For Corinda State High School Year 12 student Max Bailey-Jensen, advocacy and education have become key parts of his journey. Through events ranging from a university lecture to a national competition, Max placed a spotlight on parasport and inclusive communication.
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Max’s schedule included meetings with sporting leaders, teaching university students, and competing at a national level. These activities highlighted opportunities for athletes with disability and promoted inclusive communication practices.
Spotlight on the ParaSTART program
As part of his advocacy, Max drew attention to the ParaSTART program at The University of Queensland (UQ). He met with Deb Merchant from the Merchant Foundation to highlight the role of the program in promoting health and wellbeing for people with disability.
ParaSTART provides both one-on-one and group training sessions for athletes of all levels, from beginners to those aiming for competition. The program specialises in swimming, athletics, and strength and conditioning, while also adapting to meet the needs of participants with high support requirements. Sessions take place in the pool, gym, or field, and are delivered by experienced coaches who are supported by medical doctors, psychologists, and dieticians.
ParaSTART is designed to be inclusive, welcoming individuals with a wide range of support needs, and no prior sporting experience is required. The program provides a pathway into physical activity and, for some, towards higher levels of competition.
The program has also been recognised for its strong retention rate. UQ reported that since ParaSTART began seven years ago, no athletes have left the program. UQ described this as unusual among physical activity programs, highlighting the program’s strong participation.
By spotlighting ParaSTART, Max emphasised how such initiatives can make sport more accessible.
Conversations on facilities and inclusion
Max also met with Andrew Hopper, Director-General of the Department of Queensland Sport and Recreation, Racing and Olympic & Paralympic Games. Their discussion focused on the need for more parasport facilities in Brisbane.
With Brisbane preparing to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, advocates have raised the importance of accessible and inclusive infrastructure. His meeting with government leadership added to discussions about the availability of facilities for parasport athletes in Brisbane.
Teaching inclusive communication
Another highlight came when Max stepped into the role of guest lecturer at UQ. Speaking to third-year Human Movement and Exercise Science students, he delivered a session on communicating with non-verbal people in clinical environments.
Using text-to-speech technology and his own lived experience, Max provided practical strategies that future health professionals can use when working with patients who have communication barriers. His approach combined practical advice with humour, aiming to make the session engaging for students.
The lecture has already led to invitations for him to present to other faculties across the university.
Competing at the national level
Max’s advocacy coincided with sporting achievement. Alongside Mitchell McCracken, he represented Queensland in the BC3 class at the Boccia Australia National Titles in Canberra.
Supported by Sporting Wheelies, the pair competed against athletes from across the country. Boccia, a precision ball sport played by athletes with high support needs, is being promoted and developed in Queensland.
His participation at the national level reflects the opportunities available through community programs and sporting organisations.
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A voice for inclusion
Over this period, Max Bailey-Jensen was involved in both advocacy activities and sporting competition. His activities included highlighting the ParaSTART program, discussing parasport facilities with government, and teaching university students about inclusive communication.
For Corinda and the wider Brisbane community, his achievements add to ongoing conversations about inclusion in sport.
Published 1-October-2025
