2025 National Conference & AGM
2025 National Conference
Dates: Tuesday 20 May and Wednesday 21 May
Venue: Hotel Grand Chancellor, 65 Hindley St, Adelaide
Theme: The value of sport and physical activity on supporting university outcomes
Aim: Provide delegates with strategies on how to use sport to address broader university challenges ​
About the Conference
​Following a review of member feedback of the 2024 National Forum, and in conjunction with feedback from the National Forum Working Group, in 2025 UniSport transitioned to a National Conference.
The Conference still had networking as a key event principle, but had a streamlined program, targeted to those responsible for the physical, social and mental wellbeing of the university community.
The 2025 Conference attracted over 100 university sport leaders, keynote speakers, university sport administrators and managers as well as representatives from international university sport federations and key university stakeholders. 
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Alongside the Conference, the annual UniSport Sport Awards were presented in the evening on Tuesday 20 May, to celebrate the achievement of university student-athletes and sporting programs. This year’s presentations were delivered in an informal networking style function.  Click here to view the award winners.
UniSport Australia respectfully acknowledges the Kaurna people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the 2025 UniSport National Conference was held.  ​
2025 Featured Speakers​​
KYLE CHALMERS
Olympic Gold Medallist
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At just 18 years old, Kyle caused shockwaves in the swimming world when he won the blue-ribboned men's 100m freestyle Olympic title at Rio 2016.
Since then, he has won two silver medals in the men’s 100m freestyle, multiple relay Olympic medals and multiple Commonwealth Games gold medals.​
ANDREW O’LOUGHLIN
Experience Design advisor, facilitator and coach
Presentation: How to design (or redesign) sport to work in new ways, meet new expectations, and have a positive influence in a university setting.
In a world of new and rising expectations, the experiences you provide will determine whether people value what you offer, and ultimately decide if they come back again, and, what they say about you.​
NARELLE EATHER
Associate Professor in Health and Physical Education at The University of Newcastle
Presentation: How to demonstrate the significant value of sport in improving student mental health in a university setting.
Narelle is an active researcher and has published in peer-reviewed international journals. Recently, her research has included the development of physical fitness and psychological health in adolescents.
FIONA NOTLEY
RMIT Chief Operating Officer
Presentation: How to sell the message of sport to university executives.
Fiona Notley is a Senior Executive and Non-Executive Director with 23 years’ experience in a diverse range of roles and sectors including education, sport, and health and is currently RMIT University’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Vice President having joined the University in November 2024.
BEN CORK
Pride in Sport Senior Relationship Manager
Presentation: How to implement Pride in Sport initiatives and get university buy-in.
Through his work with Pride in Sport, Ben supports Australian sporting organisations to build inclusive cultures, promote participation and reconnect communities. On top of his work with Pride in Sport, Ben has been involved in Gymnastics over 30 years as an athlete, coach and administrator.
National Conference MC
STEPHANIE BRANTZ
Renowned Australian sports presenter Stephanie Brantz will be MC for the UniSport National Conference.
Stephanie has worked in the Australian sports television industry since 2000, with SBS, the Nine Network, Fox Sports and the ABC, and is currently a contributor for ESPN. Brantz is also an Ambassador and student mentor for the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, an ambassador for the Chappell Foundation and was family ambassador of the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association.
Presentations
Tuesday 20 May
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Member case study: Activity, connection and wellbeing on campus – VU thrive* Program - Rohenna Young, Victoria University
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University Sport: Leading the way - Addressing Gender Based Violence in Higher Education - Stephanie Taylor, Australia and New Zealand Student Services Association
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UniSport GenderBased Violence Good Practice Guidelines - Christine Voge, UniSport Australia
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The value of sport for psychological and social outcomes: evidence from the field - Associate Professor Narelle Eather, The University of Newcastle
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Selling the message of sport to university executives - Fiona Notley, RMIT
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AIS Elite Sportsperson Education Network – expanding opportunities for students - Christine Higgisson, Australian Institute of Sport
Wednesday 21 May
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​Implementing Pride in Sport Initiatives with University "Buy-In" - Ben Cork, Pride in Sport
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Member case study: AUSF Pride in Sport Journey - Daniel Lawlor, Adelaide University Sport and Fitness
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Member case study: LGBTQIA+ Allyship in Sport - Creating Inclusive Sporting Communities at UWA - Kristina Mitsikas, UWA Sport
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Member case study: Wheelchair Basketball - Bridget Fenoughty & Deanna Kennedy, UniSA Sport
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How to design (or redesign) sport to work in new ways, meet new expectations, and have a positive influence in a university setting - Andrew O'Loughlin
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Member case study: Enhancing student sport at UniSC - Melanie Schipp, UniSC
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Case study: Hiwa, University of Auckland (coming soon) - Albie Eaton, University of Auckland
Video: Inside Hiwa, Auckland University’s new sport and recreation centre -
Member Elite Athlete Programs and current and future elite student-athlete needs - Jenny Borlase, South Australian Institute of Sport
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Member case study: Deakin University Elite Athlete Program - Jack Duke, Deakin University
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Member case study: FUSF Athlete Development Program - Amy Moyce, Flinders University Sport and Fitness
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