Join us for an inspiring, action-focused panel discussion aimed at helping coaches, volunteers, and clubs build safer, more inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ athletes.

Inclusion is a core value of NSW Fencing, and is a vital foundation for wellbeing, team connection, and the growth of sport as a whole. To support the fencing community to strengthen team culture, attract and retain diverse talent, grow participation at all levels, and build a reputation for safety and inclusion, this session will equip you with:

🟣 Simple strategies to foster belonging
🟣 Insights from research and data
🟣 Success stories from the sporting community
🟣 Ideas for the next steps in your inclusion initiatives

Inclusive environments make sport better for everyone! This session, held on IDAHOBIT Day, will equip you with the tools, insights, and confidence to champion LGBTQIA+ inclusion and play your part in creating a sporting culture where everyone feels welcome, valued, and able to thrive.

We welcome you to join in person, and a zoom link can be provided for those who are remote. Please indicate when you register.

Panel

(in alphabetical order)

Avery Holderness-Roddam
National Participation Manager
Australian Fencing Federation (AFF)

Avery (he/him) began fencing in 2000 as a shy kid with undiagnosed ADHD. Fencing was the first activity that truly engaged Avery, leading him to immerse himself in competing and promoting the sport. By the age of fourteen, Avery knew he wanted to run a fencing club to share his passion. Today, he is the Head Coach of Tasmania's Van Diemen Fencing Club, President of the Tasmanian Fencing Association Inc, and Participation Manager for the Australian Fencing Federation.

Assigned female at birth, Avery came out as trans at twenty-seven. He is a dedicated advocate for creating a safe and inclusive fencing community where everyone can participate and enjoy the sport without facing barriers or discrimination. Avery will share his approaches to fostering an inclusive fencing community in Tasmania, with a focus on Trans and Gender Diverse inclusion. He will also provide an overview of the Australian Sports Commission's Play Well Strategy, the national framework for ensuring access to grassroots sports for all Australians.

 

Ben Cork
Senior Relationship Manager
Pride in Sport

Ben (he/him) has been involved in Gymnastics over 30 years as an athlete, coach and administrator, and through his work with Pride in Sport, supports Australian sporting organisations to build inclusive cultures, promote participation and connect communities.

Drawing on deep experience with sport, inclusion, and data-informed approaches, Ben will share insights from research, success stories from sporting organisations, and practical inspiration for participation and inclusion initiatives which you can use in your context.

 

Luke Heckendorf
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Lead
Macquarie University

Luke (he/him) has extensive experience working across various National and State Sporting Organisations in roles such as Match Official, Administrator, and in Diversity and Inclusion. Currently, Luke serves as the DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Lead at Macquarie University, a Platinum Tier member of Pride in Sport.

Luke will share valuable insights from his diverse roles in the sports sector and discuss how Macquarie University Sport has achieved success in the Pride in Sport Index. He will also provide practical advice on how sporting clubs can begin their journey towards inclusivity. Luke's expertise and dedication to fostering inclusive environments make him a compelling speaker on the intersection of sports and diversity.

 

Facilitator

Dr Alessandra Wollaston
President and secretary
NSW Fencing

Dr Wollaston (she/they) is an experienced educator, facilitator, and communicator with a commitment to innovation, inclusivity and collaboration. With first hand experience of the benefits of inclusive sport, they are keen to ensure that the voices of all participants contribute to the development of fencing, and are proud to be part of the strong and committed NSW Fencing board.

 

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This event is made possible by funding from the Australian Pride in Sport Festival which was awarded to the Australian Fencing Federation (AFF). The Australian Pride in Sport Festival has received grant funding from the Australian Government managed by the Australian Sports Commission, the City of Sydney, the Government of Victoria and the Estate of the Late James Simpson Love.
GROWING PARTICIPATION OF LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES IN AUSTRALIAN SPORT