The members of the project steering group represent various sectors of Australian society. They bring with them a wealth of lived and professional experience from national sporting organisations, government, community organisations, and research.

The National Sport Participation Strategy has been created with the goal of revolutionising how participation in sport is connected, delivered, and supported across Australia. This follows the launch of Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy.

The group’s primary function is to provide innovative ideas, critical thinking, and advice to support the strategy’s development. They met for the first time this week.

Universal design expert and Paralympian Michael Walker emphasized sport participation needs to change to ensure it is reflective of Australia’s changing society.

“It is imperative in the planning that we do not leave anyone behind,” he said.

Courtney Fewquandie, the General Manager First Nations at Football Australia, sees sports participation as an “old house we keep adding new doors to.”

“There is no time better than now for sport and recreation development to outgrow and advance past exclusion barriers to participation. A project team with strong community ties and lived experience places us in the strongest position to lead and develop a strategy that mitigates exclusion.”

Nearly 200 submissions were received for the Project Steering Group, and all applicants will be invited to participate in consultation and engagement activities throughout the strategy’s development.

The formation of the Project Steering Group with members from diverse backgrounds is a promising development towards creating a more inclusive sporting environment for all Australians. The National Sport Participation Strategy, supported by this group’s ideas and critical thinking, has the potential to revolutionize how sport is connected, delivered, and supported across the country.

The emphasis on universal design and the need to reflect the changing face of Australian society, as highlighted by experts like Michael Walker, is a positive sign that the strategy will be developed with an eye towards inclusivity and accessibility. The involvement of those with lived experience and strong community ties, such as Courtney Fewquandie, further reinforces this commitment.

Overall, the National Sport Participation Strategy, developed with the input of the Project Steering Group, has the potential to mitigate exclusion barriers and promote sport and recreation development in Australia. It is an exciting development that holds promise for increased participation in sport for all Australians.

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Courtesy Australian Sports Commission