Melbourne is celebrated as the sports capital of the world. But for all too many Victorians, especially those facing disadvantage, the doors to sport remain closed. Reclink Australia, founded by Peter Cullen, believes the next great step is to make Melbourne not only the sports capital, but the sports inclusion capital of the world.
“Most sport is played at the grassroots level, not the elite level,” Mr Cullen said.
“If Melbourne truly wants to be the sports capital of the world, we must also be the sports inclusion capital — where everyone, especially the most disadvantaged, can access the opportunities and social impact that sport creates.
“It’s important we develop a deep value of grassroots sport. While Olympic medals and elite achievement are inspiring, their true worth is when that inspiration flows through to people wanting to participate and enjoy sport at every level — especially those who might otherwise never get the chance.”
For 36 years, Reclink has been creating life-changing opportunities through sport and the arts for people experiencing disadvantage, mental health challenges, addiction, homelessness, or social isolation. What began as a simple kick-to-kick in a park has now grown into a national movement — offering over 75 different sports and activities across Australia.
At its heart, Reclink is about inclusion and belonging.
“When people go from non-inclusion to inclusion, and a sense of belonging grows within the individual, they experience real empowerment,” Mr Cullen said.
“It’s the power of inclusion — but it’s also the power of an invitation. Reclink specialises in reaching people with that invitation, allowing them to participate more easily.”
The impacts of Reclink ripple far beyond sport. By tackling the root causes of social isolation, Reclink reduces demand on police, prisons, courts, hospital admissions, and even suicide prevention.
“This will happen in a serious way if it’s seriously resourced,” Mr Cullen noted.
“Because of its model, Reclink has huge potential for scalability, and therefore the reach of people, and to create a really profound community experience. That’s when it will have an impact on the reduction of costs in those areas.”
Mental health remains at the core of Reclink’s mission, with powerful flow-on effects for reducing loneliness and depression. Through the simple act of inclusion, people are brought into activity and connection, creating pride, positivity, and hope.
Reclink also sees schools as a vital partner in this mission. Schools can play a key role by holding sports equipment drives, raising funds through sports days, or sponsoring programs in disadvantaged communities. Importantly, schools can also help deliver programs through volunteering and skills contributions — a tradition exemplified by Xavier College, which has partnered with Reclink for nearly 30 years through initiatives like the Reclink Grand Final Series.
“Schools can partner with Reclink and be officially known as partners, creating pride in Victoria as the sports inclusion capital and expressing the values of their school in action for social change and social impact,” Mr Cullen said.
This is about teaching the next generation the value of thinking beyond oneself, inclusion, and awareness of social justice.
“Communities are only as good as the way we treat our most vulnerable,” Mr Cullen said.
“Reclink provides young people with an opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves — and that kind of purpose adds to mental health and wellbeing.”
In today’s world, where social media can deepen isolation, Reclink offers the real connections that come from people meeting, playing, and spending time together. “With these new and powerful sports opportunities, young people can rediscover a love of the outdoors, sport in the parks, and informal play,” Mr Cullen said.
“It’s about impacting on the quality of the lives of our young people — discovering real and deep connections.”
Reclink Australia is now calling on all Victorians to become aligned mission partners — individuals, schools, peak sporting bodies, sports clubs, community facilities, and corporates. This can be through donations of unused sports equipment, sponsorship, or supporting programs that bring disadvantaged people into sport. Every contribution helps create a ripple effect of inclusion, health, and hope.
“This is a great opportunity for corporates or for individuals who want to donate and make a difference,” Mr Cullen said.
“Together, we can make Melbourne the sports inclusion capital of the world.”
