For millions of sports fans and eventgoers, attending a live match or stadium event is about more than just entertainment.

Yet for the one in five Australians living with a disability, 80 per cent of whom have hidden disabilities, mainstream public venues can often feel overwhelming. 

Enter The Inclusion Project.

What began as an initiative by the Hawks Community Foundation to optimise match days for Hawthorn fans has transformed into a major accessibility model across Australian sports and entertainment. 

Each Inclusion Project space is facilitated by a qualified occupational therapist and an Inclusion Project Officer with lived experience close by. 

Following raging success in its infancy at the Hawks, The Inclusion Project has expanded to over 231 events across multiple sports codes (e.g. NRL, A-Leagues), live entertainment (e.g. Disney On Ice), and cultural venues (e.g., Melbourne Zoo, Australian Open).

A comprehensive Social Value Analysis conducted by external experts, Social Ventures Australia (SVA), reveals The Inclusion Project's true impact. 

One of the most astonishing findings was that between March 2024 and February 2026, a total investment of $1.66 million generated $5.91 million in net present social value.

This highlighted that accessible public spaces do far more than just fulfil a social responsibility - they deliver measurable value across every level of the community ecosystem.

In addition, over 17,000 patron interactions occurred, with $3.3 million of the $4.4 million generated for patrons coming directly from increased belonging and participation.

For 46 Inclusion Project Officers, employment with The Inclusion Project has provided a supportive workplace that leverages lived experience, builds personal growth, and serves as a launchpad for their careers. 

Beyond the Ramp, Beyond the Sensory Room. CLICK HERE to find out what inclusion really looks like as The Inclusion Project celebrates 2026 Invisible Disabilities Week.