Inclusion Program
LEARN ONE ON ONE WITH OUR PASSIONATE AND QUALIFIED COACHES!
At Waverley Gymnastics Centre, our Inclusion Program is dedicated to providing children with disabilities a supportive and enriching environment where they can thrive through one-on-one coaching within our Educational Gymnastics Program and Junior Gymnastics Program. We believe that every child, should have the opportunity to experience the joy, physical development, and confidence that gymnastics can offer.
Our experienced coaches work closely with each child, tailoring sessions to meet their unique needs and goals. The one-on-one format allows for personalized instruction, ensuring that each child receives the attention and guidance necessary to progress at their own pace, while still enjoying being a part of the group. Through this approach, we focus on building foundational skills, strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance, all while encouraging self-expression and fun. Our inclusion coaches provide one-on-one attention within one of our regular group classes.
Our Inclusion Program not only promotes physical development but also fosters social interaction, self-esteem, and a sense of accomplishment. We aim to create an environment where children feel supported, celebrated, and capable of achieving their personal best. At Waverley Gymnastics Centre, we are committed to ensuring that gymnastics is accessible and welcoming to all, empowering children of all abilities to reach their full potential.
A number of our participants are able to utilise NDIS funding towards the costs of a one-on-one coach. Placements for this support book out very quickly. Please contact us on 9887 9611 for more information.
Proud winner of the Gymnastics Victoria "Inclusion Leader of the Year" award - Dr. Natasha Brusco
Enhancing social and community participation, and physical activity for children with a disability, through community based gymnastics.
Proud winner of the "Outstanding Advocate for People with Disabilities 2025" Sir John Monash Award
About the Program:
Waverley Gymnastics Centre collaborated with Monash University’s Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, and Vermont South Special School in 2022 to establish George’s Gymnastics Program, a 5-week inclusive gymnastics program for primary school children with a disability (aged 5-13). The program has a ‘no barriers’ approach to gymnastics, and is run annually in Term 2 (April to June) in partnership with a growing number of Victorian Special Schools.
The program was co‑designed with past George’s Gymnastics Program participants, ensuring activities reflect what the children enjoy, how the children like to move, and what helps the children feel safe, creating a positive, empowering experience for every child.
During school hours, children from the partnering Victorian Special Schools attend 5 weeks of George’s Gymnastics Program at the Oakleigh campus of Waverley Gymnastics Centre. During the sessions, the children are supported by qualified Gymnastics Coaches, the school teachers, as well as Monash University physiotherapy and medical students. The high adult-to-child ratio ensures that the children receive individualised support. Waverley Gymnastics Centre provides essential financial support for George’s Gymnastics Program, that allows us to provide the program at no cost to the children or the schools ($10,000 sponsorship / year), and Woolworths provides an annual gift voucher so that the family and friends who visit on Week 5 of the program, can enjoy morning / afternoon tea as they watch the children complete their final week.
In 2026, George’s Gymnastics Program will welcome over 200 children from eight Victorian Special Schools, including Vermont South Special School, Bayside Special Developmental School, Burwood East Special Developmental School, Eastern Ranges School, Belmore School, Endeavour Hills Specialist School, Glenallen School and Emerson School.
If your Special School is interested in participating in George's Gymnastics Program in future years, please contact Natasha at natasha.brusco@monash.edu.
What Our Participants Said:
Disability Mentor: Associate Professor Natasha Brusco
As the Disability Mentor at Waverley Gymnastics Centre, I have worked closely with the Centre Director and the Inclusion Manager to design and implement the Disability Inclusion Program. In addition to being the Disability Mentor, I am a mother to three children and the Director of the Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre at Monash University. In 2025, I was honoured to receive the Outstanding Leadership Award at the City of Monash, Sir John Monash Awards.
Inclusion Manager: Anita Woon
As the Inclusion Manager at Waverley Gymnastics Centre, I aim to foster an inclusive environment for all gymnasts. Alongside my role, I am a mother to three children, with two participating in educational gymnastics and one competing at the Junior International level. With over 20 years of experience in physical education with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physical Education) from RMIT, I bring knowledge and experience to collaborate closely with the Disability Mentor in the design & implementation of an effective inclusion gymnastics program, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive and develop lifelong benefits and lessons from the sport.
