Vernon to promote sport for all on Coast

Beau Vernon, Sunshine Coast
New Sunshine Coast Sports Inclusion Officer Beau Vernon. | Photo: Courtesy of Sunshine Coast Council

A Paralympic bronze medallist and former AFL player will become the Sunshine Coast’s Sports Inclusion Officer under a national program.

Sunshine Coast Council Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said Beau Vernon would come on board as part of the Sport4All (S4A) Program.

Cr Bunnag said the initiative, which partners with former Australian of the Year and Paralympian Dylan Alcott’s consultancy, Get Skilled Access, aimed to make local sports more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities at clubs and schools.

He said Mr Vernon would join Council’s Sport Planning and Development Team early in the new year after training with Get Skilled Access.

“He will work with our community clubs and schools, building networks and spreading the Sport4All message.

“Beau brings a wealth of first-hand experience to the role. He is a Pride of Australia Medal holder, Paralympic Bronze Medallist in Wheelchair Rugby, former elite AFL player, successful AFL coach, motivational speaker, university graduate, and a Sunshine Coast local.”

Cr Bunnag said Mr Vernon was a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities.

“Beau’s extensive background and passion for inclusivity makes him an invaluable addition to our team.”

Mr Vernon said the ethos behind Sport4All aligned with his ideology on life and the message he wanted to give to all people.

“We need to ‘raise the bar’ on our expectations of what people with disabilities can achieve. I can’t wait to get started early next year and assist community sports clubs and schools to be more inclusive through all forms of participation.”