The AIS Talent Program is delivered in partnership with Sport Australia and the Office for Women as part of the Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) grants. This year the AIS Talent Program focused on women in STEMM with the aim of increasing the depth, diversity and representation of women in Australian high performance sport.

Participants from across the Australian sport sector took part in the inaugural AIS Talent Program, including Dr Alison Alcock, who is currently acting as the Wallabies’ COVID Manager during the UK Spring Tour, and Dr Victoria Moore, the Sports Science and Sports Medicine Coordinator for para-athletes at Athletics Australia.

“The AIS Talent Program has offered a unique opportunity to connect with an incredibly diverse and amazing group of women that spread across the scope of the high performance setting,” Victoria said.

“Learning from each other’s experiences and being transparent about challenges, that are often commonly felt, has forged strong bonds and connections amongst the group that will be invaluable moving forward.”

Head of Performance Health at the NSWIS Kate Mahony added: “We have been able to both share experiences and also learn more about our own leadership styles, strengths and weaknesses.”

“There is evidence that having diversity, including gender diversity leads to better business outcomes. Diversity brings multiple perspectives and life experiences to a conversation, and it's easy to see the benefit of that in sport.

“Through amplification of women in high performance sport and STEMM, we show that people of varied backgrounds and genders all have something to offer and can contribute greatly to our sporting success.

“It has been so valuable to be able to meet and get to know women working to make a difference in the Australian sporting system.”

Former South African Netball Captain and AIS Women Leading Sport Consultant Bronwyn Jonathan was thrilled with the outcomes of the 2021 intake of the AIS Talent Program and encouraged applicants to keep an eye out for EOIs opening soon.

“The contribution of women in STEMM disciplines is invaluable to high performance sport and it is important to support their leadership journey as we work towards gender balanced performance environments,” Bronwyn said.

“I look forward to seeing their ongoing impact in the sporting system.”

More information about the AIS Talent Program can be found here.