Our Members
Sam Hughes
Physical Activity and Wellbeing Leader
E shughes@goldcoast.qld.gov.au
L www.linkedin.com/in/hughes-sam-43109a16/
A passionate advocate for women and girls in sport, Sam’s connection to sport began as a four-year-old Essendon Bombers fan at the MCG and continues today through community sport, running, surfing and AFL. Guided by integrity, empowerment and equity, she brings lived experience as an athlete, parent of elite athletes, community sport volunteer and more than 20 years working in government to improve community wellbeing. She is committed to challenging inequitable structures in sport and harnessing the power of education, research and advocacy to create greater opportunities for women and girls.
City of Gold Coast
Carol Fox
Founder | Women in Sport Leadership
L www.linkedin.com/in/carolfoxco/
A lifelong advocate for women and girls in sport, Carol’s passion for equality began at 16 when she was told she could not earn her Surf Life Saving Bronze Medallion because she was a girl. Guided by the values of confidence, inclusion and leadership, she has held influential roles including President of Women Sport Australia and Deputy President of Surf Life Saving Queensland, while building expertise in governance, leadership development and executive coaching. Carol’s mantra is to shine a light on inequality, not fight the fight, creating positive and lasting change across the sporting sector.
Carol Fox & Co
Director | Accredited Exercise Physiologist (PhD)
L www.linkedin.com/in/gabi-gildea/
Gabi is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with a PhD in women’s physical activity behaviour and a passion for advancing health equity through evidence-informed practice. She brings expertise in translating the rapidly evolving field of women’s exercise science into practical strategies that improve health, participation and performance outcomes across all stages of life. Through her private practice, Her Continuum, Gabi is committed to breaking down barriers to physical activity and exercise through online and in-person support for women, helping them thrive at every stage of life.
Her ContinuumDr Gabi Gildea
Assistant Dean Research (Health Sciences & Medicine)
L www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-milne-61324919/
Nikki is a paediatric physiotherapist, researcher and former elite gymnast who is passionate about advancing health, participation and performance opportunities for women and girls in sport. Guided by commitment, advocacy and the belief that movement is for everyone, she brings expertise in female athlete health and a strong understanding of the gender inequities that continue to exist across sport. Nikki is committed to strengthening female-specific research, improving injury prevention outcomes and increasing the visibility of women’s sport through evidence-based advocacy and collaboration.
Bond UniversityA/Prof Nikki Milne
Director | Physiotherapist
L www.linkedin.com/in/alissa-wilkinson-9a131871/
Alissa is a physiotherapist and advocate for women’s health and performance, bringing both clinical expertise and lived experience to her work supporting women and girls in sport. Guided by a belief in empowerment through education, strength as a foundation for freedom, and stronger connections between sport and health, she focuses on building pathways that help women participate, compete and thrive with confidence over the long term. Drawing on her own journey of returning to high-level competition after motherhood, Alissa is passionate about strengthening the systems and support networks that enable women to stay engaged in sport through every stage of life.
Run ResilienceAlissa Williams
Executive Director
E amanda.jenkins@fiba.basketball
L www.linkedin.com/in/amandabjenkins/
Amanda is a passionate advocate for the power of sport to transform lives, communities and opportunities for women and girls. Drawing on experience as an athlete, coach, major sporting event professional and mother, she brings a strong understanding of both the opportunities and challenges women face in sport at every stage of life. Guided by the belief that sport should be fun and empowering, Amanda is committed to creating more opportunities, visible role models and welcoming environments that encourage women and girls to participate, lead and thrive.
FIBA OceaniaAmanda Jenkins
Kat Cacavas
Gold Coast Health | Make Ways FoundationSenior Health Promotion Officer | Founder and Director
E katherine.cacavas@health.qld.gov.au
L www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-cacavas/
Kat is a qualified Dietitian and Nutritionist with almost 20 years of experience, bringing a unique blend of health promotion, nutrition, movement and community connection to her work with women and girls. Through her roles as a Health Promotion Officer, yoga teacher and founder of a local sports gear charity, she is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities that empower people to participate and thrive. Guided by the values of connection, inclusion and empowerment, Kat champions collaborative approaches that improve access to sport and physical activity, particularly for priority population groups.
Department of Sport, Racing, Olympic and Paralympic GamesEsther Revell
Senior Engagement Officer
E Esther.Revell@sport.qld.gov.au
L www.linkedin.com/in/esther-revell-b69824124/
Esther is a passionate advocate for inclusive participation in sport and recreation, with more than 25 years of experience across education, local government and the sport and recreation sectors in New Zealand, England and Australia. Guided by a commitment to removing barriers, building strong community relationships and creating opportunities through education and mentoring, she brings extensive expertise in developing pathways that support participation and leadership. Esther is dedicated to strengthening collaboration across government, education and community organisations to create more opportunities for women and girls to participate, lead and succeed in sport.
Natalie Broom
Coordinator Sport and Wellbeing
E nbroom@goldcoast.qld.gov.au
L www.linkedin.com/in/nataliebroom/
Natalie brings a wealth of experience across coaching, injury rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, high performance sport, major events, community development and strategic leadership. Guided by the values of courage, connection and exploration, she is passionate about creating opportunities that help women and girls remain engaged in sport and physical activity throughout their lives. Natalie is committed to advancing greater equality in sport through stronger investment, visibility and support, particularly during the critical years when participation rates for girls and young women begin to decline.
City of Gold Coast
Rachelle Ballard-Clayton
Gold Coast Recreation and Sport Inc.Project Program Coordinator
L www.linkedin.com/in/rachelleballardclayton/
Rachelle is a passionate community development leader with extensive experience designing and delivering health, wellbeing and inclusion initiatives that help people lead more active, connected lives. Through her work coordinating the Active Inclusion Program and collaborating with government, health and community stakeholders, she is committed to creating accessible opportunities for participation and empowering organisations to embed inclusive practices. Bringing expertise in project leadership, stakeholder engagement and health promotion, Rachelle champions collaborative approaches that strengthen communities and improve wellbeing outcomes for people of all abilities.
Fiona Sessarago
L www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-sessarago-8954814
Fiona brings a unique whole-of-pathway perspective to women and girls in sport, drawing on her experience as a participant, coach and administrator across grassroots through to elite sporting environments. Guided by the values of honesty, opportunity and inclusiveness, she is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for women and girls and fostering the relationships that make sport such a powerful force for connection and belonging. Fiona is committed to amplifying good work across the sector and supporting collaborative approaches that strengthen participation and leadership opportunities for women in sport.
Australian Football League