From: Friday August 16, 2024, 10:00 am
To: Friday August 16, 2024, 11:00 am
To celebrate the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, NSW WEN invites you to a panel event discussing the achievements of women in sport and the challenges they face.
The online panel will be held on Friday, the 16th of August at 10:00-11:00am AEST.
Event summary
Women face significant barriers when playing sport. Only 1 in 5 football grounds in Australia have places for women to change. Female athletes in Australia are paid on average $20,000 less than male athletes, with a gender pay gap of 31.5% for full-time employees in the Sports and Physical Recreation Activities workforce. Women are up to 6 times more likley than men to injure their ACL, which can take more than a year to recover from. However, the past few years have produced major breakthroughs for women. Viewership of women’s sports in Australia increased by 18% from 2022-23. Since then, the Matildas have become the first women football globally to guarantee the same pay as their male counterparts.
To unpack the challenges and triumphs occuring in women’s sport, join this virtual event. Our panel will include a Coaching Advisor at the Australian Sports Commission, Australia’s Paralympic Powerlifting Coach and a former NRL CEO. The panel will include short presentations of the panels’ work and learnings on women in sport, as well as a Q&A component designed to start a discussion on ‘where to next’.
Please note NSW WEN is a trans-inclusive organisation.
Date: Friday 16 August 2024
Time: 10.00 - 11.00am AEST
Venue: Online via Zoom - a link will be sent to you upon registration.
Cost: Free for all (including WEN and non-WEN members).
Our panel
Hannah Altman
Dr. Hannah Altman is an early career scholar and practitioner at the intersection of economics, sports, and health. She holds a PhD in Experimental Sports, Health, and Behavioural Economics from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), along with undergraduate degrees in Health Science (Physiology) and Commerce (Economics & Econometrics). Hannah co-edited the first book in behavioural sports economics with Routledge in (2022) and has published multiple papers in the field, delivering over 20 international presentations. A former swim coach, youth national champion in sprint and marathon kayaking, and national record-holding powerlifter, she will represent Australia in the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships later this year in South Africa. As the founder and Director of Infinite Strength & Rehabilitation, she specializes in occupational pain management, chronic pain, and sports-specific training, driving meaningful change in both the academic and fitness worlds.
Annabelle White
Annabelle White is the Coaching Advisor at the Australian Sports Commission with experience spanning across coaching and officiating, participation, events and leading change. Annabelle is driven by a strong belief that sport has the potential to create authentic social change when inclusion and diversity is prioritised and embedded in all we do. She holds a Masters in Sports Management from Bond University. Annabelle is leading work to support coaches working with women and girls in community sport to create safe, fun and inclusive environments, reflecting the needs and motivations of participants in practice.
Cassie Dover
Cassie Dover is an experienced Basketball Coach, Indigenous Basketball Association volunteer and Yugambeh woman. After spending the majority of her life in the world of Basketball, her passion for the sport is reflected in her ongoing commitment to creating positive cultures and meaningful connections with participants. Cassie is currently leading work locally to implement a mentoring for coaches and pathways for female athletes in community.
Simon Bergner
Simon Berger is the Head Coach of Australia’s 2024 Paralympic (Para) Powerlifting team. His team is the first Austrailan Para Powerlifters to qualify for the Paralympic Games in 12 years. He also coached Australia’s 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Powerlifting team.
Brian Canavan
In recent times, Brian Canavan has held senior management positions including National Rugby League (NRL) Club Chief Operating Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Director of Football, and NRL governing body Head of Football. Brian was involved in the formation of the NRL Women’s Competition and is currently involved with the QRL’s women’s competitions and pathways.
Brian’s current roles include being a consultant for the NRL in senior coach professional development and Chairperson of the QRL South East Region and QRL Board member.