AusCycling takes forward step with Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group

A newly-formed Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group announced by AusCycling is set to continue the organisation's commitment to providing safe, welcoming, and inclusive cycling environments in 2022 and beyond.

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Current board member and mountain biker Jenni Mcleod will co-chair the group along with women in sport researcher and adviser, Professor Claire Hanlon, who will focus on strengthening diversity in all forms across Australian cycling communities.

Joining them will be a strong selection of community individuals including multiple world and Paralympic champion Carol Cooke AM PLY, SBS commentator and Olympian Gracie Elvin and proud Barrungam man and former professional cyclist, Adam Phelan.

Rounding out the group will be culture change and organisational development specialist Chyloe Kurdas, world championship triathlete Kirk Mitchell, and former Liv Cycling Australia brand ambassador Shahrzad Shahnia.

“We have formed an incredibly diverse group of talented and highly skilled people who are champions for this cause,” McLeod said in a statement from AusCycling.

“They are incredibly driven and passionate for affecting change, and I cannot wait to begin working with these amazing people. They are working for the whole organisation of AusCycling, and we are so lucky to have them.” 

“We have a dynamic Advisory Group who represent a variety of viewpoints,” Hanlon added.

“It is an honour to be involved with determined and committed leaders who are change-makers in their own right.”

The decision to form the group was made following a series of workshops to 'define the organisation’s purpose, vision, behaviours, and values', and the team of eight will work with the AusCycling Board of Management in 'implementing frameworks that will advance the sport’s agenda of inclusive and diverse participation and pathways'.

Mcleod emphasised the openness of the group's initiatives, as they look to welcome input from people at all levels of the sport to aid in gathering accurate information to ensure they have a clear vision of what cycling communities need.

“We know that there are amazing people on the frontline at the grassroots level doing the hard yards, developing these programs, working in a very strategic way," she said.

"We want to ensure we do not miss opportunities to amplify this. I believe that success can be driven from the bottom up."

“We recognise that our voices do not represent every area and community, so we will look to gain further insights to create a strategy focused on driving a welcoming, diverse and inclusive cycling community," Hanlon added.