The Shire of East Pilbara is bringing Sport4All back to the region in 2026, with Steph Cross appointed as the program’s first local inclusion coach.
Sport4All is a national program funded by the Australian Government in partnership with the Australian Sports Commission and delivered by Get Skilled Access, a Disability Owned Business Enterprise founded by Paralympic gold medallist, grand slam champion and 2022 Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott.
The program works with clubs, schools and communities to review how inclusive their current programs and environments are, identify practical barriers to participation and access tools, training and resources to make sport more accessible and welcoming for people with disability.
Shire president Anthony Middleton said the appointment of a local Inclusion coach marked an important step forward for the program in the region.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to take part in sport in a way that works for them,” Cr Middleton said.
“Last year, we were pleased to bring Sport4All to the East Pilbara, but we were unable to secure an inclusion coach locally.
“Having Steph in the role gives the program a much stronger foundation, because clubs, schools and community groups now have someone on the ground who can provide practical guidance and support.
“Steph brings lived experience of disability, a strong sporting background and many years of experience working with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. That combination will be incredibly valuable as we work to make local sport more accessible and welcoming.”
Sport4All WA State manager Carina McMillen said the appointment would help build on the program’s work in the East Pilbara.
“The East Pilbara is a unique and diverse region, with passionate communities, strong local leadership and enormous potential to grow inclusive sport,” Ms McMillen said.
“Having a dedicated inclusion coach on the ground means clubs, schools and community organisations will have practical, local support to remove barriers and create more welcoming opportunities for people with disability.”
Cross grew up in Esperance and has represented both Western Australia and the Northern Territory in hockey, and has worked in education for 14 years as an education assistant, supporting children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
As the East Pilbara inclusion coach, Cross will work directly with local clubs, schools and community organisations to guide them through the Sport4All process.
This may include helping groups understand what inclusion looks like in practice, supporting training and conversations, sharing lived experience and helping identify realistic changes that make it easier for people with disability to participate as players, coaches, volunteers, officials, administrators or spectators.
Cross said she was looking forward to working with the East Pilbara community.
“Sport has always been a big part of my life, and I know how powerful it can be in building confidence, connection and belonging,” Ms Cross said.
“As someone who is neurodivergent, I am passionate about using my lived experience to help clubs and schools better understand what inclusion looks like in practice.
“My role is about working alongside the community, listening to local needs and helping create sporting environments where more people feel welcome and supported.”
Local clubs, schools and community organisations interested in learning more about Sport4All or working with the inclusion coach are encouraged to contact the Shire of East Pilbara.