Stories - December 1, 2025
Rebekah a living example of disability inclusion in action
Intereach Local Area Coordinator Program Manager Rebekah Clifford doesn’t just talk about inclusion — she lives it.
The passionate advocate reflects the very heart of this year’s International Day of People with Disability’s (IDPwD) theme, Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.
It essentially means working together to make society fairer and respecting the rights of people with disability.
Spending years breaking down accessibility barriers across the Mallee, Rebekah was instrumental in bringing the first inclusive wheelchair basketball program to Mildura.
Launched in September, Hot Wheelies gave people of all ages and abilities the chance to learn wheelchair basketball in a fun, supportive and judgement-free space.
The idea was sparked after a wheelchair basketball come and try session at last year’s IDPwD All-Abilities Sports Day drew huge enthusiasm — and Rebekah was determined to turn it into something lasting.
“If you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas, goals and passions,” she said.
Rebekah (right) with Hot Wheelies ambassador Nikhil Peters and Mildura Basketball Association Director of Participation & Development Mahaela Jackson.
“I’ve always had a passion and drive to bring inclusiveness to our region for everyone.”
Rebekah rallied partners across sport, disability and local government, and successfully secured a Regional All Abilities Participation Grant from the Victorian Government.
From there, she co-designed Hot Wheelies with community members who live with disability, and worked closely with Mildura Basketball Association, Mildura Rural City Council, the Disability Inclusion Advisory Committee, Basketball Victoria, Mallee Sports Assembly, Lime Therapy, Country Care, WeKare and Sunraysia Residential Services.
She organised specialist equipment, free transport and even recruited community ambassadors to spread the word.
“What made it truly special was that anyone, whether able-bodied or living with disability, could jump in a wheelchair and give it a go,” Rebekah said.
Hot Wheelies in action.
“Players told us they felt fitter and more confident, made new friends and, most importantly, had fun. That’s what inclusion through sport is all about.”
Weekly stakeholder catch-ups, community promotion and engagement with schools, youth groups, local politicians and the media turned the six-week program into a rapid success, with plans under way for a second season next year.
Rebekah’s efforts saw her recently awarded the Intereach Partnership Award, recognising her ability to bring people together to create positive social and cultural change.
“I am humbled that people have recognised the hard work that has gone into making the program such a success,” she said.
Developed by the People and Culture Governance Group, the quarterly awards recognise staff who uphold the Intereach values of leadership, partnership and social justice while building a strong, connected workplace culture.
For Rebekah, collaboration is the key to meaningful change.
“They say it takes a village to raise a child, that saying is the same for building great things in the community,” Rebekah said.
“It’s so important to build strong meaningful partnerships as that is what will see you succeed in achieving your goals, as those partners have the same drive and passion you hold for those ideas and goals.”
Her passion for community connection and equal access has shaped her 16-year career in the disability sector.
She began her journey in the Northern Territory working with remote indigenous communities as an NDIS support worker — an experience that taught her the importance of cultural inclusion, equity and listening deeply.
Since joining Intereach in 2019, she has found a workplace where those values thrive.
“I value the family-first approach. I always feel supported in any situation I’m faced with,” she said.
Hot Wheelies stands as one of her proudest achievements — a program that reflects Intereach’s commitment to co-design, partnership and inclusion, while opening doors to new relationships, opportunities and long-term community change.
“We’re excited to build on this momentum and hope to make Hot Wheelies a permanent part of Mildura’s sporting calendar, so stay tuned,” Rebekah said.
Celebrating IDPwD across the region
This year, Intereach is again bringing people together for the IDPwD Come and Try All Abilities Sports Day in Mildura on Tuesday 2 December.
Intereach provides local area coordination services and delivers the Early Childhood approach across the Loddon, Murrumbidgee, Mallee and Goulburn areas. We link people with disability, their families and carers to the NDIS, provide information, help them exercise choice and control over their supports and work to make the community more inclusive for people with disability.
Find out more at People with Disability – Intereach
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