Three-time Olympian Cowley utilises the platform he has through sport to be a positive influence and support community endeavours that align with his values.

He is a passionate advocate of climate change and sustainability and an active ambassador for Sports Environment Alliance, EcoAthletes and High Impact Athletes. His engagement in charity clean-ups and other environmental initiatives saw him win the 2024 BBC Green Sports Award Athlete of the Year award.

The 33-year-old is an alumni ambassador for the AIS Share a Yarn program and has been a working group member of the VIS First Nations Strategy Working group since 2022 to support First Nations Peoples Rights.

As the secretary of the Athletics Australia Athletes’ Advisory Committee, Cowley amplifies the athlete voice and provides feedback on relevant policies and procedures to create safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for all athletes.

Cowley is also a 2024 AIS The Good Village Problem Solvers Ambassador and presenter and VIS ‘Be Fit Be Well’ program and Elite Athlete Speaker Program presenter.