Official Healthcare Partner of Paralympics Australia
Sport connects Australians and helps them live longer, healthier, happier lives which is why Bupa is proud to be the Official Healthcare Partner of Paralympics Australia. Together, we are working to improve accessibility and equity for people living with a disability within healthcare, business, sport and our communities.
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Meet our Australian Paralympic ambassadors
Hear how they reached the pinnacle of their sport, what drives them from training trials to stadium stardom, and how they always put their health first.
From the muscle aches to the record breaks, we are proud to be sponsoring three incredible Australian Paralympians on their road to Paris 2024.
Learn more about our Paralympic ambassadors
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Support our current and future Paralympians chase their sporting dreams
When you donate to Paralympics Australia, you will help transform lives through the power of sport.
Sport connects Australians and helps them live longer, healthier, happier lives which is why Bupa is proud to be the Official Healthcare Partner of Paralympics Australia. Together, we are working to improve accessibility and equity for people living with a disability within healthcare, business, sport, and our communities.
With your support, we can continue to inspire the next generation of Para-athletes and redefine what is possible for all people living with a disability.
Partnerships with Paralympics team
Our commitment to supporting Paralympians stretches around the world. Bupa is partnering with national Paralympic teams in five countries we operate in: Spain, Poland, Chile, Great Britain, and Australia. It’s all part of our commitment to creating a more accessible, inclusive and healthier world.
A global connection
Healthcaring means helping more Australians access and participate in sport, from grassroots to the stadium.
Healthcaring with you all the way
We are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of Paralympians, their families and their training teams. That way they can perform at their best, on and off the grounds, and inspire a healthier, more inclusive society. Now that’s a win-win.
Our support goes beyond the stadium – we are clearing the way and finding ways to reduce the additional barriers faced by athletes with a disability in and around their training. We are actively helping to pave the way for the next generation.
On the Journey to Paris and beyond
We know the power of sport for health, happiness and wellbeing and want to ensure that it is accessible for Australians of all abilities. Which is why we’re helping more people access and participate in sport from grassroots to the stadium.
We're breaking down barriers
Join us in celebrating Shae, Ben and Curtis, so we can let them know we're with them all the way!
Feeling inspired by our Paralympians? Watch to see how Bupa’s Paralympic ambassadors, Shae, Curtis, and Ben, they got started on their journeys and how you can get involved in sport.
Feeling inspired by our Paralympians? Here’s how you can get started in sport.
We believe in making healthcare as accessible as possible for our members. Through Blua, our digital health platform, members can access the healthcare they need when it suits them.
Making healthcare more accessible for members through Blua
Through the “Try-Para Sport” program, Disability Sports Australia and Bupa will deliver a range of community-focused events across Australia to remove barriers for people living with a disability and help more people get involved in sport.
Partnering with Disability Sports Australia to help more people get involved in sport
At Bupa, our people, customers, and the diverse communities they represent are integral to our identity as a healthcare company. Their lived experiences and unique perspectives are key to how we approach inclusion and ensure our people feel safe, valued, and that they belong.
Launching Bupa’s first Access and Inclusion Plan
Healthcaring puts healthcare into action and connects Australians with the care they need. As the Official Healthcare Partner of Paralympics Australia, we're committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of Paralympians, as well as their families, training, and support teams so that they can perform at their best too.
Support Squad Game Plan
People with a disability are approximately 50% less likely to be physically active resulting in many people missing out on the health, wellbeing, and social benefits of exercise.
Supporting adventures in nature for people with vision impairment
We’re proud to be the Official Healthcare Partner of Paralympics Australia, and we’re All in on getting the team to the Games next year!
Helping Paralympics Australia athletes get ready for the Games!
We’re proud to be celebrating one year of our partnership with Paralympics Australia. Together, we’re helping to create a more accessible and inclusive world – on the sporting field, in the workplace, and in healthcare.
Celebrating one year of our partnership with Paralympics Australia
Making healthcare more accessible for members through Blua.
Find out about removing barriers
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Paralympics 2024
Feeling inspired by our Paralympians? Watch to see how Bupa’s Paralympic ambassadors, Shae, Curtis, and Ben, got started on their journeys and how you can get involved in sport.
Feeling inspired by our Paralympians? Here’s how you can get started in sport
Together, we’re making strides to ensure our communications are not only accessible to all but are also reflective of the diversity of our communities.
Making the pledge to Inclusively Made.
Together, we’re making strides to ensure our communications are not only accessible to all but are also reflective of the diversity of our communities
Read Shae's story
When Shae made her international debut with the Steelers in 2019, she became the first female athlete to represent Australia in wheelchair rugby. She’s since competed in the Tokyo Paralympics and helped the team become wheelchair rugby world champions.
Wheelchair Rugby Player
Shae Graham
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Supporting our Paralympians
Celebrating their wins
Inspiring others
We're with them all the way
Join us in celebrating Shae, Ben and Curtis, so we can let them know we’re with them all the way!
Read Ben's story
Ben, who has diplegic cerebral palsy, has been an elite para swimmer since he was just 12 years old. Making his Paralympic debut in Tokyo, the 100 metre maestro did what many athletes can only dream of, bringing home two gold medals and a silver medal, and anchoring the men’s 4x100m freestyle 34 point team to a world record-setting win.
Para-Swimmer
Ben Popham
Read Curtis's story
Curtis was the first Paralympic athlete to be named "Sportsman of the Year" at the World Paddle Awards and Australian Canoeing Paracanoeist of the Year in 2017. Curtis was honoured with an Order of Australia Medal in 2017. Curtis tells his extraordinary story in his book, Blood Sweat and Steel.
Para-Canoeist
Curtis McGrath
But everything changed when she lost a bet to her brother. The forfeit? To take up a sport he chose for her – wheelchair rugby. So in 2014, Shae visited a local squad in Melbourne to try it out. As she strapped into the chair for the first time, she was hooked.
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She’s since competed in the Tokyo Paralympics and helped the team become wheelchair rugby world champions.
Get to know Shae Graham
Shae Graham's story
Interview with Shae
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Age
Sport
Paralympics
Lives in
Wheelchair Rugby
36
Tokyo 2021
Melbourne, Victoria
Shae's story
Shae is the 1st female athlete to represent Australia in wheelchair rugby, which is played with mixed teams. Shae works part-time as a Librarian Officer at Melbourne Museum. Shae first discovered wheelchair rugby in hospital rehab when she watched the documentary Murderball.
“It awoke the competitive beast that had been hiding inside me for ten years. Wheelchair rugby is a super challenging sport and I fell in love with the game and the community straight away.”
“I just wanted to play wheelchair rugby for Australia. But being the first female is amazing too. Now we have lots of women playing the sport in Australia and the numbers are increasing internationally as well, which is great.”
“It takes courage and commitment to be a Paralympian, or any sort of athlete. You need the courage to chase after your dreams and the commitment to keep chasing and working at it until you achieve those goals.”
“I think it would be very hard to pull myself out of bed every morning and strap up if I didn’t love what I do. There are days where it’s cold and I’m tired and want to press snooze on the 5am alarm, but as soon as I get into the gym or onto the court, I feel good.”
“I’m excited to work with an organisation that purely exists to help people live a healthier and happier life. Bupa’s support will allow me to focus on my training and put my blinkers on to reach my goal of making the Paris 2024 team.”
When Shae first watched a game of wheelchair rugby, she swore she’d never play it. After a car crash left her with a spinal cord injury at 18, she avoided all para-sports, despite loving all kinds of sports as a teen. But everything changed when she lost a bet to her brother. The forfeit? To take up a sport he chose for her – wheelchair rugby. So in 2014, Shae visited a local squad in Melbourne to try it out. As she strapped into the chair for the first time, she was hooked.
Shae dedicated herself to training hard and learning the sport for 5 years. Her hard work paid off – in 2019 she was invited to join the Australian wheelchair rugby team, the Steelers. She was the first female athlete to represent Australia in wheelchair rugby.
Following her international debut in the 2019 Four Nations in Alabama, USA, she cemented her place in the Tokyo Paralympic team. After missing out on a medal in Tokyo, the Steelers made a stellar comeback in 2022 when they defeated the United States to be crowned the wheelchair rugby world champions.
Shae’s next big goal is Paris 2024, and she’s thrilled to have Bupa’s support for the journey.
With a year-round schedule of international, national, and local league tournaments, Shae trains 5 days a week to get stronger and fitter. She puts her motivation down to one driving force: her love of the game.
Show video transcript
[Uplifting background music plays] [The speaker, Shae Graham begins] In 2019, I became the first woman to represent Australia playing wheelchair rugby. That’s something I get to keep forever. I’m Shae Graham, Wheelchair Rugby Player. Playing wheelchair rugby totally changed my life. It kind of re-a woke that competitive beast that was sleeping inside of me. I loved the team, the community. I was confident beforehand but I'm so much more confident now.
Hide video transcript
When Shae made her international debut with the Steelers in 2019, she became the first female athlete to represent Australia in wheelchair rugby.
When Shae first watched a game of wheelchair rugby, she swore she’d never play it. After a car crash left her with a spinal cord injury at 18, she avoided all para-sports, despite loving all kinds of sports as a teen.
His physio told him that sport could help and asked him to choose: swimming or horseback riding.
Making his Paralympic debut in Tokyo, the 100 metre maestro brought home two gold medals and a silver medal, and anchoring the men’s 4x100m freestyle 34 point team to a world record-setting win.
Get to know Ben Popham
Ben Popham's story
Interview with Ben
Para-Swimming
22
Marmion, WA
Ben's story
Ben is a radio producer and presenter. Aged 11, Ben was the 2011 Little Telethon Star. Ben was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2022.
“What I love most about swimming is that you can only improve by focusing on yourself, nobody else. When it’s 100% up to you, it’s even more rewarding when it goes right.”
“One of the greatest things about this life is that our bodies can do whatever we set our minds to. Even though I've been in elite sport since I was 12, I’m still inspired by how dominant my mind can be over my body.”
“Life as an elite athlete is so demanding and all-consuming. Being supported by Bupa means I can make the right choices and commit what’s needed to qualify for Paris 2024 and give it my all.”
“As an athlete, you just want to go, go, go, but rest is just as important as hard work. Without proper rest, my body doesn’t adapt as efficiently. Rest helps my mental wellbeing too. If I don't allow time to decompress from the pool, my motivation and focus will suffer.”
Fast forward to Tokyo 2021 and the world watched as 20-year-old Ben dived into his debut Paralympics for four events: 50m, 100m, 400m freestyle, and 4x 100m freestyle. He did what many athletes can only dream of, bringing home two gold medals and a silver, and anchoring the men’s 4x100m freestyle 34-point team to a world record-setting win. As Ben gears up to qualify for Paris 2024, he’s still surprised at what his body and mind can do
Ben trains a gruelling 20+ hours a week, with at least 9 two-hour pool sessions, 3 gym sessions, and a dedicated recovery, like Pilates.
Because he depends on his body to perform his absolute best, Ben knows the importance of putting his health and wellbeing first.
Curtis was the first Paralympic athlete to be named "Sportsman of the Year" at the World Paddle Awards and Australian Canoeing Paracanoeist of the Year in 2017. Curtis was honoured with an Order of Australia Medal in 2017. Curtis tells his extraordinary story in his book, Blood Sweat and Steel
[Uplifting background music plays] I'm Ben Popham, Paralympic Swimmer. Swimming has been one of the greatest things that has happened to me in my life. Not only does it keep you happy, healthy, and fit... But it also teaches you how to set goals, how to achieve them, how to push yourself. [Ben Popham’s father speaks] It kind of helped him redefine himself. So when he was going through school, he wasn't known as Ben, the kid with cerebral palsy. He was known as Ben the Swimmer. [Ben Popham continues] We've been members with Bupa for almost two decades, so it's an incredible feeling knowing that they're behind me in this journey to Paris, After being behind me for so long.
Ben, who has diplegic cerebral palsy, has been an elite para swimmer since he was just 12 years old.
Ben Popham was seven when his physiotherapist gave him a choice that would change his life. Born with diplegic cerebral palsy, his body was growing at a rate his muscles couldn’t keep up with.
He was serving in the Australian Army as a combat engineer in 2012 when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). Less than two years after becoming a bilateral amputee, Curtis started to make good his promise when he took up sprint canoeing.
Curtis tells his extraordinary story in his book, Blood Sweat and Steel.
Get to know Curtis McGrath
Curtis McGrath's story
Interview with Curtis
Para-Canoeing
35
Rio 2016 Tokyo 2021
Gold Coast, Queensland
Curtis' story
Curtis was the first Paralympic athlete to be named ‘Sportsman of the Year’ at the World Paddle Awards and Australian Canoeing Para Canoeist of the Year in 2017. Curtis was honoured with an Order of Australia Medal in 2017. Curtis tells his extraordinary story in his book, Blood, Sweat and Steel.
“I’m a big believer in the power of sport to aid recovery and rehabilitation, but also for our general health. Sport can play a massive role in how we feel, both mentally and physically. It can motivate us to live a healthier and happier life.”
“I believe 100 percent that I found my purpose in sport. I gave myself a goal in my rehabilitation and recovery, and it was amazing to think I’d achieved everything I’d set out for.”
“To wake up everyday and try to be better than you were the day before is tough. After Tokyo, it was important for me to have some time to rest. I loved the opportunity to spend some time with my family and do things I don't often get to do, like learning how to ski.”
“We work so hard to become Paralympians, and this year there are more competitions than any other. So it feels amazing to have Bupa’s support to help me focus on my goals and ambitions at the Games.”
“I make a rule for myself to do no work after dinnertime. It’s my time to unwind, watch a movie and get ready for sleep. It’s amazing how much better you can do in sport, or anything in life, if you get good sleep.”
For Curtis, competing in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games was the pinnacle of his healing journey. He won gold in the first ever Paralympic title in the men’s KL3 canoe sprint. As he crossed the line, he slumped into his kayak with exhaustion and a huge feeling of relief.
Curtis defended his gold in the Tokyo Paralympics five years later. After two Paralympic Games and three gold medals, he gave himself a well-deserved break in 2022. He believes rest, both physical and mental, is everything for an athlete.
Now Curtis is back and raring to go! He’s thrilled to have Bupa’s support for the journey to the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
For Curtis, downtime and sleep are non-negotiable for his health and wellbeing.
Curtis was honoured with an Order of Australia Medal in 2017.
Curtis was the first Paralympic athlete to be named "Sportsman of the Year" at the World Paddle Awards and Australian Canoeing Paracanoeist of the Year in 2017.
When Curtis McGrath lost his legs in Afghanistan, he joked to the soldiers who stretchered him to the rescue chopper “you guys will see me in the Paralympics”.
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Date published: 29 October 2023
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We recognised that the team behind the team – coaches, physios, PA staff, family and friends who travel with athletes as carers and assistants, miss out on the health and wellbeing resources and support available to para-athletes and saw an opportunity to help. Collaborating with the ‘team behind the team’, we determined how we can best support in the lead up to and during the games. Which is why we have launched our Support Squad Gameplan – a health and wellbeing initiative for the Paralympics Australia Team behind the team. This kicked off with a Sun Safety Campaign, leveraging our expertise in healthcare and existing programs run through Bupa Wellness. The program includes free skin checks, health and wellbeing seminars, travel packs, and a Wellness Hub at the Games available to athletes and their support teams. Healthcaring means we’re supporting athletes and their support teams all the way to Paris and beyond.
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10 November 2023
Date published: 24 May 2024
With that in mind, the Bupa Foundation Community Grants awarded Achilles Melbourne $10,000 to support trail adventures for members and their guides in regional areas that would otherwise be too difficult to reach. The Bupa Foundation Community Grants are awarded to groups nominated by Bupa people and Achilles was put forward by Natalie Blair, who works in our Melbourne office. She shares her experiences as a guide and why groups like Achilles are so important. “I first started with as Achilles guide in 2016, when the Melbourne chapter of Achilles International was launched with a small membership base. The focus back then was supporting our members to get out and get active by walking or running in organised events like Run Melbourne and the Melbourne Marathon. Over the years, we've developed our club and now also have a regional hiking program. The Bupa Foundation Community Grant we received this year helped us do just that. The most recent event was the Achilles regional hike at the Werribee Gorge, which isn’t usually easily accessible to people with a vision impairment via public transport. The trail was technical and involved another level of verbal cues for our experienced guides, but it was a fabulous day out and our members loved it. I started running in early 2016 when I was going through a difficult time in my marriage. Running helped me cope with anxiety and I started entering local running events in Sydney. It was the Mother's Day Classic when I found myself running behind a vision impaired runner and their guide and they basically became my pacers. I was fascinated listening to the guide calling out verbal cues like when to turn on the course and how to avoid obstacles. When I moved to Melbourne soon after, I was looking to join a running club. I thought oh I might look up to see if there's a Melbourne chapter of that club that I'd seen in Sydney, and I found it – Achilles Melbourne! When I started running, I loved the feeling I got and really felt the positive impact on my mental health during a time of big change in my life. I thought if I can help someone else get out and get active, I’m in. As someone with sight, I know I’ve always taken running and being out in nature as a given. But for someone who isn't out in nature a lot because they can't access remote locations, they are so much more aware of their other senses like how it smells and sounds. They’ll ask me to describe what I can see in the horizon, or what is the type of tree they can smell as we hike along the trail. Supporting people with vision impairment and support their physical and mental health was one of the main reasons for this program. Events are great too, because we train together, prepare for the challenge, and have something to work towards. The hiking events are different again because nature adds that extra element of enjoyment.” – Natalie Blair The Foundation awards grants of up to $10,000 to community organisations that are nominated by Bupa people. Roger Sharp, Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer, Bupa Asia Pacific said local grass-roots organisations play a unique and important role in supporting people and their communities. “We want our people to be active in the community and advocate for groups and causes they connect with, and I’m so pleased to award these funds to such a diverse group of recipients that are making a real impact in their local areas.” – Roger Sharp
Date published: 24 May 2023
Supporting adventures in nature for vision impaired
Date published: 20 February 2023
This new partnership gives us a unique window into preparations for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Throughout February and March, more than 50 of our people had the opportunity to be involved with team processing events across the country. This is one of the first milestones in the lead up to the games where athletes choose their uniform sizes, have photos taken and provide info for media profiles, and receive information about what happens next in the lead up to Paris. This was a different world for the volunteers who took part - it’s not every day you get to meet elite athletes! One volunteer, Salina Hick, reflected that it opened her eyes to the unique journey of Para-athletes when competing. When speaking with a Para-equestrian athlete who uses a wheelchair, they spoke about the challenges of not only getting themselves to Paris, but also getting their wheelchair and horse on a plane and then to the village and arena intact. Our team coming together across the country mirrored the meanings behind the beautiful Aboriginal design which features on the Paralympic Australia team uniform. The artwork, by First Nations artist Rheanna Lotter, is made up of eight circles to reflect Australia’s eight States and Territories, where athletes began their own journeys. Each circle is different, to represent the diversity of the team. The tracks between the circles indicate the interconnectedness of the athletes, despite their different backgrounds. Getting involved in community partnerships and volunteering is a great way to support causes important to you. In Australia and Hong Kong, some parts of the business can access up to two days of volunteering leave each year.
Healthcaring puts healthcare into action and connects Australians with the care they need. As the Official Healthcare Partner of Paralympics Australia, we're committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of Paralympians, as well as their families, training, and support teams.
Date published: 12 November 2023
Removing barriers for people with a disability to get involved in sport
It’s been over a year since Bupa proudly announced our partnership with Paralympics Australia and our commitment to support people with a disability to get involved in sport.
Adults with a disability are four times more likely to experience a high or very high level of psychological distress than those without a disability (The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2022). As a caring organisation, we see the important role we can play in helping people with a disability get into sport – from the grassroots to the elite level. Here are some examples of how we’re bringing Healthcaring to life as we deliver on our commitment. We’re establishing new partnerships We are a major partner of Disability Sports Australia, and the Official Healthcare Partner of their new initiative Abilities Unleashed – Adults. This amazing program aims to improve participants’ physical and mental well-being, social engagement, and personal growth. It creates a fun, safe, and inclusive environment where people with disabilities will have the chance to connect with local adaptive sport and active recreation opportunities. The photo above shows members of the HI Domestic Marketing Team and Brand Team who used their volunteer leave to help out at the recent Abilities Unleashed – Adults session in December. We’re supporting community organisations Amputee Golf Victoria was a 2023 Bupa Foundation Community Grant Recipient and has just been announced as a 2024 Grant Recipient as well. They strive to create more social connections for people with limb loss to improve their emotional wellbeing through activities including social golf events, 'come and try' tuition days, and competitive golfing events including the Victorian Amputee Championship in November.
Adults with a disability are four times more likely to experience a high or very high level of psychological distress than those without a disability (The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2022). As a caring organisation, we see the important role we can play in helping people with a disability get into sport – from the grassroots to the elite level. Here are some examples of how we’re bringing Healthcaring to life as we deliver on our commitment. We’re establishing new partnerships We are a major partner of Disability Sports Australia, and the Official Healthcare Partner of their new initiative Abilities Unleashed – Adults. This amazing program aims to improve participants’ physical and mental well-being, social engagement, and personal growth. It creates a fun, safe, and inclusive environment where people with disabilities will have the chance to connect with local adaptive sport and active recreation opportunities. The photo above shows members of the HI Domestic Marketing Team and Brand Team who used their volunteer leave to help out at the recent Abilities Unleashed – Adults session in December. We’re supporting community organisations Amputee Golf Victoria was a 2023 Bupa Foundation Community Grant Recipient and has just been announced as a 2024 Grant Recipient as well. They strive to create more social connections for people with limb loss to improve their emotional wellbeing through activities including social golf events, 'come and try' tuition days, and competitive golfing events including the Victorian Amputee Championship in November. Want to see these programs in action? Check out the video below
Removing barriers for people living with a disability to get involved in sport
Date published: 12 February 2024
We’ve supported the health of the team behind the team at Paralympics Australia through our Support Squad Gameplan. This kicked off with a Sun Safety Campaign, leveraging our expertise in healthcare and existing programs run through Bupa Wellness. The team behind the team are the coaches, physios, nutritionists, and all of the support staff that get the team to the 2024 Games! Over 30 Bupa team members used their volunteering leave and got involved in the Team Processing Days – helping the athletes get fitted for their uniforms and update their athlete profiles. Working with our Ambassadors, , and has been a highlight from the last year. We look forward to sharing more of their journeys to Paris 2024! We’re also learning from lived experience and have Angie Ballard, Paralympian and Co-Captain of the Australian Paralympic Team, on board supporting us in making Bupa a more accessible and inclusive place to work. “We’re committed to creating a disability-inclusive workplace for all. Our Access and Inclusion plan is an important step forward. Working with Paralympics Australia and Angie Ballard is helping us shape more far-reaching changes across Bupa.” – Dina Ward, Head of Organisational Development at Bupa Last week, we heard from Angie at Bupa’s APAC town hall, who shared what health means to her and how she’s going All in to prepare for Paris as both an athlete and co-captain. Our people also had the opportunity to give Wheelchair Basketball a go alongside Laura Davoli from the Australian Gliders, at Bupaland. We’ve achieved a lot together over the last year, but we’re just getting started! Our partnership with Paralympics Australia is an example of Healthcaring in action – supporting the health of more Australians through sport.
Curtis
McGrath
We’re proud to support everyday athletes of all abilities to get out and get moving. That’s why we’re backing the work of the Achilles Melbourne to support visually impaired and disabled runners and walkers to enjoy hikes in rural and regional areas.
Date published: 10 November 2023
We're all in to get the team to the Games
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Recently, over 30 of our people accessed their volunteering leave to help Paralympics Australia at their Team Processing events around the country. Team Processing is one of the first major milestones of the Paris 2024 Games. It was a great opportunity for our people to meet some of the Para-athletes, and for the Para-athletes to see our partnership in action. As Official Healthcare Partners for Paralympics Australia, we’re all in to get the team to the Games.
Date published: 9 August 2024
Making the pledge to Inclusively Made
Together, we’re making strides to ensure our communications are not only accessible to all but are also reflective of the diversity of our communities. Our Pledge in Action:
The insights and feedback that we gained were invaluable in creating a campaign that truly resonates with all people. By listening and learning from those with lived experience, we ensured our initiatives are meaningful and accurately represent the stories of people living with disabilities. By taking this pledge with Inclusively Made, we reaffirm our commitment to a more inclusive and representative marketing landscape, where every individual feels seen, valued, and respected. Watch our latest Beyond the Games campaign here:
1. Representation: we committed to increasing the representation of people with disabilities in our campaign. By showcasing diverse voices and real stories, we’re fostering a more inclusive culture. 2. Inclusive practices: as part of the development of this campaign, we engaged people of different abilities in our marketing and production, both in front of and behind the camera and from the beginning to the end of the development process. This helps to create pathways for people with disability to be given opportunities within media and production. 3. Accessible communications: we actively worked to remove barriers to accessibility in our communications including the use of inclusive language and captions on our film assets as well as other accessibility standards. Our goal is to ensure that our content is accessible and welcoming to all audiences. 4. Engaging people with lived experience: hearing the voices of people with lived experience is a priority for us. We worked with different partners who played key roles in feeding into our understanding and campaign idea.
At Bupa, we recognise the power of inclusive and authentic representation in marketing. That’s why we’ve partnered with Inclusively Made, an organisation dedicated to increasing inclusive practices in media and production, to develop our Beyond the Games campaign. Together, we’re making strides to ensure our communications are not only accessible to all but are also reflective of the diversity of our communities. Our Pledge in Action:
1. Representation: we committed to increasing the representation of people with disabilities in our campaign. By showcasing diverse voices and real stories, we’re fostering a more inclusive culture. 2. Inclusive practices: as part of the development of this campaign, we engaged people of different abilities in our marketing and production, both in front of and behind the camera and from the beginning to the end of the development process. This helps to create pathways for people with disability to be given opportunities within media and production. 3. Accessible communications: we actively worked to remove barriers to accessibility in our communications including the use of inclusive language and captions on our film assets as well as other accessibility standards. Our goal is to ensure that our content is accessible and welcoming to all audiences. 4. Engaging people with lived experience: hearing the voices of people with lived experience is a priority for us. We worked with different partners who played key roles in feeding into our understanding and campaign idea. a) Paralympic ambassadors: we listened to our three ambassadors, Shae, Curtis, and Ben, and gave them a space to communicate what they want the world to know. b) We worked with Mike Alhdeff, an advertising strategist who lives with a disability, and involved his feedback as part of the strategy development process. c) Creative testing: we tested three creative ideas with people with lived experience and those without and progressed with the message that resonated the strongest in every cohort.
Our Pledge in Actions:
Partnering with Disability Sports Australia to help more people get involved in sport.
a) Paralympic ambassadors: we listened to our three ambassadors, Shae, Curtis, and Ben, and gave them a space to communicate what they want the world to know. b) We worked with Mike Alhdeff, an advertising strategist who lives with a disability, and involved his feedback as part of the strategy development process. c) Creative testing: we tested three creative ideas with people with lived experience and those without and progressed with the message that resonated the strongest in every cohort.
Key to the development and execution of this plan is our Access and Inclusion Employee Advocacy Group, AccessAbility. This group of employees with lived experience, who are carers and their Allies have been providing valuable feedback and advice for many years now and have been holding Bupa to account in our commitment to supporting the disability community. It’s important to acknowledge that while this plan represents an important first step and strong foundation, we still have a long way to go. We hope that, through this plan, we can elevate this important work in creating a more equitable environment that will encourage more people to join our workforce, ensure that workplace meets their needs and ensure we’re meeting the diverse needs of our customers. You can read the full plan here.
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1. Our People: we want all of our people to be responsible for fostering an inclusive workplace that ensures everyone feels safe, valued, respected, and empowered to participate to their full potential. 2. Accessibility & Choice: we want to remove any unintended barriers to participation for our customers, including through our products and services, and physical and digital spaces. 3. Employer of Choice: we want to make sure we have the right recruitment processes, tools, and resources in place so that we attract people to work at Bupa who are representative of all of our customers and communities. 4. Community: building relationships with the right people, communities, and organisations to learn, share, and grow based on common values.
We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and have launched our first Access and Inclusion plan as a public commitment that outlines our approach to identifying and addressing barriers and supporting and celebrating people with disability. At the core of Bupa’s vision of “helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world” lies the recognition that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life. Today, one in five Australians identify as living with disability and we want to ensure they have equitable access to employment opportunities and can participate in work that enables them to thrive and to reach their full potential. Here are the four pillars that underpin our Access and Inclusion Plan:
Resource: Making it work for everyone (bupa.com.au)
At Bupa, we recognise the power of inclusive and authentic representation in marketing. That’s why we’ve partnered with Inclusively Made, an organisation dedicated to increasing inclusive practices in media and production, to develop our Beyond the Games campaign.
Making the pledge to Inclusively Made marketing and communications.
Date published: 31 June 2024
Partnering with Disabilty Sports Australia to help more people get involved in sport
Through the “Try-Para Sport” program, Disability Sports Australia and Bupa will deliver a range of community-focused events across Australia to remove barriers for people living with a disability and help more people get involved in sport. The program provides opportunities for people with disability to sample a variety of para-sports in a safe and welcoming environment.
DSA, supported by Paralympics Australia and other sports organisations, will provide an opportunity for sporting partners to showcase their para-sport opportunities and connect participants to local opportunities. Participants will have the opportunity to try a range of para-sports, including wheelchair basketball, archery, wheelchair rugby, goalball, boccia and many others, while also learning about potential pathways to participate in these sports at an amateur or elite level. Ayden Shaw, DSA CEO, said these events are a fun, but vital way to help get people, at any age, involved in para-sports. “Sport has the power to change people’s lives. Our mission is to enable more Australians with a disability to be more active more often. We know 75% of people with a disability want to play sport, so Bupa’s support at the grassroots level is vital to achieving our ambitions,” Mr Shaw said. “Since the launch of our strategic plan last year, we delivered 69 events to more than 4000 participants. Partnerships such as the one that we have with Bupa are pivotal in creating and providing sports and active programs and services that deliver more opportunities for individuals with pathways to becoming Australia’s future star para-athletes or just as importantly participating socially,” Mr Shaw added. Paralympic Gold Medallist, Matthew Haanappel OAM PLY, said partnerships such as these are vital for fostering a lifelong love of sport or even the next generation of champion Paralympians. “All sporting careers and healthy active lifestyles start at a grassroots level which is why developing and supporting community-based programs such as this are so important,” Matthew said. Events will be run across Australia in October and November 2024, and are open to individuals aged 10 and above. For more information, or to register for an event near you, click here.
It’s been over a year since Bupa proudly announced our partnership with Paralympics Australia and our commitment to support people with a disability to get involFeeling inspired by our Paralympians? Watch to see how Bupa’s Paralympic ambassadors, Shae, Curtis, and Ben, they got started on their journeys and how you can get involved in sport. ved in sport.
Date published: 31 July 2024
1. Grassroots Sports Programs: we’re supporting the 'Try Para-Sports' program with come and try events around the country, giving more people the opportunity to get their start in sport. 2. Connecting Communities: through our partnership with DSA, we’re connecting more Australians with disabilities to local, adaptive opportunities, which can help to foster a sense of community and belonging. 3. Healthier, happier lives: using sport as a medium, we’re helping people with disabilities live healthier, happier, and longer lives. Through participation in sports, individuals can experience the physical, emotional, and social benefits of an active lifestyle.
Watch our ambassadors' journeys
Feeling inspired by our Paralympians? Watch to see how Bupa’s Paralympic ambassadors, Shae, Curtis, and Ben, they got started on their journeys and how you can get involved in sport
What Blua Offers: Chemist Delivery Our door-to-door chemist delivery service is now available to Bupa Health Insurance members via myBupa. Blua allows you to get prescription medication delivered to your door, which means no more waiting in long lines or traveling far distances for essential medications. 24/7 Online Doctor appointments We understand that healthcare needs don’t always align with office hours. That’s why Blua offers 24/7 online doctor appointments. This service is currently available to eligible Bupa Health Insurance members. Eligible members can access up to three free consultations per year per policy, ensuring access to healthcare whenever they need it. Our goal is to bring to life personalised and seamless healthcare journeys through both physical and digital touchpoints, making healthcare more accessible for our members. That’s Healthcaring.
Chemist Delivery Our door-to-door chemist delivery service is now available to Bupa Health Insurance members via myBupa. Blua allows you to get prescription medication delivered to your door, which means no more waiting in long lines or traveling far distances for essential medications. 24/7 Online Doctor appointments We understand that healthcare needs don’t always align with office hours. That’s why Blua offers 24/7 online doctor appointments. This service is currently available to eligible Bupa Health Insurance members. Eligible members can access up to three free consultations per year per policy, ensuring access to healthcare whenever they need it. Our goal is to bring to life personalised and seamless healthcare journeys through both physical and digital touchpoints, making healthcare more accessible for our members. That’s Healthcaring.
What Blua Offers:
How You Can Start Your Journey into Para Sport Our ambassadors agree that the first step into para sport is often the hardest, but everyone has to start somewhere. Here are some tips to get you started: Research local clubs and organisations: communities often have clubs and organisations dedicated to para-sport. Try different sports: don’t be afraid to explore various sports until you find the one that suits you best. Join DSA and Bupa’s Try-Para-Sport Program: as part of Bupa’s partnership with DSA, we are supporting come-and-try para-sport events across the country. Events will be run across Australia in October and November 2024, and are open to individuals aged 10 and above. For more information, or to register for an event near you, click here.
