QSport announces partnership with Griffith University
QSport is proud to announce a landmark two-year partnership with Griffith University, continuing through to June 2027. This strategic collaboration will deepen both organisations’ commitment to advancing gender equity, leadership and participation in sport across Queensland.
As part of the partnership, Griffith University is now the Naming Sponsor of the Queensland Sport Awards, Athlete of the Year Award, one of the state’s most prestigious honours recognising outstanding sporting achievement. This elevated alignment strengthens the Awards profile while reinforcing Griffith University’s long-standing commitment to athlete development, high-performance pathways and sport research excellence.
A major feature of the new partnership is the establishment of a Women in Sport Leadership Series, which will include a suite of networking and professional development events delivered throughout each year of the agreement. These events will shine a spotlight on Queensland’s women leaders in sport and celebrate their achievements on an international platform. Importantly, the series will also recognise and engage male allies who actively champion gender equity in their workplaces and communities, creating opportunities for broader cultural change.
The partnership will also focus on identifying emerging female leaders in the sports sector and connecting them with mentors drawn from QSport’s extensive network of senior administrators, coaches, officials and industry influencers. The initiative is designed to build meaningful pathways for talented women to progress into leadership roles, ensuring the sector continues to develop strong, diverse and capable governance.
In addition, QSport and Griffith University will collaborate on a significant research program that collates data and insights regarding the lived experiences of women in sport. This work will specifically inform recommendations aimed at improving gender equity on sporting boards—an area increasingly guided by government mandates. The research will help equip organisations with the evidence needed to drive systemic, long-term change.
“QSport’s focus is to unite, activate and champion sport in Queensland,” said QSport CEO Shantel Netzler.
“This partnership with Griffith University is a powerful step forward. By combining our networks, our insight-capabilities and our shared values, we will shine a spotlight on the inspirational women leading sport in Queensland—and crucially, we will build meaningful systems to lift and support the next generation of leaders. I am particularly excited about our focus on mentorship, male allies and the gathering of lived-experience data: none of this is tokenistic—it’s intentional and designed to drive real change.”
“By aligning with Griffith University’s outstanding sporting and research credentials, we will embed a sustained program of events and insights work across the next two years. Together, we will connect people, celebrate achievement and deliver actionable recommendations that support more inclusive governance and leadership in sport.”
Griffith University is recognised for its leadership in sport research, athlete support and gender-equity frameworks, making it an ideal partner for this collaboration.
Director Griffith Sports College, Naomi McCarthy OAM said she was proud to strengthen the two organisations shared commitment to excellence in sport across Queensland.
“Our sponsorship of the Athlete of the Year Awards aligns strongly with Griffith’s reputation for high performance and our longstanding support for elite athletes.”
“We are also excited to collaborate with QSport and its Queensland member sports on the upcoming Women in Sport Series, led by Griffith’s expert group SAGE (Sport and Gender Equity). This initiative represents an important opportunity to advance gender equity in sport, and we look forward to the positive impact it will deliver across the sector.”
QSport—established in 1992 as the peak body for the sport industry in Queensland—supports more than 70 State Sporting Organisations and is dedicated to bringing diverse communities into sport, building leadership, advocacy and measurable impact.
Further details about the Women in Sport Leadership Series, mentorship opportunities and upcoming insights reports will be released as the partnership progresses.
