Jaye Hansford wins Sue Fowler Award for breaking down barriers for youth

We are proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Jaye Hansford, Community Engagement Coordinator at MOVE Moonee Valley, whose work opens doors for young people across Moonee Valley.  

Jaye has been awarded the 2025 Sue Fowler Award by the Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley Local Learning and Employment Network (MMVLLEN). 

The award recognises individuals delivering on MMVLLEN’s vision that “young people are confident, capable and on their way to success in work and life.” Through her work, Jaye has played a leading role in developing partnerships, removing barriers to participation and creating meaningful programs that support young people across the Moonee Valley community. 

In her role, Jaye leads engagement and inclusion activities across Keilor East Leisure Centre, Ascot Vale Leisure Centre and Queens Park Swimming Pool, as well as through outreach into the community. Her approach includes working closely with education providers, local organisations, community members and Moonee Valley City Council (MVCC) to co-design programs based on community needs. 

Jaye has delivered a number of initiatives specifically supporting young people, including: 

• Access for All Abilities Swim and Social Program – A low-cost program providing in-water activities and social gatherings for people with a disability. As part of the program, eight young MOVE team members received additional training to build their skills and confidence in delivering inclusive programming. This program continues into 2025. 
• LSV CALD Swimming Lessons – Delivered in partnership with Life Saving Victoria, this free 10-week swimming lesson program ran in early 2024 at Ascot Vale Leisure Centre for participants aged 5 to 18. 
• Youth Drop In Sessions – Delivered with Moonee Valley City Council, these sessions provide safe aquatic experiences for newly arrived immigrants under the age of 25. Since January 2024, 79 young people have participated. 
• Placement Students – In 2024, Jaye coordinated placements for 26 students, who gained experience across customer service, aquatics, health club, and kiosk areas. 
• MVCC Youth Grassroots Work Experience Tour at Keilor East Leisure Centre – In December 2024, Jaye led a site tour including the plant room for students in the program, supported by Moonee Valley City Council’s sustainability team. 
• Western English Language School Engagement – Following Jaye’s guest presentation at WELS in July 2024, 70 students toured Ascot Vale Leisure Centre to learn more about the leisure industry and potential career pathways. 
• Community Outreach – Jaye regularly attends events promoting employment pathways into recreation and leisure, sharing opportunities and offering support for jobseekers. 

Over the past five years, Jaye has also been a valued partner of MMVLLEN, supporting student placements and youth initiatives. 

MMVLLEN Program Manager Jade McQuilken highlighted the impact of her work stating, “Her work with our young people, especially those from CALD backgrounds, has made a lasting impact on both their personal development and future career prospects. Her involvement in workshops designed to prepare young people for work, including practice interviews, has been transformative.”

Upon receiving the Sue Fowler Award, Jaye said, “I’m truly honoured to receive the MMVLLEN Sue Fowler Award. Thank you to MMVLLEN for this special recognition and to my peers at MOVE Moonee Valley, Belgravia Leisure and Moonee Valley City Council for your support in everything I do. I’m proud to contribute to our community through meaningful partnerships and initiatives that promote health and wellbeing”.

Dr Jeff Walkley, CEO of the Belgravia Foundation, National Disability & Diversity Manager at Belgravia Leisure and a leading advocate for inclusive leisure, fitness, recreation and aquatics, said, “We’re absolutely thrilled that Jaye’s outstanding contribution to the Moonee Valley community has been recognised with the Sue Fowler Award. As Community Engagement and Inclusion Coordinator at MOVE Moonee Valley, Jaye has been a wonderful representative of Belgravia Leisure and a long-time collaborator with the Belgravia Foundation. 

“Jaye’s leadership continues to reflect Belgravia Leisure’s commitment to supporting communities through meaningful engagement, inclusive programs and strong local partnerships. We encourage local community stakeholders to connect with us and Jaye to explore opportunities to welcome, support and include all,” Jeff concluded.