This award recognises the best example of media that depicts the inclusiveness of sport and/or sporting communities. Entries may include stories or programs that promote participation and help break down social barriers. Issues covered may include gender equity, Indigenous Australians, multicultural groups, different age demographics or the role of volunteers in sport.
Amanda Shalala, ‘In Her Words’, ABC
Created by Amanda Shalala, ABC Sport's women in sport series In Her Words, opens in a new tab is a mini-documentary video series which hears directly from a variety of sportswomen on the challenges they’ve faced in pursuing their passion. The seven-episode series explores underrepresented issues in women's sport including fertility struggles, cultural barriers, body shaming, transgender participation, maternity protections and periods helping facilitate conversations which are long overdue.
Johanna McDiarmid, ‘The Cheer Community’, ABC
Johanna McDiarmid explores the inclusivity of the cheer community at a western Sydney gym, opens in a new tab. Jessica Evans, 17, is vision impaired and has been cheering for nine years thanks to modified routines and help from her coaches and the club. Kiana Roberts, 11, has Autism Spectrum Disorder (non-verbal), ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Motor Dyspraxia and anxiety and loves performing on stage. While cheer is some important ‘me-time’ for 42-year-old mother of four Michelle Parkinson. All say they’ve benefitted from being involved in such an inclusive sport.
The Outer Sanctum, ABC
The Outer Sanctum Podcast is an all-female podcast, opens in a new tab dedicated to promoting social inclusion and diversity in Australian Rules football. In addition to a weekly podcast, The Outer Sanctum produced a live ABC radio show during the AFLW season. Guests included Julia Gillard on women, leadership and sport, Nicole Livingston and Steve Hocking on the future of the AFLW, Paralympian Daniela Di Toro on disability and inclusion, Natasha Stott-Despoja on sport diplomacy and family violence and Haneen Zrieka on Ramadan, religion and sport, among many others.
David Davutovic, Ben Coonan, ‘Football Belongs’, Optus Sport
Optus Sport’s Football Belongs series celebrates the profound contribution of European communities to Australia through a football lens. Australia’s ethnic clubs have been marginalised and withstood challenges to their respective identities, especially since the National Soccer League folded in 2004. The series illustrated the communities’ continued vibrancy and passion, particularly about football. Football Belongs revisited the stories central to Australia’s immigration success, opens in a new tab, and explored the unique, rich traditions many communities continue to celebrate, be it through football, folk dancing, food – or all three.