"Is Victoria the best place to be involved in sport - for everyone?"

A debate about integrity, inclusion, safety, fairness and the future of sport.

Melbourne is widely claimed as Australia's sporting capital. But does that automatically make it the best place to be involved in sport?

We think this is an important question, because we all want Victoria to be the best place to be involved in sport but also the fairest, safest and most welcoming for everyone.

So at this special edition of the Vicsport Integrity Forum series supported by Sport and Recreation Victoria, we are leaning into a open and honest live debate exploring one of the biggest questions facing Victorian sport today.

Moderated by Paul Kennedy from the ABC, two teams of sport leaders, researchers and practitioners will examine the proposition: "Is Victoria the best place to be involved in sport - for everyone?"

Through a series of moderated questions and audience discussion, the team will debate if we are the best place (or not) for:

Safety?

• Is Victorian sport the safest place to be involved in sport? And becoming safer? Yes or No

  • For aspects such as child safeguarding, sideline behaviour, online behaviour and other sporting environments?

Participation and Inclusion?

• Can Victoria genuinely claim to be the best place for everyone?

  • For all participants and all of those involved? Across all sports and activities?

  • For all genders, those with disability?

  • For First Nations participation, LGBTQIA+ inclusion?

Integrity & Fairness?

• Are opportunities in Victorian sport distributed fairly? Compared with other States and Nations? Yes or No?
  • For Facility access?
  • For regional communities, emerging sports, and, traditional sports?

Responsibility?

• Should sport focus on sport, or should it help solve broader social issues?
• For RAPs? Pride initiatives? Mental health? Community cohesion?

Volunteers?

• Is Victoria the best place to be involved for everyone – our volunteers, our administrators, coaches, officials? Yes or No?

The Future?

• In just over five years time, in 2032, will we say it is the best state? Yes or No?

Our Moderator

Paul Kennedy will lead the debate between two teams of reputable sector representatives.

Our Panel

Team For

• Allana Sharman - Strategic leader with extensive industry experience
  • Industry Consultant, Vicsport Board Director
• Jason Hellwig - Leading Victorian sport executive
  • CEO of Swimming Victoria, Chair of Vicsport, Former CEO of the Australian Paralympic Committee
• Ebony McQuinn - Rising sports administrator with deep community sport roots.
  
  • Events and Membership Coordinator for Vicsport, Women's Football Operations for Bonbeach FNC
• Greg Schneiders - Passionate advocate for sport and recreation
  • GM of Active Education Australia, Director of Corporate Games Australia

Team Against

• Jamie Parsons -One of Victorian sport's most experienced leaders.
  • CEO of Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria, Former CEO of Badminton Australia, School Sport Victoria and Gymnastics Victoria
• Kate Palmer - Highly esteemed leader of Australian sport
  • COO of AusCycling, Director of Richmond FC, Former CEO of Australian Sports Commission
• Sunil Menon - Community engagement and social impact advocate
  • Head of Community at Melbourne City FC, Former Director of Athletes for Hope Australia
• Ayden Shaw - Champion for accessibility, inclusion and equitable participation
  • CEO of Disability Sports Australia

The Debate

While this will be a great competition between two teams, this is not about declaring who is right or wrong. It is about testing ideas, challenging assumptions and creating space for honest and constructive discussion about the future of sport in Victoria.

Join us for what promises to be one of the most engaging and thought-provoking conversations of the year.

DETAILS

DATE: Wednesday 24 June, 2026

TIME: Panel - 4pm-5.15pm
             Networking - 5.15pm-6pm

VENUE: Gate 8 
86-88 Jolimont St, East Melbourne VIC 3002

COST: Members and Students - FREE
            Non-Members - $20

Catering and drinks provided afterwards during networking.