AusCycling launches Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group

AusCycling’s commitment to providing safe and inclusive cycling environments is to be guided by a newly formed Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group.

Selected following a highly competitive process, the Advisory Group will focus on strengthening diversity in all forms across all communities throughout Australia.

Current AusCycling Board member and avid mountain-biker Jenni McLeod and Victoria University Professor of Health and Sport Clare Hanlon will co-chair the Advisory Group.

Commenting on the formation of the group, McLeod advised “we have formed an incredibly diverse group of talented and highly skilled people who are champions for this cause.

“They are incredibly driven and passionate for affecting change, and I cannot wait to begin working with these amazing people. They are working for the whole organisation of AusCycling, and we are so lucky to have them.”

The cycling community will be well represented through multiple world and Paralympic champion Carol Cooke; Olympian, LGBTQI+ community member and founding board member of the first-ever independent international women’s cycling union Gracie Elvin and Barrungam man and former professional cyclist Adam Phelan.

In addition, culture change and organisational development specialist Chyloe Kurdas, world championship triathlete Kirk Mitchell, and former Cycling Australia brand ambassador Shahrzad Shahnia will provide valuable insights for the cycling community.

Professor Hanlon commented “we have a dynamic Advisory Group who represent a variety of viewpoints.

“It is an honour to be involved with determined and committed leaders who are change-makers in their own right.”

Formed following a series of AusCycling workshops that defined the organisation’s purpose, vision, behaviours, and values, the Advisory Group will support the Board and Management in implementing frameworks that will advance the sport’s agenda of inclusive and diverse participation and pathways.

McLeod went on to say “while the Advisory Group will set the frameworks that will be driven through the whole organisation, we also want to give ownership to everyone as we see this is an opportunity for the entire organisation to pursue excellence.

“We know that there are amazing people on the frontline at the grassroots level doing the hard yards, developing these programs, working in a very strategic way. We want to ensure we do not miss opportunities to amplify this. I believe that success can be driven from the bottom up.”

The Advisory Group will aim to improve opportunities and participation across several areas, including gender equality and gender equity, Indigenous populations, diverse sexes and sexualities, those with a disability, plus culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Professor Hanlon added “we recognise that our voices do not represent every area and community, so we will look to gain further insights to create a strategy focused on driving a welcoming, diverse and inclusive cycling community.”

The overarching goal of ensuring every community across Australia can be welcomed into cycling and experience it for themselves will guide the Advisory Group as it begins to build frameworks.

Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group

• Co-chair - Jenni McLeod

• Co-chair - Professor Clare Hanlon

• Carol Cooke

• Gracie Elvin

• Chyloe Kurdas

• Kirk Mitchell

• Adam Phelan

• Shahrzad Shahnia

Image courtesy of AusCycling.