Lauren Parker has achieved the incredible feat of being crowned World Champion in not just one, but two sports in 2023.

Parker claimed the dual sport titles at the World Triathlon Para Championships in Pontevedra, Spain and the UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, winning the individual time trial.

The Paralympian further dominated on the world para triathlon stage this season, adding to her already extensive list of accolades. Parker claimed double World Champion status in the PTWC classification and is ranked number one on the World Triathlon Paralympic Qualification List for Paris 2024.

The 34-year-old is highly regarded for her integrity and sportsmanship. She drives her passion and purpose through her engagement with AusTriathlon and AusCycling coaches and performance support teams.

Katja Dedekind had the most successful individual campaign of any Australian female team member at the 2023 Para World Swimming Championships in Manchester with three podium finishes.

The 22-year-old collected a full set of medals, claiming gold in the 50m freestyle, silver in the 100m freestyle, and bronze in the 100m backstroke, with a 100% rate of faster performances from trials to finals.

Dedekind has held an Athlete Leadership position in the Dolphins team since March 2022, advocating for athlete needs and providing guidance and mentorship to younger or less experienced team members.

Dedekind is an incredibly focused athlete who embodies the values of the team and is not only a fantastic role model for other para swimmers, but also for para sport in Australia.

Qian Yang delivered an outstanding World Para Table Tennis Championships in Granda, Spain, taking out the gold medal in the class 10 women’s singles.

The success of Yang’s World Championships campaign continued when she teamed up with fellow Aussie, Lina Lei, to win Gold in the women’s doubles WD20 event. The Paralympian also claimed a silver in the mixed doubles class 20 event with Lin Ma.

Over 2023 Yang competed in four international para table tennis open events, upholding an undefeated winning streak in the class 10 women’s singles event.

Throughout competition, Yang has demonstrated herself as an outstanding role model and sets a great example of what it takes to become a World Champion.

Having only arrived in Australia in 2017, Yang’s completion of a pre-University English Language course in 2023 has significantly improved her ability to communicate with her team members, and this in turn has allowed her to open up and share her knowledge and past experiences.

Amanda Reid is one of the rare athletes that has been able to transition from Summer to Winter Paralympic sports.

Already a World Champion in para cycling with a world record in the WC2 500m, Reid’s move to para snowboarding could not have been more successful.

The 27-year-old started the 2023 season with four Europa Cup wins, finishing third at her first ever Winter World Cup.

Reid created history at the Para Snowboard World Championship in Spain, winning Snowboard Cross gold on debut, and bronze in the dual banked slalom.

The Paralympian is a fantastic advocate for women and indigenous sport and is part of the Reconciliation Working Group panel for AUS Cycling.

Maria Strong became the inaugural T72 frame running World Champion and record holder at the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris when they won their first international gold medal at 52 years old. Strong also claimed silver with a personal best and Oceania record in the F33 women’s shot put.

Strong’s passion and dedication to athletics is reflected in their role as a coach through the Athletics Australia Sporting Schools program and as an Athletics Official, where their knowledge and time commitment is highly valued.

Strong, who is also a swimming teacher, is a passionate LGBTIQA+ advocate. As an AIS Thrive with Pride ambassador, they provide LGBTIQA+ education to athletes, coaches and officials at a national, state and community level.

Nina Kennedy made history at the Athletics World Championships in Budapest when she claimed gold in women’s pole vault alongside American Katie Moon. With Kennedy and Moon reaching equal heights, officials offered the choice of a jump off or a shared gold. In a true display of sportsmanship, the two decided to share the victory and were crowned joint champions.

During the competition, Kennedy also raised her Oceania and Australian record twice. The following week she raised this record further, winning the Zurich Diamond League with a world leading height of 4.91m - which has become one of the most viewed athletics clips of 2023.

Kennedy is a role model within athletics and achieves on and off the track. In 2023 she completed her Bachelor of Behavioural Science at Notre Dame University and was appointed to the Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Advisory Committee.

Kennedy is an ambassador for multiple programs, often participating in community engagement events related to mental health and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Jess Fox has continued to dominate canoe slalom in a trailblazing season which saw her crowned the overall Women’s C1 and K1 World Cup Champion, having won ten World Cup medals over the five events of the season.

At the 2023 World Championships, the 29-year-old claimed her 10th individual World Title, winning gold in the women’s K1 and was part of the first Australian team to ever win gold in the women's team kayak event. Fox also secured a bronze in the Women's C1 event, extending her record to an incredible 14 World Championship gold medals and 22 World Championship medals in total.

Her record-breaking season concluded with world number one rankings in both the women’s kayak and canoe paddlers, as well as a world number three ranking in kayak cross.

Fox is not only fierce competitor, but also an incredible leader and advocate for the canoe slalom and for her fellow teammates. She is a member of Paddle Australia’s Athletes’ Commission and sits on the Athletes’ Commission for the Australian Olympic Committee and International Olympic Committee, championing Canoe Slalom, women’s sport, and equality.

Fox is role model for the next generation of Australian athletes and her influence on paddling in Australia extends far beyond her performances on the water.

Kaylee McKeown is the fastest female backstroker on earth, becoming the first female to win the treble of the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in July.

The 22-year-old also put on a world record performance at the NSW State Championships in the 200m backstroke, adding to her title of Olympic Champion and world record holder the 100m and now 200m backstroke.

McKeown displayed her dominance further at the FINA World Short Course in Melbourne claiming three gold, one silver and one bronze; a significant contribution to Australia’s overall medal haul which saw them place second.

The Queenslander is a role model within the Dolphins squad and played a pivotal role in the design of the 2023 campaign, offering her time and insights which helped the Australian swimming team achieve unprecedented success.

McKeown is passionate about creating a safe and supportive swimming environment for all, from grassroots to elite, and makes time to deliver clinics to aspiring athletes.

Mollie O'Callaghan is the toast of the Australian Swimming Team after breaking the longest-standing women's world record at the 2023 World Championships to win gold in the 200m freestyle. The record, which stood for 14 years, was set in the super-suit era and had not been held by an Australian since Shane Gould 55 years ago.

The Queenslander finished the World Championships with a remarkable five gold medals, one silver medal and three world records despite the adversity of dislocating her knee just a week before the team departed for Japan.

At just 19-years-old, O’Callaghan demonstrates maturity beyond her years to lead herself and her teammates. She leans into the Dolphin’s environment and embraces her team mates to support their success whilst contributing to the team with a big program of events.

She is passionate about supporting clinics to promote swimming and always has time for others.

Rowan Crothers delivered the best individual results by an Australian male at the 2023 Manchester Para World Swimming Championships, winning gold medals in both of his 50m and 100m freestyle events. These victories gave Crothers a 100% gold conversion rate.

The 26-year-old holds an athlete leadership position within Swimming Australia and is a great advocate for the sport, regularly accepting interview requests to promote para swimming and speak about wider disability issues.

Crothers is a fantastic role model, leading team building and social activities and is a voice for the athletes to senior management.

Christopher Davis became Australia's first ever World Champion in para archery, winning gold in the men’s W1 at the 2023 Championships in Pilsen, Czech. During the competition he registered the highest match play score in his discipline, with his scores even surpassing many of the top eight archers in the Men's Open Classification. Davis’ historic performance has won Australia a quota spot for the Paris Paralympics.

This year also saw Davis claim the para national champion title in the men's W1 and compete in the able-body nationals alongside Olympic archers, where he ranked 47th shooting through a mouth tab.

With exceptional communication skills, leadership and emotional intelligence, Davis is leader both within the national para program for archery and his wider community. He has dedicated over 25 years to his career as a social worker, counselling and supporting fellow community members. He has spent most of his career in acute areas of health, including emergency departments, the ICU.

Davis applies transferrable skills between his career and sport. He has recently started presenting in school and community settings, using his experience to encourage others to focus on success not as perfection, but as learning from a series of failures, to learn, improve and develop.

Para Jackaroo Jake Fehlberg made history in September by claiming a World Champion title on the Gold Coast. The victory makes him the first ever para bowler to win a gold medal at both the World Championships and Commonwealth Games.

Fehlberg, who is vision impaired, teamed up with Jacky Hudson for the hotly contested pairs event at the World Championships, the duo exhibiting superb tenacity and the highest level of skill to take the win. It is the first time a para gold medal has been won at the World Bowls Championships upon its inaugural inclusion. Fehlberg’s efforts assisted Australia finishing as the top para team at the tournament, winning the inaugural overall winner’s trophy.

Fehlberg’s outstanding season also included a pair of gold medals at the International Blind Bowlers Association’s World Championships and a silver medal at the Multi-Nations.

Fehlberg is regarded highly as a fair and humble player, always demonstrating ultimate respect to his counterparts by complimenting their performances before talking about his own. He conducts himself admirably both on and off the green and holds the utmost pride when representing his nation.

Daniel Michel achieved a 100% gold conversion rate at the Boccia World Championships in Rio de Janeiro amongst a high-quality field, claiming titles in the C3 male individual BC3 pairs events. Michel concluded his glittering season as the world number one BC3 male athlete.

Michel has been in the sport since 2013 and has extensive experience and understanding of what it takes for an athlete to have success.

Already a leader within the team, he was elected to BisFed’s Athletes’ Commission by his peers at the end of last year. Michel understands the impact an athletes’ commission can have in ensuring a good and fair experience for all members within the Boccia community and works to support this.

His election to the Commission is a testament to his strong connections and active influence within the international Boccia Community. He was further elected as the Chair of the Athletes’ Commission.

Ben Tudhope delivered another dominant season and continues to grow his legend, landing on the podium at all nine World Cup races, with five victories along the way. Tudhope’s outstanding performances earned him two Crystal Globes as the overall LL2 para snowboard champion and snowboard cross leader. Additionally, Tudhope also picked up his first World Championship title in snowboard cross and a bronze medal in dual banked slalom.

Tudhope is a leader and role model within the Australian Snowboard Cross Community. He has worked with Snow Australia FUTURES programs which connects the youth of the sport with Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Tudhope is passionate about empowering young people with cerebral palsy. He is an ambassador for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and is part of the new a pilot program called 'Young Changemakers' that provides mentoring for young people with cerebral palsy.

James Turner delivered yet another incredible World Para Athletics Championship campaign in Paris, winning gold in the T36 100m and 400m. The results bring his tally of global golds to nine and maintains his undefeated record in seven races at three World Championships. It was his third consecutive 400m World Title.

As a senior member of the team and dual Paralympian, Turner leads by example through not only through his demonstration of elite athlete behaviours and focus, but his engagement and inclusion with younger team members.

Off the track, Turner’s passion and commitment to physical health and wellbeing is seen through his recent completion of a Personal Training qualification. His end goal is using this as a vehicle, combined with his learnings from being an athlete, to engage and help others in the wider community reach their personal fitness goals.

Cameron McEvoy claimed the 50m freestyle World Championship title in an inspiring swim after an extended period off world podiums.

The 29-year-old took his maiden World Title in Fukuoka, lowering his time to win when it mattered the most. His performance ranks as the world’s 4th fastest time in the history of the event.

McEvoy’s career has spanned 20 years, three Olympic Games and five World Championships.

After a disappointing Tokyo Olympics, McEvoy sought an opportunity to implement his own ideas and find his way back to the podium. Empowered by his own performance, he challenged some the practices and implemented innovative ideas with the help and support of the QAS practitioners.

McEvoy embodies the values of the Dolphins and inspires those around him. He shares his knowledge and experiences with the next generation of male sprinters and supports his teammates with his approach to training and competition.

Sam Short cemented himself as Australia’s next mid-distance swimming king with three individual medals at the 2023 World Aquatic Championships in Fukuoka.

The 19-year-old added his name into an illustrious list of Australians who have a World Title in the men’s 400m freestyle and came within six tenths of breaking Ian Thorpe’s Australian record that has stood for 21 years.

At the same Championships, Short also took out a silver medal in the 800m freestyle to take Grant Hackett’s Australian record of 18 years and a bronze in the 1500m, completing a full set of medals.

Alongside his World Champion title, Short is also a science and law student at the Queensland University of Technology, Melanoma Institute of Australia ambassador after having his own skin scare, and a volunteer surf lifesaver at Maroochydore Surf Club.

Short is passionate about sharing the life skill of swimming. He gives back to the members of Rackley swim club and leads his squads at clinics, open days and is an ambassador for the learn to swim program.

Cassiel Rousseau had a phenomenal performance at the 2023 World Diving Championships in Fukuoka, Japan to claim the gold in the 10m platform.

The 22-year-old was the single athlete to deny the Chinese team from winning every event and taking a golden sweep.

Rousseau also teamed up with Dom Bedggood at the Championships to place fifth in synchronised 10m platform.

The Queenslander consistently demonstrates outstanding behaviours in both the training and competition environment. He was notably gracious in winning his World Title, respecting the other competitors who may have expected to win, and generously shared in his success with both his Australian teammates and the wider sport.

Given the dominance of China, Rousseau’s gold medal was a significant result not just for himself and Australia, but within world diving, and he has carried this mantle with great integrity and respect.

Reigning Olympic champion Matt Wearn's 2023 story is one of resilience and overcoming the odds.

After experiencing severe symptoms of long-COVID and being unable to train or compete for much of 2022, he returned to the global pinnacle of ILCA 7 sailing, taking out the 2023 World Championships in The Hague.

The 28-year-old put on one of the most clinical performances of his international sailing career in the final fleet race to take the title. The performance not only secured his first ever World Champion title but gave Australia a nation quote for the ILCA 7 event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The season also saw Wearn collect a win in both the Sail Sydney and Olympic test events, a bronze at the European Championships, a 7th in Hyeres and a 4th in Palma in Olympic-class fleets.

Wearn backs up his on-water performances with good sportsmanship and is a highly respected competitor on the World Sailing circuit.

There was a shared joy for his 2023 achievements amongst the international sailing community given all he has overcome. He is a leader within the sport and has been selected by his peers to the Australian Sailing Team Athlete Advisory Group.

Paris 2024 is waiting with bated breath for the pairing of Paul Burgess and Nina Kennedy, with the coach and athlete striking gold again and again over the past two years.

Burgess, a former pole vaulter himself, guided the two-time national champion Kennedy to gold at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and a Diamond League Championship in 2022, before backing up in 2023 with gold at the World Athletics Championships.

Burgess also coaches Kurtis Marschall who won bronze at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, making Burgess the first Australian to coach two separate medallists since the inception of the World Athletics Championships in 1983.

Myriam Fox has cemented herself as a world leading coach in Canoe Slalom, having nurtured generations of paddlers from pathways to Olympic podiums over more than two decades as a coach with Paddle Australia.

At the 2023 World Championships, Fox coached the Australian Women's Canoe Slalom Kayak Team to the top of the podium against a world class field, making them the first Australian team to win a Kayak Team gold medal. In addition, Fox coached daughter Jessica Fox to her 10th individual World Title, winning gold in the Women’s K1. Jessica also won bronze in the Women's C1 event, extending her record to 14 World Championship gold medals and 22 World Championship medals in total.

Under her mother’s leadership, Jesssica claimed 10 World Cup medals over five events during the 2023 season, resulting in her being crowned the overall Women’s C1 and K1 World Cup Champions.

Fox has also had to be flexible in developing her coaching skills in the new Olympic discipline of Kayak Cross, which will make its debut at Paris 2024. She nurtured Jesssica to two World Cup medals this season, and a third-place overall finish in the Women’s Kayak Cross standings. Noemie Fox has also excelled in Kayak Cross, ending the season ranked 6th in the overall standings.

Under Head Coach Stacey Marinkovich’s leadership, the Australian Diamonds have re-stocked the trophy cabinet, winning every competition from the past 12 months including the 2023 Netball World Cup.  

In the earlier stages of the World Cup the Diamonds had fallen to England by just one goal. Under Marinkovich’s calm and methodical leadership, she made key strategic changes in the gold medal match in what has been described as ‘coaching masterclass’ that delivered Australia’s 12th Netball World Cup.

Marinkovich’s leadership is built on a model of shared ownership, so that players jointly lead the team and help one another to perform at their potential. She has transformed the Diamonds approach and is a highly respected leader who has authentic relationships with her players, coaches and staff.

Marinkovich is a part of the AIS Podium Coach Program and has worked across the Women in High Performance Coaching Project. Additionally, she is a sought-after keynote speaker regarding the development of athletes and coaches.

Australian Swim Team Head Coach Rohan Taylor has had a pre-Olympic year to remember, with the 2023 World Championships campaign of 13 gold, 7 silver and 5 bronze medals catapulting the Australian Dolphins to a top of the medal table finish, beating out Team USA for the first time since 2001.

The Dolphins came hot off the blocks on day 1 of racing in Fukuoka in Japan, claiming an incredible four gold medals and world records from Ariarne Titmus in the Women’s 400m freestyle, while Shayna Jack, Mollie O’Callaghan, Meg Harris and Emma McKeon combined for a new best time in the Women’s 4x100m freestyle.

Since taking on the National Head Coach role in 2020, Taylor has sought to unify and support the hard work being done by the program coaches and is passionate about a people first approach.

Taylor is an advocate for coach wellbeing and mental health and is the design lead of Swimming Australia’s Coach Wellbeing project with the Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement team.

Para Jackaroo Serena Bonnell is a proud ambassador for the LGBTQI+ and disability communities with her recent bowls Rainbow Versatility Pairs event paving the way for important conversations around inclusivity.

The Queenslander launched the inaugural event on the Gold Coast in July 2023, which saw a full field of 56 players of varying age, backgrounds and abilities participate in the Bowls Australia ranked event to promote LGBTQI+ and demonstrate how lawn bowls is a game for everyone.

The bowls community hailed the event a success with Bonnell already in consultation with interstate athletes and venues for the event to take place in 2024 across multiple states.

The Commonwealth Games silver medallist’s commitment to inclusivity is unwavering, with Bonnell also running a para-inclusive pairs competition each year, where each team is composed of one para-athlete and one able-bodied athlete. This is the first para event to ever attract Bowls Australia ranking points.

Amy Parmenter is not only a hard-working Australian Diamonds and Giants netballer, but she is also a tireless ambassador for cancer research who uses her platform to unite communities and raise awareness and funds for the fight against sarcoma.

In memory of her Mum, Gilly, the wing defender co-founded The Tie Dye Project with two-time sarcoma survivor Molly Croft in 2017, and since then has dyed over 7,000 items and raised over $550,000 for cancer research, charities and support groups.

Parmenter’s commitment to getting out and meeting those within the cancer research community and those enduring their own battles with sarcoma is unwavering, with the netballer making frequent visits to hospitals and community events.

In addition to The Tie Dye Project, Parmenter is also an ambassador for Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Confident Girls Foundation.

When professional surfer India Robinson isn’t competing on the world stage, she is giving back to the female surf community and supporting the next generation of Australian surfers.

The 2019 Aussie Open Champion launched Queen in Me to give females a voice and increase gender equality within surfing, with her mission to make sure whoever is on a surfboard is judged only by their abilities and nothing else.

The Victorian also holds an annual Queen in Me camp to empower, inspire and educate young women both in and out of the water, which also provides an opportunity for young women to enter the surf pathway system if they wish.

Robinsons work to create a safe and inspirational space for women and girls to compete in the sport they love has gained admiration within the surfing community and has made an impact in the lives of many.

The history-making Paralympic and Olympic table tennis player Melissa Tapper is working hard to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities throughout Victoria.

The Commonwealth Games gold medallist is an active ambassador for the Better Together Inc. – a not for profit organisation that raises funds to build accessible playgrounds in regional Victoria.

Tapper is also the MC for the Better Together Festival, a music festival for all abilities, and has created her own clothing range, Southwest Society, which donates funds raised to Better Together Inc.

Elected to the International Table Tennis Federation athletes commission in 2022, Tapper has also taken on a strong advocate role for para-athletes within the sport and gives her time generously to nurture and assist Australia’s up and coming players.

The Melbournian has been described as a pioneer within the disability space, with her passion for inspiring and improving the quality of life for children with disabilities admirable.

Josie Baff continued her impressive rise to the top of the world snowboard cross rankings this season with four World Cup podiums, including two victories, a silver medal at her first ever World Championships, and a third-place world ranking to end the season.

The World Cup victory in Les Deux Alpes, France was the first podium performance of her career and makes her only the second Australian female snowboard cross rider to win a World Cup event. Baff, who turned 20 halfway through the season, is the only female rider in the world top-10 under 24 years of age.

Baff also led Australia to a gold medal in the Team Event at the Junior World Championships in Passo San Pellegrino, Italy, and took the silver medal in the individual event.

Baff champions the future of the sport by mentoring younger athletes at pathway events throughout the year. She also participates as a coach, sharing her knowledge and experiences, and gives time to present medals at interschools competitions.

Emma-Sue Greentree won a bronze medal at the 2023 Women's Boxing World Championships in India, her first ever World Championship appearance. Emma progressed through the rounds defeating multiple strong opponents before going down in a nail-biting loss against the home-town favourite in the semi-final.

Not only was this a breakthrough performance for Greentree, but it also came during what was a breakthrough year. She claimed gold in both lead up tournaments to the World Championships despite having limited international experience.

Greentree, who lives with diabetes, is an advocate for others living with the condition by calling for greater support and awareness.

Just over two years on from a cycling accident which nearly claimed her life, Alexa Leary stood triumphantly on the podium at the 2023 Para World Swimming Championships in Manchester.

In what was the rookie’s first major championship, Leary swam to personal best times in both the 100m and 50m freestyle, to claim a gold and silver, respectively.

Leary, who was a national level triathlete prior to her accident, defied the odds with her remarkable recovery. Her story, which was shared through the “Move For Lex” social media campaign, encouraged others to get moving and touched many Australians. Her courage, tenacity, and fighting spirit has inspired those in her community and beyond.

This year Leon Sejranovic broke a 10-year medal drought for senior able-bodied Australian athletes at the World Kyorugi Taekwondo Championships. The 20-year-old defeated four athletes including the reigning World Champion on his way to winning a bronze medal in the 74kg category.

Sejranovic is studying Exercise Science at Victorian University and is a tier two scholarship holder with the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. He spends a lot of time giving back to taekwondo by coaching at both his local club, Notorious, and former school, Maribyrnong, both of which have had a significant impact on his life and taekwondo career.

2023 was a massive year for the Athletics Australia High Performance Unit (AAHPU), with its able body athletes achieving the best performance at either an Olympics Games or World Athletics Championships in over 55 years.

Collecting one gold, two silver and three bronze medals at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Australia’s competing team of 64 delivered memorable performances that saw them place 8th overall after nine days of competition.

Australia’s para-athletes concluded the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships with a massive three gold, eight silver and three bronze medals shared between 12 athletes on the competing team of 38 who placed 18th on the medal tally.

This year has also seen the AAHPU sharpen its focus on wellbeing and support for its coaches and athletes through several initiatives such as multidisciplinary team meetings, research projects with Deakin and Southern Cross Universities and the implementation of a comprehensive post-event review process.

There is no doubt the AAHPU are heading into the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games on a high.

Bowls Australia’s high performance program has grown exponentially in the past two years, culminating with Australia’s recent dominance of the 2023 World Bowls Championships.

At this pinnacle event the Jackaroos collected five gold, two silver and three bronze medals from 11 disciplines, including the accolades of being the best overall men’s team and best para team.

The Jackaroos also topped the Multi-Nations medal tally, a lead-in event for the World Bowls Championships, earning seven gold medals at the tournament on the Gold Coast.

Since Bowls Australia appointed a new High-Performance team in 2021, the program has achieved incredible growth and elevated international success.

The establishment of world-leading initiatives, the development of policies to foster and uphold an inclusive and diverse program and the engagement and connection with key stakeholders all deliver a program that continues to succeed while placing the person first, and the player second.

The high performance program is run as one integrated and inclusive program, for both para and open athletes, with significant work being undertaken to “Raise the Bar” for para athletes.

Performance driven, coach-led, athlete-focused, and expert-supported, the high performance program supports the future of Australian Bowls by providing the world’s best performance pathways and national teams.

This year the Dolphins delivered the most successful World Championship campaigns in decades across both para and able. In a year of positive performances and growth in the high performance environment, the conversion of improved performance from trials to a benchmark event sat above 50% across both World Championships campaigns.

This translated to finishing first in the gold medal tally at the able-bodied World Championships, a Top 6 finish on the medal table at the Para World Championships, and the best result for the open water team at the FINA World Championships.

The performance at the World Championships in Fukuoka was also historic, with Australia finishing on top of the medal table ahead of the USA for the first time since 2001. The haul of 38 medals is also Australia’s largest total-medal tally ever at a global-level competition.

The season saw countless standout performances from individuals as well as the collective team. Senior teams delivered a haul of 55 medals, including 22 gold across the benchmark long course events, records across five long course events, four short course events, and one junior short course event.

Other major events included the Junior Dolphins competing at the World Aquatic Junior Swimming Championships and the FINA World Short Course Championships and the Para World Swimming Series, which were both hosted in Melbourne.

Swimming Australia reimagined their campaign delivery model to adopt a performance-by-design focus that champions collaboration. A key component of this change is the implementation of a hub model in the daily performance environment.

As part of the athlete-first focus, mental health first aid training has been integrated and there has also been a shift in the performance support model to better cater to the evolving needs of coaches and athletes.

National leads in the NIN and DPE have also been established, as well as a greater focus on delivering targeted support based on Data Insights and Performance Health. Additionally, there has been a significant focus on performance insights by implementing leading data and technology methods.

The Olympic Winter Institute of Australia (OWIA) athletes had an incredible year, highlighted by a record medal haul at the 2023 FIS Freestyle and Snowboard World Championships in Bakuriani, Georgia. In World Cups, a near record 31 medals were won by nine Australian athletes across seven different sports.

Among countless notable performances across the season, snowboarders combined for a record three medals at the prestigious X-Games event in Aspen, USA, while aerial skiers claimed back-to-back double podium performances and mogul skiers combined for 11 World Cup medals. The performance at the ISU Short Track Speed Skating World Championships was the best by Australia since the 1990's.

OWIA participates in a comprehensive wellbeing and engagement strategy, which facilitates community involvement, continuous personal development through educational initiatives and opportunities, and the development of valuable life skills.

OWIA athletes regularly give back to the athlete pathway, taking part in activities such as the Futures Camps as well as volunteering for community engagement activities throughout the year. They also enthusiastically participate in the annual H3 Summit, which involves inspiring keynote speakers discussing themes of health, happiness, and high performance.

Paddle Australia has had its most successful year in history across the Olympic and Paralympic disciplines of Canoe Sprint and Canoe Slalom.

At the 2023 ICF Senior Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships, the team made history, topping the medal tally with four gold, three silver and two bronze medals. Not only was it Australia’s most successful World Championships to date, but the team also achieved a significant number of athlete quotas for the Paris Games. During the World Cup season, the Canoe Sprint team won eight medals over three events, while the Paracanoe Team won seven World Cup medals from two events. Australia also won two medals at the Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships.

Australia finished second on the medal table at the 2023 Senior Canoe Slalom World Championships, with two gold and one bronze medal, seven top-10 performances, and a spot on the start line of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the Women’s Canoe, Women’s Kayak and Men’s Kayak. During the Slalom World Cup season, 10 World Cup medals were won as well as a bronze medal at the Junior and U23 Canoe Slalom World Championships.

Paddle Australia is an exemplary high performance sport when it comes to leadership and the implementation of performance delivery within a wider team. The capability of a senior leadership team owning their functional areas with head coaches across disciplines continues to grow and there is strong commitment to the shared purpose of the coaching staff.

The high performance program focuses on nurturing athletes both on and off the water and has undergone transformational change to prioritise athlete and staff wellbeing.

Jessica Corones, Swimming Australia’s Performance Insights and Olympic Campaign Performance Support Lead, has shown incredible foresight in identifying new and novel ideas and advocating for their integration into Swimming’s high performance processes.

Corones has been instrumental in shaping the development and implementation of Swimming’s culture and behavioural expectations leading into the Paris Olympics.

She has also continued to advocate for the planning and decision-making capability of coaches in the technology and data space. This has involved her taking a lead role engaging with technology partners to apply machine learning to data capture, and the development of tools that provide coaching and performance staff with cutting-edge analytics.

Her leading role in the deployment of Swimming Australia’s data infrastructure has led to a strategic shift in the data-driven augmented decision making the Swimming Australia High Performance System now prides itself on.

Corones continually seeks opportunities to develop her leadership capability. She is an amazing advocate for female swimmers and female leaders within the sport but also STEM in general. Through her involvement in the AIS Female Leaders STEM Talent program, she has continued to contribute to a community of support for others in her circle of influence. She is never too busy to engage with her peers across multiple sports and recently volunteered to be a part of the AIS Enhancing Performance Teams.

Under Head Coach Stacey Marinkovich’s leadership, the Australian Diamonds have re-stocked the trophy cabinet, winning every competition from the past 12 months including the 2023 Netball World Cup.  

In the earlier stages of the World Cup the Diamonds had fallen to England by just one goal. Under Marinkovich’s calm and methodical leadership, she made key strategic changes in the gold medal match in what has been described as ‘coaching masterclass’ that delivered Australia’s 12th Netball World Cup.

Marinkovich’s leadership is built on a model of shared ownership, so that players jointly lead the team and help one another to perform at their potential. She has transformed the Diamonds approach and is a highly respected leader who has authentic relationships with her players, coaches and staff.

Marinkovich is a part of the AIS Podium Coach Program and has worked across the Women in High Performance Coaching Project. Additionally, she is a sought-after keynote speaker regarding the development of athletes and coaches.

Paul Kiteley, High Performance Director of Wheelchair Rugby, continually demonstrates his abilities in strategic decision making which has supported the success of the program. His positive, forward facing and grounded outlook continually puts the Steelers in the best possible position to perform.

Kiteley’s ability to think creatively and facilitate change is complemented by his willingness to share leadership responsibilities across his team as well as to consider all potential areas of innovation. He is regarded as a thoughtful leader of his staff, who seeks to understand each individual's makeup and position on the team.

Kiteley is a regular and willing contributor to high performance processes and brings a solution focus to challenges.

He will continue to play a key leadership role in the lead up to and through Wheelchair Rugby’s transition from Paralympics Australia and into Wheelchair Rugby Australia.

Jackaroo coach Gary Willis leads the Bowls Australia High Performance program, overseeing high quality training and tactical development for all squads.

Willis’ expert leadership of the Jackaroos has been pivotal to Australia’s success on the green this season which saw the collective open and para squad dominate at the 2023 World Bowls Championships. The team topped the medal tally with five gold medals, two silver and three bronze medals in the nation’s most successful campaign in history.

Willis has an extensive history within the sport of Bowls which began when he started playing in 1986. He represented on club, state and national teams before beginning his coaching career 2012 ahead of the World Championships.

Since then, Willis has been awarded national coach of the year twice and he remains focused on the ongoing success of the Jackaroos.

Australia won its first ever medal in the mixed 4x2000m relay at the World Cross Country Championships in front of a home crowd in Bathurst. The planets aligned for the new generation of Aussie distance running with Olympic finalists Jess Hull and Stewy McSweyn, Commonwealth 1500m champion Oli Hoare and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Abbey Caldwell delivering a podium performance surrounded by the mighty challenge of African cross country talent.

All four team members are exceptionally regarded within the sport, not only in Australia but across the globe, as they have delved into events which some may assume Australia would not be competitive in. Each athlete has reached out to the fan base, pathway talent, club level and mass participation runner. They have had a considerable impact within Australian middle distance and have made inspired young runners with what can be achieved.

No pairing has been as dominant in Boccia as Daniel Michel and Jamieson Leeson in the BC3 pairs. Between April 2022 and October 2023, they remained undefeated across 21 matches with the winning streak only coming to an end at their last World Cup event in Portugal.

The pair are admired by their peers and opposition for the way they conduct themselves in a manner of sportsmanship, integrity and fair play.

Both Michel and Leeson show exemplary leadership skills, demonstrated in their ability to mentor up-and-coming boccia athletes. They have been captains of the pairs team at both a national and state level and take less experienced athletes under their wing, providing guidance in how to perform as a professional athlete both on and off court.

They have attended come-and-try days, introducing boccia to other people with disabilities, showing them that Boccia is a sport for those with severe disabilities and explaining to the benefits and life changing experience it can offer.

Ashlee Maddern and Amanda Leeson, who are ramp operators for Michel and Leeson respectively are also leaders within the sport. Without them, Michel and Leeson would not have the opportunities to compete to the highest level. They are selfless in their dedication to their athletes and are role models within the boccia community, giving back where they can by promoting the sport and mentoring new ramp operators.

The Australian Jackaroos, as a collective open and para squad, dominated the 2023 World Bowls Championships, topping the medal tally with five gold medals, two silver and three bronze medals in the nation’s most successful campaign in history.

In addition, Australia clinched both the best overall men’s and para team trophies, the latter being the inaugural presentation with para disciplines included within the tournament’s schedule for the first time.

The nation saluted in the men’s triples and fours, overcoming Scotland in both finals, while defeating our Tasman rivals in the women’s triples decider. In the inaugural para events, Australia triumphed in the vision-impaired mixed pairs and men’s pairs.

Additionally, to delivering at the World Championships the team amassed a tournament-high seven gold medals at the Multi-Nations.

The squad sees itself as one big family, an attitude which is evident when they are at a major event. Every member displays great character through their support for each other, putting the team before their own interests.

The Jackaroos play with fairness and are gracious in victory or defeat, waiting to shake their opponent’s hands before celebrating a win or greeting their counterparts with a smile when they have been overcome.

The Hockeyroos have played a compelling season which saw them finished third in the 2023 FIH Pro League Competition, place second in the world rankings and qualify for the Paris Olympics through the Oceania Cup Tournament.

The team contribute to their community and boarder athlete cohort away from the field. The team currently has an ambassador on every current AIS Program, including Share a Yarn, the Mental Fitness Program, Thrive with Pride and the Good Village AIS Problem Solvers. Further to this, the team organised and ran their own Pride Match against USA at a Pro League game in Hobart. Several athletes are also involved in regional hockey clinics, school visits and even running their own community clinics.

The Hockeyroos have established an Indigenous working group to ensure they are supporting Indigenous athletes and the community as a whole. There have been numerous engagements within this initiative and athlete driven cultural activities that have included connecting with country, a smoking ceremony and learning session with a local elder.

The entire team demonstrate academic excellence and are committed to achieving outside of sport, with every current Hockeyroo being involved in work or study.

The Origin Australian Diamonds have had a golden run winning every competition from the past 12 months. Their extensive winning streak has seen them crowned champions of the 2023 Netball World Cup, Netball Quad Series and Constellation Cup.

As the world’s number one ranked netball team, the Australian Diamonds currently hold every piece of silverware available at the sport’s highest level.

At the Netball World Cup in Cape Town, the Diamonds lost just one match in the pool stages after a nail-biting one-goal defeat to England. The team was able to re-group spectacularly, holding off a rising power in Jamaica in the semi-final before overcoming England 61-45 in the final to be crowned the best in the world.  

The Constellation Cup against traditional rivals New Zealand, solidified their standing on the world stage through tactics and teamwork. It is this teamwork, in multiple rotations and players backing each other up that epitomises the Diamonds’ mantra of Sisters in Arms.  

Off the court, the team used their voices and platform to champion and celebrate First Nations peoples and culture. For the first time in the history of the Australian Netball Team, their 2023 Netball World Cup uniform featured First Nations artwork designed by Yorta Yorta woman, Alkina Edwards.

Consisting of outstanding paddlers Jessica Fox, Noemie Fox and Kate Eckhardt, the Australian Women's Canoe Slalom Kayak Team achieved a groundbreaking result in a world class field during the 2023 Canoe Slalom World Championships, becoming the first Australian team to win a Kayak Team gold medal.

With the team event hotly contested, they secured the win in a blistering time, 0.29 seconds ahead of Spain in second and 0.40 ahead of hosts Great Britain in third.

The team consistently demonstrate behaviours that have a lasting, positive impact on both the Australian and International Paddle community. The team routinely displays values such as sportsmanship and integrity while competing on the international circuit. They tirelessly support fellow teammates, working as one to achieve personal goals and group success.

Individually, all three athletes excel and exhibit achievement beyond the field of play. A member of Paddle Australia’s Athletes’ Commission, Jessica Fox sits on the Athletes’ Commission for the Australian Olympic Committee and International Olympic Committee, championing Canoe Slalom, women’s sport and equality. Noemie Fox works as a Transformation Analyst for leading global professional services company, Accenture, while Kate Eckhardt utilises her master's degree in her career as a Physiotherapist.

Archery Australia made the move to elevate the National Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement role to a High Performance Wellbeing Manager. Reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on the senior management team, this was a strategic move by the organisation to ensure that a wellbeing lense was applied to all areas of their operation, but in particular the High Performance Program.

The unique set up promotes collaborative working in the decision-making process for the High Performance Program and the supports the notion of ‘how you win is just as important as when you win’. This shift in organisational structure has received positive feedback via loops within the athlete experience.

Archery’s High Performance Program has implemented several changes in the last year in recognition of the crucial role of wellbeing in sustainable success. Some of the actions taken include providing Mental Health in Sport training, establishing a HP Alumni Program, the launch of an LMS, and implementation of a para support and carer.

The program also prioritises integrity and a culture of challenge and care. This is achieved through the employment of a National Integrity Manager who reviews existing policies. Creating a new and improved athlete committee charter has also ensured strong feedback loops between senior management, the board and the high performance program.

All selection policies and process in the high performance Program have a wellbeing input and the national para team travel with a contracted doctor to ensure the confidentiality, safety, and performance requirements of athletes with complex medical needs are met.

Staff have also had additional professional development opportunities and career growth through the organisation’s supporting multiple staffs to travel internationally and receive team management experience at the international level.

Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) continued their collaboration to provide the Australian Commonwealth Youth Games Team with an environment of safety, fairness, and inclusion at the games in Trinidad and Tobago.

A key CGA focus was to align with key activities across the HP2032+ Sport Strategy and capitalise on the opportunity to develop athletes and support personnel who may be representing Australia at future pinnacle events.

Each event-campaign is unique, and early CGA and SIA collaboration highlighted the key initiatives specific to this event, including education, safety and security, safeguarding officers and direct stakeholder communications. The campaign delivery prioritised the physical, mental, emotional, and cultural wellbeing of all team members.

Alongside the initiatives delivered, the Australian Team also delivered significant podium success, topping the medal tally by winning 64 medals including the most gold and largest spread of medals across sports within the program.

The ongoing collaboration between CGA and SIA shows commitment to the wellbeing as the foundation of sustainable success. SIA reviewed and provided expertise on team agreements and relevant policies, supported incident planning processes, advised on content of information sessions, liaised with sports on eLearning modules and had an integral on-ground presence during the Games. This united approach has yielded positive results as reflected through the post-event stakeholder report.

For CGA, integrity is regarded as an integral element of team preparation and delivery. The introduction of Integrity Officers has helped to establish a culture of challenge and care within the team. Their knowledge across a range of athlete focused areas means they are uniquely positioned to support team members though potentially challenging Games environments. They also work to shift perceptions and behaviour in the integrity space related to anti-doping, safeguarding and education.

Golf Australia has established a give back program, where successful athletes can give back to the sport and community in a meaningful way. This program helps instil values of sportsmanship, dedication, and teamwork, emphasising that success is not solely about individual achievement, but also about nurturing others to reach their potential. Through the give back program some of Australia’s most successful athletes have established athlete scholarship opportunities for others.

Ensuring the holistic development and overall well-being of athletes and staff is vital for sustainable success. This can be seen in various practices established by the Golf Australia High Performance Program, including the introduction of case managers and prioritising the development of staff.

The program also includes a specific focus on coach development for both current and future coaches within the High Performance Program, emphasising the importance of well-trained, knowledgeable and experienced coaches. Moreover, the emphasis on increasing female coaching numbers demonstrates a commitment to gender diversity and inclusivity, promoting a more balanced and equitable representation in leadership roles.

The Golf Australia High Performance Program is committed to helping athletes reach their potential by providing initiatives that allow athletes to feel supported through the challenge of pursuing a professional golf career. These include the provision of a welcoming U.S. base, a comprehensive high performance strategy, integration of athlete teams, and performance-driven leadership, to optimise the potential and performance of athletes in all stages of their career as well as staff members within the organisation.

By implementing these initiatives, the organisation displays a genuine commitment to holistic development and well-being, emphasising that sustainable success is not solely about achievements on the field but also about creating a supportive and inclusive environment that nurtures growth, health, and happiness.

Athlete Pathways form a key strategic pillar both within the NSWIS corporate plan and within the HP2032+ Sport Strategy. The success of the PURSU32+ / RAS (Regional Academies of Sport) talent program pilot creates greater collaboration with RAS to align holistic athlete development for Olympic and Paralympic sports and to ensure athletes are NSWIS Ready when they are awarded an athlete scholarship.

The PURSU32+ / RAS talent program is designed to give opportunities and exposure by providing selected athletes with holistic development to enable their progress to elite competition. In a collaboration with Regional Academies of Sport, a ‘Talent Radar’ has been developed to identify and support the state’s top emerging regional athletes.

NSWIS has also established a camp-based program which combines specific sport and skill-based workshops to provide a holistic approach to development. It also includes one-on-one interactions and an online physical literacy program that provides a platform for athletes to develop the physical and mental competencies that are required for the ‘Win Well’ vision. The program is helping to remove pressure from athletes by increasing knowledge sharing through NSWIS experts.

Underpinning the program are holistic education components which encompass physical, emotional and cultural wellbeing. NSWIS subject matter experts work with the athletes to map out a plan from a young age. Supporting skills around organisational and self-regulation help to empower athletes and alleviate pressure on them.

Paddle Australia worked diligently to develop its High Performance Program Strategic Plan in line with the Australian Sports system’s Win Well Strategy. An example of this shines through in Olympian Alyce Wood’s recent pregnancy and subsequent return to competition.

After Wood welcomed her first child, the High Performance Program Team specifically planned her program with tailored support in line with her needs. A fully integrated performance support team monitored her physiological and broader physical markers, though mental training was just as important as the physical element.

Wood travelled to a World Cup in Europe early this year when her daughter was just 10 months old. She had a remarkable performance, finishing 4th in the K1 500 final. However, after this competition Wood and National Performance Director Kim Crane had a raw, emotional conversation where Wood expressed her desire to return home rather than continue with her teammates to what was a planned altitude camp.

In line with the team’s commitment to the ‘Win Well’ mantra there was a series of fast conversations and a plan to allow her to go home immediately.

This moment was recognised as an opportunity to create a new benchmark for high performance. For the Paddle Australia High Performance Program team, winning well means getting to know and intimately understanding their athletes as people first and to measure success in more than just traditional performance markers.

Wood has also co-developed a Paddle Australia High Performance Pregnancy Policy with AW&E Manager Matt Murphy – which provides a strong legacy for future athletes and a best practice example for all sports to follow.

Throughout the training year wellbeing is fully integrated as a support service, nurturing athletes both on and off the water to ‘Win Well.’ The program is also in the process of transformational change from a cultural perspective to prioritise athlete mental health and encourage vulnerability as a strength of leadership.

Jess Fox has continued to dominate canoe slalom in a trailblazing season which saw her crowned the overall Women’s C1 and K1 World Cup Champion, having won ten World Cup medals over the five events of the season.

At the 2023 World Championships, the 29-year-old claimed her 10th individual World Title, winning gold in the women’s K1 and was part of the first Australian team to ever win gold in the women's team kayak event. Fox also secured a bronze in the Women's C1 event, extending her record to an incredible 14 World Championship gold medals and 22 World Championship medals in total.

Her record-breaking season concluded with world number one rankings in both the women’s kayak and canoe paddlers, as well as a world number three ranking in kayak cross.

Fox is not only fierce competitor, but also an incredible leader and advocate for the canoe slalom and for her fellow teammates. She is a member of Paddle Australia’s Athletes’ Commission and sits on the Athletes’ Commission for the Australian Olympic Committee and International Olympic Committee, championing Canoe Slalom, women’s sport, and equality.

Fox is role model for the next generation of Australian athletes and her influence on paddling in Australia extends far beyond her performances on the water.

Mollie O'Callaghan is the toast of the Australian Swimming Team after breaking the longest-standing women's world record at the 2023 World Championships to win gold in the 200m freestyle. The record, which stood for 14 years, was set in the super-suit era and had not been held by an Australian since Shane Gould 55 years ago.

The Queenslander finished the World Championships with a remarkable five gold medals, one silver medal and three world records despite the adversity of dislocating her knee just a week before the team departed for Japan.

At just 19-years-old, O’Callaghan demonstrates maturity beyond her years to lead herself and her teammates. She leans into the Dolphin’s environment and embraces her team mates to support their success whilst contributing to the team with a big program of events.

She is passionate about supporting clinics to promote swimming and always has time for others.

Lauren Parker has achieved the incredible feat of being crowned World Champion in not just one, but two sports in 2023.

Parker claimed the dual sport titles at the World Triathlon Para Championships in Pontevedra, Spain and the UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, winning the individual time trial.

The Paralympian further dominated on the world para triathlon stage this season, adding to her already extensive list of accolades. Parker claimed double World Champion status in the PTWC classification and is ranked number one on the World Triathlon Paralympic Qualification List for Paris 2024.

The 34-year-old is highly regarded for her integrity and sportsmanship. She drives her passion and purpose through her engagement with AusTriathlon and AusCycling coaches and performance support teams.

Cassiel Rousseau had a phenomenal performance at the 2023 World Diving Championships in Fukuoka, Japan to claim the gold in the 10m platform.

The 22-year-old was the single athlete to deny the Chinese team from winning every event and taking a golden sweep.

Rousseau also teamed up with Dom Bedggood at the Championships to place fifth in synchronised 10m platform.

The Queenslander consistently demonstrates outstanding behaviours in both the training and competition environment. He was notably gracious in winning his World Title, respecting the other competitors who may have expected to win, and generously shared in his success with both his Australian teammates and the wider sport.

Given the dominance of China, Rousseau’s gold medal was a significant result not just for himself and Australia, but within world diving, and he has carried this mantle with great integrity and respect.

Ariarne Titmus reclaimed the women’s 400 metres freestyle world record with a stunning victory at the World Championships in Japan. Titmus emphatically blew away feted rivals in the final to clock three minutes 55.38 seconds, bettering the world record of 3:56.08 set last March and finishing 3.35 seconds ahead of the previous record holder. Titmus had previously held this record for 18 months before it was broken last year.

Titmus competes in one of the most competitive swimming events in the World. While she is fiercely determined to be the best in the world, she strives for this in integrity and fair play.

Despite the immense pressure and media attention, she is always a role model of sportsmanship and respect with how she carries herself both with the media and with her teammates and competitors. She is the first person to congratulate her teammates or competitors after a race. Titmus is a role model within the team and athletes look to her as a leader.

Matt Wearn claimed the pinnacle title of ILCA 7 sailing, taking out the 2023 World Championships in The Hague. Wearn has vied for this World Championship title since 2011 across eleven attempts, finishing 2nd in his last three World Championships, making this victory all the sweeter.

The 28-year-old put on one of the most clinical performances of his international sailing career in the final fleet race to take the title from a highly competitive field which including four past World Champions. The performance not only secured his first ever World Champion title but gave Australia a nation quote for the ILCA 7 event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Wearn backs up his on-water performances with good sportsmanship and is a highly respected competitor on the World Sailing circuit.

He is a leader within the sport and has been selected by his peers to the Australian Sailing Team Athlete Advisory Group. When he is at home with the West Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) he contributes to the induction incoming athletes. Wearn also takes the time to attend the local sailing club and youth camps to meet and assist young up and coming sailors.

Cally Bauman has been the heart of Special Olympics Melbourne Inner East (SOMIE) since she began her volunteer Chair role in 2020.

The Melbournian volunteers on average 40 hours per week for SOMIE as she works towards achieving her mission of improving the lives of people with a disability – a cause close to her heart as the mother of a child with a rare genetic syndrome.

Over the past 12 months Bauman has introduced three additional sports for SOMIE athletes to participate in, successfully applied for several grants for the club, developed and implemented a strategic plan and communication strategy, introduced social events for athletes including a talent show and disco, and more.

Bauman’s tireless volunteer efforts are widely acknowledged amongst both the SOMIE and broader Special Olympics Australia communities, with Bauman also taking on the Family Co-ordinator role for Team Australia at the World Games in 2023.

SOMIE credit their Chair for strengthening the club’s sense of community, friendship and belonging for its athletes, their families and carers.

Jennifer Kenny has been involved with Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) for almost 40 years with her passion and outstanding contribution to the organisation not going unnoticed by the SLSA community.

Kenny, the first female manager of Lifesaving in Tasmania, is highly regarded by SLSA officials and staff for her commitment to the sport through her various volunteer roles which include a senior official at countless championships and the SLSA Officials Advisor – a role requiring hundreds of hours of work each year to coordinate the referees for SLSA events.

On top of her SLSA roles, Kenny also manages to find time to volunteer as a patrolling member of her local Cudgen Headland surf club and in the development of training and assessment resources for both lifesaving and surf sports.

Kenny is described by the SLSA community as a dedicated, hardworking and inspiring mentor and member of the surf life community at a club, branch, state and national level.

Kenny was recently awarded the Surf Life Saving NSW Surf Sports Official of the Year and SLSA Surf Sports Official of the Year.

Nicole Mitchell is highly regarded across her local club and the broader Capital Football community for her tireless volunteer work and positive can-do attitude.

Over the past two-years, the Canberran has been involved in almost all volunteer roles at her local club and has committed to increasing junior club members with number of Miniroo’s at the club growing by over 300 participants since she began.

Mitchell believes no person should miss out on playing the game they love or feel excluded from sport and to achieve this has voluntarily implemented a ‘Kick Off’ program at her club, as well as an all-abilities football program for children with a disability.

On top of running all of these programs, Mitchell regularly volunteers on weekends at Capital Football competitions which sees her set-up for gameday at 7am and finishing with pack down at 5pm.

Elysa Oliveri is an inspirational young adult who is a passionate and inspirational supporter of inclusive cricket across all abilities, including the vision, intellectual and physical impaired.

The NSW year 11 student continues to volunteer countless hours each week to coach all abilities children at the Blowfly Cricket Club, as well as coaching her brother’s under 9s team at Thornleigh Cricket Club – making Oliveri one of the first female coaches in the club’s 100-year history.

On top of her regular volunteering commitments, Oliveri recently coordinated and managed a mammoth fundraising event for the NSW Blind Cricket team and the McGrath Foundation at the official opening of the Pennant Hills High School cricket nets – which she was also the lead organiser for.

Oliveri was recently awarded both the Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia Young Leader of the Year awards in 2022/23.