WAIS Holds Inaugural Athlete Advisory Committee Meeting

Published On: 9 December 2024

The Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) recently hosted the first meeting of its newly established Athlete Advisory Committee (AAC), marking an important step in fostering stronger connections between athletes and WAIS senior leadership and the Board.

Comprising 11 members, the committee includes two co-chairs and nine athletes from a diverse range of sports, ensuring all athletes have a voice within the Institute. The committee was established to ensure athletes have a platform to represent the views and interests of their peers across all sport programs, focusing on issues that directly impact their high-performance sport experience.

The introductory meeting focused on laying the foundation for the committee’s objectives and vision, with a strong emphasis on creating an inclusive platform for athlete voices. Discussions centred on the role of the AAC in shaping WAIS’s athlete culture, ensuring open communication between athletes and WAIS senior management, and exploring opportunities to enhance athlete experiences within the Institute.

Luke Zaccaria, Cycling

“To be part of the inaugural WAIS committee is exciting, as I have advocated for it for some time. It’s a great opportunity to directly influence the athlete environment here at WAIS and build a stronger, more cohesive culture. I’m excited to see the impact we can have as we help shape the journey of both our current athletes, and the next generation, leading into Brisbane 2032.”

Nina Kennedy, Athletics

“The committee is a great way for athletes from all sports within the WAIS environment to come together and have a voice. Athlete Advisory Committees are critical when striving towards an athlete-centred approach, which is so important in this day and age.”

Olympian Tommaso D’Orsogna (Swimming), one of the co-chairs, commented, “This committee is a great step forward for WAIS, showing a real commitment to its athletes by allowing them to provide feedback and share ideas to make the program as successful as possible for our state’s future champions.”

WAIS CEO Matt Fulton said the establishment of the committee underscores WAIS’s dedication to athlete welfare and collaboration.

“The Athlete Advisory Committee is a critical step toward embedding athlete perspectives into our decision-making processes. By creating this direct connection with senior organisational leadership and the Board, we aim to foster a supportive environment where all athletes feel heard and valued,” Fulton said.

The AAC will meet regularly to provide advice, share insights, and work collaboratively with WAIS CEO and the Board, to advance key initiatives.

Athlete Advisory Committee Members:

Co-Chairs

  • Sally Hunter
  • Tommaso D’Orsogna

Committee Members:

  • Alex Rossi (Rowing)
  • Christian Starkie (Hockey)
  • Cruz Hogan (Athletics)
  • Genevieve Hart (Rowing)
  • Kristina Krstic (Lawn Bowls)
  • Luke Egger (Paddle)
  • Luke Zaccaria (Cycling)
  • Nina Kennedy (Athletics)
  • Rhiannon Clarke (Para-Athletics)

 For media enquiries or for further information, please contact: communications@wais.org.au