Strong partnerships driving lasting change in Mildura

People stayed on the court long after the session ended, and families asked when the next session would be held. This showed there was a strong need for more inclusive sport in the region.

Intereach’s Program Manager, Rebekah Clifford, decided to build on this interest.

With support from the Regional All Abilities Participation Grants, Intereach launched the Hot Wheelies wheelchair basketball program.

From the beginning, the goal was to create more than just one program. Intereach wanted to build local partnerships, skills and leadership to support the future of adaptive sport in Mildura.

'We were not just looking at delivering a grant-funded program,' Rebekah Clifford said.

'It was about looking more into the future to see how this program could continue on past the grant delivery. What made Hot Wheelies so successful is having the right people working with you to drive the success of the program.'

To make this happen, Intereach brought together a number of local organisations to form a working group.

These included Mildura Basketball Association, Mildura Rural City Council, Basketball Victoria, Mallee Sports Assembly, WeKare, Lime Therapy, Country Care and Sunraysia Residential Services.

Together, they launched Mildura’s first inclusive wheelchair basketball program held at Hothouse Basketball Stadium over two six-week seasons.

The program offered free weekly sessions for people with disability, carers, mainstream basketball players, families and community members.

These strong partnerships were a key part of Hot Wheelies’ success.

'The response to Hot Wheelies was incredible. We saw people of all ages and abilities coming together, trying something new, building confidence and forming real connections,' Rebekah Clifford said.

For disability support provider WeKare, the benefits extended far beyond the basketball court.

'The program was hugely successful. The way it was structured to include athletes of all abilities was a great benefit,' said Nick Staker from WeKare.

'The community engagement was excellent, and the people who participated all had a sensational time – players, coaches and volunteers. The impact on the community was very positive.'

From the beginning, partners were encouraged to help create something that could grow and continue over time.

Mildura Basketball Association embraced that opportunity, becoming a key partner in delivering the program and planning for its future.

'Mildura Basketball Association was pleased to be part of the team that put this together,' said Natasha Smallwood, General Manager Administration.

'The positive comments received from people in the community were very pleasing, and the effort you and the committee put in did not go unnoticed. We look forward to being part of future opportunities.'

Basketball Victoria also recognised the broader significance of the program for regional communities.

'The work delivered through the Regional All Abilities Participation Grants has given Mildura and surrounding areas a strong foundation to build and grow wheelchair basketball,' said Elliott Knight, Diversity and Inclusion Officer from Wheelchair Basketball, Basketball Victoria.

'Regional opportunities for adaptive sport are limited, so providing something consistent that brings people together matters. This program has helped create a genuine local community around the sport.'

Hot Wheelies shows what is possible when local organisations work together.

The Regional All Abilities Participation Grant helped start the program. But it was the shared commitment of community organisations, sporting clubs, disability providers, volunteers and participants that helped it grow into a strong community initiative.

The new round of the Regional All Abilities Participation Grants is now open and closes on 12 August 2026.

For more information or to apply visit Regional All Abilities Participation Grants.