Cassie Gardner - Ability West

01/07/2025

📢 MEET OUR PODCAST HOSTS 📢

First up, we have , the founder of Ability West, a small disability service provider based in the Central West. Cassie has made it her life’s mission to inspire courage, reignite joy, and spark curiosity in individuals to help them intentionally live their best lives. She’s passionate about making fitness more accessible to people with disabilities and is excited to be part of The Inclusion Project.

Next, meet Freya Wolf. Freya is an inclusion activist, the founder of and a blind woman. Her work is centred around motivating people to be involved in their community, because she believes community is the heart of inclusion. Freya is excited to unpack this with the podcast's guests and share her perspective.

And finally, we have Mel Harrison, the founder of . Mel has worked in the disability sector for over two decades and is dedicated to breaking down barriers for herself and others with disabilities in all areas of life, including fitness, recreation, relationships, and employment. Living with a hearing impairment and using a manual wheelchair, Mel brings both personal experience and a wealth of insight to the podcast.

Ep 4 went live today, 1.07.2025! Have a listen and check out the back catalogue. Link in bio! 🎧

23/06/2025

Here’s what a participant had to say about last week’s free Strength From Within online workshop!

Ready to join Freya Wolf this week? Reserve your spot now via the link in bio.

📅 24 June
🕖 7–8 PM (AEST)

11/06/2025

Getting started is often the hardest part, but having the right support can make all the difference. Surround yourself with a team that listens, adapts, and helps build your confidence.

Maybe you need the gym music turned down, instructions repeated, or even a check-in text to keep you motivated. Whatever it takes, being around people who truly listen can keep you moving forward.

Kim has been training with the incredible team at , and she credits their patient, expert coaching for her renewed strength, improved wellbeing, and growing confidence.

19/03/2025

Movement doesn't have to be boring! Mel Harrison, founder of and team member of the Inclusion Project, takes her workouts off-road! As a huge nature lover, she steers her trike towards adventure, making movement enjoyable while creating unforgettable memories along the way.

17/03/2025

Having a good team by your side when starting your fitness journey is so important! Emily, a member of the Ability West community, is teaming up with Adrian from to create a strength and mobility program tailored to her goals. You’ll find Adrian at @ , where the team is always incredibly supportive, cheering on their community members every step of the way! 🙌

14/03/2025

While researching for the Inclusion Project, our team discovered this amazing video by NSW Fair Trading, and it's a must-watch! 🙌 Broken Hill local Kelli shares her empowering story about negotiating a gym contract to suit her needs. Her journey is both heartwarming and inspiring. Check it out in the link below!

In this Talkin’ Together video, Kelli shares her story about using her consumer rights to negotiate a contract that meets her needs.

03/03/2025

About our team:

My name is Cassie, and my mission is to encourage courage, revive joy and ignite curiosity in the people I work with so they can intentionally achieve their best lives. The Inclusion Project will help make the transition to fitness easier for people with disability and I am excited to be a part of it. I work at Ability West.

28/02/2025

Taking care of our bodies through food can be a delight in so many ways. Freya is chatting, in the midst of colours and aromas, tastes and textures, This can give joy! Whats giving you joy now? When was the last time you discoved a new joy?

12/02/2025

Motivational speaker and activist Mel Harrison shares her approach to inclusion:
Speak to many. Speak to different groups. Go far and wide.

Ask. Listen. Make a plan.

11/02/2025

Did you know that physical activity can significantly help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress? When you eat well and stay active, you’re doing wonders for your mental health!

And the best part? Exercise doesn’t have to look the same for everyone—it’s all about what works for you!