2024 PSI Awards: Winner Statements

I am proud that Macquarie University Sport was the first sporting organisation to attain Platinum status in the 2024 Pride in Sport Index and to be recognised as the sporting organisation of the year.   It validates and recognises the hard work, dedication and commitment of an amazing group of people over the last 5 years.

Anyone involved in sport knows how great it is to come first, and everyone involved in sport also knows that this is only possible with the help and support of a team of people who contribute to this success.

Our success would not be possible without the passion and collaboration of an entire team.  In particular, I would like to recognise the groundwork of Sophie Curtis, former Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) lead for our business, and the ongoing commitment of University Sport manager, Brett Morley.  I also applaud the wider University Sport team, the Sport and Aquatic Centre team, our Pride in Sport Ambassadors and Campus Life staff.

When we made the decision to participate in the PSI submission, we did so as part of our commitment to ensure the safety and inclusion of everyone, regardless of gender identity, when participating in our sporting programs and/or using our facilities.

The submission process has been invaluable in helping us meet our goals and has helped us focus on areas and actions that allow us to be better.  The framework has also helped us to widen our lens and to consider things that we would not have thought about if we were doing it on our own.

Sport changes lives and it is important that we all continue to support everyone to participate in their chosen sport in a way that makes them feel comfortable.  Participating in the PSI is a great way to accomplish this.

Pete Boyle
Campus Life CEO 

Attaining the Gold Tier in the Pride in Sport Awards is a monumental achievement that celebrates our dedication to fostering an inclusive and diverse sporting environment.

Through tireless efforts, collaboration, and a deep commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, we have elevated our organization to this prestigious level.

This honour reflects our belief in equality, respect, and empowerment for all athletes, coaches, and supporters.

It serves as a testament to our ongoing mission to champion diversity and create a safe, welcoming space where everyone can participate and excel, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

We are immensely proud of this accomplishment and remain firm in our journey toward continued progress and positive change in the world of sports.

Rebecca Shaw
CEO

Hockey Australia have been participating in the Pride in Sport Index for several years now and are extremely proud to have achieved Gold Tier Status in 2024.

The Pride in Sport Index is a great benchmarking tool that allows us to review our processes, Policy, training, awareness, and community engagement commitments, to ensure that hockey is truly a diverse, inclusive and welcoming sport.

We are particularly proud that our sport received nine awards in 2024, honouring hockey organisations, clubs, and individuals, and highlighting the sport-wide dedication to LGBTQ+ inclusion.

David Pryles
CEO

Lacrosse Victoria is committed to making the sport a Sport for All with a particular focus on the LGBTQI+ community.

LV recently had our Pride Round, and I saw firsthand the work that our clubs did to promote this event. The Lacrosse Together Cup, held outside our regular season, keeps getting more support, not only within our clubs, but from other sporting communities who also take part in this event. We will continue to promote Proud2Play activities as we support their aims for the LGBTQI+ community to play sport without fear or discrimination.

Michael Sholly
General Manager

Netball Victoria (NV) is a proudly diverse and inclusive organisation, that actively celebrates LGBT+ diversity, inclusion, and pride within the sport of netball and throughout Victoria. 

Our organisation is committed to inclusion and representation regardless of how a participant identifies, and we’ll continue to work with our community to ensure netball is safe and welcoming for all participants. Netball Victoria is committed to promoting principles of equality, and ensuring respect and diversity are intrinsic to netball culture. 

Netball Victoria has zero tolerance for bullying, harassment or vilification and celebrates diversity of sex, gender identity, gender expression and gender sexual orientation. We prioritise providing safe, fun, and inclusive environments for all people; we recognise and respect all gender identities and believe everyone has the right to participate in accordance with their identity. 

 Netball Victoria is proud of the work we have conducted in recent years, including the development of a Transgender & Gender Diverse Policy, training and education including guest speakers, new partnerships, inclusive netball competitions, Pride Rounds, Inclusion Rounds and our inaugural Ally Program. 

The Pride In Sport Index gives our organisation the platform to continually grow and develop, and we want to continue collaborating with others to move forward in a positive direction. 

We are passionate about breaking down barriers to create more opportunities for all Victorians to participate in our game. 

Andrea Pearman
CEO

At UWA Sport, we are incredibly proud to have achieved Gold Tier in the Pride in Sport Index this year, as well as to have our efforts recognised through the Most Improved Sporting Organisation award.

Sport is a powerful vehicle for enriching student life and nurturing community within the university landscape. We are committed to embedding inclusive practices and principles across the many aspects of this community, including our range of initiatives for the LGBTQIA+ community that have been recognised through these awards.

However, our work is far from over, and we have an ongoing commitment to learn, listen and evolve as we empower and advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sport at The University of Western Australia and within its sporting community.

Jake Wilkins
General Manager

As a peak body, Vicsport believes it is important to lead by example and so we are proud to have been able to achieve gold sporting organisation status from Pride in Sport for our work in 2023. However, we know that the work needs to continue and we are committed to furthering our knowledge and education in this space to ensure all Victorians have a place in sport exactly as they are, including those with diverse sexualities, genders and sex characteristics. We are looking forward to continuing to be a shining beacon in the inclusion space for the Victorian sporting industry.

Lisa Hasker OAM
CEO

Kingston City Rollers is involved with the Pride in Sport Index because it helps us to actively live out our values of inclusion and challenges us to work to be a place of belonging for all people within our sport.

We want to lead the way within the Roller Derby community in Australia to provide opportunities for open gender roller derby in which all people are train, participate, compete and develop their skills. Over the last three years, Kingston City Rollers has taken our members on a journey of active allyship, by resourcing all our members with inclusive resources, encouraging a culture of learning and celebrating our LGBTQIA+ members.

Being awarded Community Sporting Organisation of the Year for two consecutive years is been a real testament to the whole league and work of individuals who have brought bold ideas of inclusion to life within our sporting
Community. Kingston City Rollers are committed to growing in what it means to be an ally and a leader in LGBTQIA+ inclusion, we are determined to ensure our local community and the roller derby community in Australia is a safe place for people of all genders to participate in sports at the level they want.

Nicole "Muggles" Mugford (She/They)
Diversity and Inclusion Officer

I am deeply honoured to receive the Inclusive Coach of the Year award. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our incredible club members who make our community truly exceptional!

Boxing, although considered an individual sport, is really about the strength of the whole community. In our club, every member's contribution is invaluable, working together to support one another, creating a space where everyone can thrive. I am so proud of our members who embody the spirit of inclusivity and camaraderie, making our club a second home for many.

Our club has built a sense of belonging and unity that has changed lives - myself included. For us boxing has become more than a sport—it’s a lifeline. And by embracing our LGBTQIA+ family, we've provided a safe haven where people can train and be their true selves without fear of judgment or discrimination.

It goes without saying, boxing is also great for your overall physical and mental well-being. Our members, who are all on different wellness journeys, have benefitted from having a fun and safe space to workout and achieve their goals, both in and out of the ring.

It has been endlessly rewarding being part of such a vibrant and inclusive community. Together we not only enhance our sport but celebrate diversity and inclusion. This award is for our entire club and their commitment to our values, friendship and to building a community that truly makes a difference. Thank you.

Shaun Jacobs, Head Coach & Founder
The Sydney Hookers Boxing Club

I am deeply honored to receive the 2024 Pride in Sport Ally of the Year award. This recognition is a testament to the collective effort and dedication of so many within the National Basketball League (NBL) who have worked tirelessly to champion inclusivity and equality within our sport.

At the NBL, we have strived to create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The implementation of comprehensive training programs and the introduction of the Pride Round have been pivotal in fostering understanding, respect, and acceptance across our league. These initiatives have not only elevated awareness but have also underscored our commitment to ensuring that basketball remains a sport where every individual feels valued and celebrated for who they are.

I am immensely grateful to my colleagues, our players, coaches, staff, and fans whose unwavering support and advocacy have made this achievement possible. Together, we continue to push boundaries, break down barriers, and pave the way for a future where diversity is embraced as our greatest strength.

Thank you to Pride in Sport for this incredible honor. It inspires us to continue our journey towards a more inclusive sporting community, where everyone can play, watch, and love basketball without fear of discrimination or prejudice. This award is not just a recognition of past achievements but a reaffirmation of our ongoing commitment to equality in sports.

Let’s keep striving for a future where everyone can proudly say, “Basketball is for all.”

Kristen Penny
Government Relations Manager

Sport provides us with a platform to do good and make change. No matter who we are, every person has a right to play sport and feel safe/supported in doing so. Change in sport can't happen at an individual level without an organisation that is open to changing and improving across all levels. I count myself extremely lucky to play a sport that embraces change and advocates for inclusion. Hockey hasn't always had it right, but has come a long way since I have been involved with the sport.

In a society that is plagued by catastrophic and despondent news daily, it is important to ensure we are guiding the future generations along a path of kindness and encouragement, to fulfil their potential and embrace themselves to be the best version they can be. Being a pride ambassador and role model to me is about encouraging others to grow, love, and spread kindness.

Greta Hayes

Receiving the Positive Media award for Equal the Contest is not just recognition for all the work that went into making this film, it's a win for the visibility of all LGBTIQ people who face barriers to their participation in sport. We desperately need more positive LGBTIQ sporting stories, and particularly ones of trans and gender diverse participation in sport. But in order to do this, we need to remove so many of the barriers that still exist to exclude or limit participation in the first place.

Through our story at the Mt Alexander Falcons, and my own story as a gender diverse person, I hope to continue opening up conversations about inclusion in sport and thank Pride in Sport for celebrating this work.

Mitch Nivalis
Director, 'Equal the Contest'