divide and encouraging social inclusion across the region.

“This organisation and others like it continue to play a vital role as we strive toward being more inclusive,” Mr Wood said.

The ‘Dance Up! Australia’ initiative will engage newly arrived migrants and refugees to participate in physical activity through the learning and sharing of various cultural dances.

According to studies, dance has been found to reduce the risk of dementia, improve balance, core strength and coordination leading to a reduction in falls and improve social connectedness, mental health and wellbeing.

The two year cultural dance program will engage participants from a number of diverse cultural backgrounds including the Hazara, Burmese, Iranian, Sri Lankan, Tibetan, Tamil and Syrian communities.

SMRC chairman Brian Oates said the program would be provided at no cost in local gyms and venues across the Cardinia, Casey and Greater Dandenong local government areas.

He added that for many participants, attendance at the sessions will likely be their first experience accessing local exercise facilities.

It’s hoped positive exposure will facilitate participants to engage with other exercise classes in the future.

“Using sport and physical activity, Dance Up! Australia aims to contribute to the building of resilient, cohesive and harmonious communities to ensure that individuals, families and communities have the opportunity to thrive in a unified Australian society,” Mr Oates said.

“To make it extra special, community cultural dance celebrations will be held during the year, bringing together new friends with a common love for dance.”

It’s understood there will be four 10 week programs per year with 15 participants in each program, accommodating up to 360 people year.

SMRC volunteers will provide transport assistance to facilitate attendance and many of the selected venues will provide child-care facilities to reduce entry barriers for those with family responsibilities.

“A dancing community is a happy community,” Mr Oates added.

“It will be a joy to see people enjoying dancing together again.”

Federal Sport Minister Richard Colbeck said sport and physical activity were “key elements” to a stronger, more resilient and connected life.

“This is even more important as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic,” Minister Colbeck said.

“Supporting organisations to promote sport and physical activity as a powerful tool for inclusion is a key part of addressing this problem.

“Australians want to get moving again. We want sport and recreation – with all the health, economic, social and cultural benefits – back in our communities.”

As Covid-19 restrictions are lifted and community-based group sport and physical activity resumes, grant recipients have been given an extended timeframe to December 2022 to deliver funded activities.