Programs that facilitate and support involvement in a broad range of community cultural and recreation opportunities receive little attention from government. While governments have invested in elite sporting programs, there has been little in the way of investment in accessible and inclusive grass roots participation in recreation, arts and cultural events and programs or sports clubs and activities. Attention to the needs of people with higher support needs to facilitate social connections and opportunities for friendship and a sense of belonging have declined over the last three decades.
There is a need for government action to invest in programs that build social connections and friendships through participation in the arts, leisure and sport.
