Mind the gap
Bringing Australia together across generational and societal divides
Sports organisations can champion positive change across society. They do this by emphasising sporting values of fair play, egalitarianism, inclusivity and teamwork.
By showcasing these values and creating a meritocracy based on commitment, fitness and skills development, sports offer a source of inspiration, create shared experiences, and build pride.
Sport can bridge the cultural and demographic gaps existing and emerging across Australian society. Australia’s population overall is aging increasingly diverse. In 2022, nearly a third of Australians are born overseas, 3.2% are members of First Nations groups, 17% live with disability, and just over half of the population are women. Young Australians are growing up with new technologies and global connections, creating distinctly different behaviours and values.
Over the coming decades, sports organisations and individual athletes will play a unique role in broader societal change and help bridge the gaps between demographic groups. Sport will provide a sense of common purpose, identity and belonging to Australians from many different backgrounds and abilities.
Bringing Australia together across generational and societal divides
- Cultural gap An increasingly culturally diverse Australia.
- Gender gap More women and gender diversity in more sports.
- Generation gap The changing behaviours and values of younger generations.
- Abilities gap More sporting pathways for people of all abilities and ages.
