Additional sport leaders join ASC Play Well advisory group

An additional eight sport leaders have been announced to join the Australian Sports Commission’s Play Well NSO/D Advisory Group.

The sport leaders will help guide Australia’s first Sport Participation Strategy which aims to create safe, welcoming, inclusive and fun sporting experiences

Chief Executive Officers from the National Rugby League, Sport Inclusion Australia and Golf Australia are among the list of representatives to join the Play Well national sporting organisations (NSO)/national sporting organisations for people with disability (NSOD) CEO Advisory Group.

The cohort will play a crucial role in identifying operational gaps and opportunities, offering key insights into the current sports landscape and help foster collaboration across the sector.

PLG Chair and ASC Executive General Manager Sport and Community Capability Richard McInnes said this group brings with them a wealth of expertise.

McInnes enthused “we’re thrilled to welcome these key decision makers on board to help drive this project. These leaders have a deep understanding of the challenges community sports face and a vested interest in making it better for all.

“This group joins our Leadership Group, project squads and Marketing, Media and Communication Network who are all bringing valuable insights and a commitment to change the face of sport and to help more Australians play well.”

Cricket Australia Chief of Cricket James Allsopp said he’s excited to support such an important legacy project and shared “I have always held a passionate belief about the power of sport and physical activity in enriching lives, connecting communities and delivering lifelong health benefits.

“I am hoping we can galvanise the industry to address common barriers that prevent participation in sport, to ensure sport is accessible, inclusive and a place where everyone belongs.

“Too often individual sports tackle similar problems in isolation but as a sector we are stronger problem solvers together and the Australian Sport Strategy provides us the platform to connect and collaborate better than ever before, with a unified vision of ensuring sport plays a role in all Australian’s lives.”

Sport Inclusion Australia Chief Executive Robyn Smith is looking forward to collaborating with a great mix of leaders across the sports sector and enthused “I am extremely excited to work alongside colleagues to ensure that all programs in the Play Well initiative are fit for purpose with long-term outcomes, and most importantly service the entire community which includes my particular interest, Australians with a disability.”

The group will meet quarterly from now until the end of 2026 and report to the Play Well Leadership Group (PLG).

James Sutherland, Golf Australia Chief Executive added “there is nothing more important for a sports administrator than our role in inspiring young Australians to play and love sport. I hope that through this advisory group I can support the growth in participation across all sports, with a view to a happier, healthier, and more inclusive community.”

Bronwyn Thompson, Handball Australia Chief Executive advised “I look forward to contributing my experiences from being involved in a smaller, predominantly volunteer-run NSO, including its Handball multicultural mix courtesy of its international heritage, as well as my lived experience with activity and sport at community level, along with the importance of participation and inclusion for all.”

Nicole Adamson, Table Tennis Chief Executive said “I am passionate about making an impact and a real difference to the communities and organisations I have the privilege of working with. I look forward to providing insights and guidance through this group to ensure the implementation of the strategy results in maximum outcomes for the Australian community.  Translating strategy into implementation is an important step in any process and is pivotal to bringing the strategy to life in a meaningful way.

Felicity Wilkeson, Blind Sports Australia Acting Chief Executive also enthused “I am excited by the opportunity to join the Play Well NSO/D Advisory Group to help ensure inclusive sporting participation opportunities for people with a disability are maximised and pathways strengthened. I believe the green and gold runway to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics presents a golden window of opportunity to harness support, raise awareness and increase participation for people with a disability that will ultimately change the landscape for disability sports in Australia.”

Andrew Abdo, NRL Chief Executive said “the NRL is committed to supporting the Government's objectives of creating a healthier, active and more connected Australia and the Play Well NSO/D Advisory Group will help achieve this goal.”

The group also includes former Paddle Australia Chief Executive Phil Jones.

Image. Eight sport leaders have been appointed into the new Play Well NSO/D CEO Advisory Group. Credit ASC

Read more about the Play Well Strategy here.