70 people are now in jobs across 30 state sporting organisations helping community sport gear up again this summer through the Victorian Government’s Jobs Victoria employment program.

The sport and recreation sector experienced fewer programs and events during the pandemic which led to reduced revenue and participation, as well as job losses.

Akii Ngo, now employed through the Government initiative at Disability Sport and Recreation (DSR), was stood down from their role as a health promotion practitioner and remained in unsteady employment including at several positions unaccommodating to their disability.

Akii Ngo

“This role is truly an opportunity to grow and develop the entire disability sport and recreation sector, to increase accessibility, inclusion and break down barriers faced by those with disability to improve their choice, access and participation to sport and active recreation,” Akii Ngo said.

Earlier this year, having never worked in the sport sector before, Mx Ngo took a punt and applied for the position of Project Manager at DSR. They are now leading ‘The Phoenix Project’ aimed at making sure people with disability are not left behind and forgotten about in the return to community sport.

Other recruits also helped South West Sports organise and run its successful South West Games event in November which saw 18 clubs and organisations run more than 20 events over 10 days.

The recruits will develop new approaches and strategies to incentivise more community sport participation for all Victorians with a focus on those with disabilities, older Victorians, and Aboriginal Victorians.

Victorians looking for a job or a career change can access free advice and support from a 600-strong force of Jobs Victoria Advocates, Mentors and Career Counsellors, ensuring every Victorian can find a job that works for them.

For more information about looking for work or finding staff for your business, visit the Jobs Victoria website.