Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley, Down Syndrome NSW CEO Emily Caska and employee Ellen Hester, Symmetra's Principal - Digital & Innovation Carly Wilkinson, Chair of Twenty10 Mon Schafter and Addi Road ambassador Craig Foster

As part of our commitment to be better tomorrow than today, the Sydney Swans have launched a new Diversity Action Plan (DAP). The DAP is a roadmap of commitments aimed at strengthening our club and our connection to community through genuine advocacy.

Our new DAP, unveiled at Henson Park in Marrickville, builds on the commitments made in 2017, when Sydney became the first AFL club to commit to a diversity action plan.

The key pillars of the DAP – disability empowerment, LGBTIQA+ pride, multicultural inclusion and the advancement of women – remain unchanged. However, to deliver on new initiatives the Swans have partnered with several community organisations. These include:

  • Down Syndrome NSW
  • Twenty10
  • Symmetra
  • Addi Road

Click here to view the 2022-2025 Sydney Swans Diversity Action Plan.

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Sydney Swans unveil new Diversity Action Plan

The Sydney Swans unveil their new DAP, which intends to build on the commitments made in 2017, when Sydney became the first AFL club to commit to a diversity action plan.

Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley said the club strives to be a place where everyone feels welcome and included.

“One of our club’s core values is respect and that underpins everything we do. Whether it’s providing a flexible workplace or ensuring our matches are welcoming and accessible, we want to be better tomorrow than today, so the DAP sets out a range of commitments to guide us on that path,” Harley said.

“Some of the commitments contained in our 2017 diversity action plan included establishing a youth girls’ program as part of our QBE Sydney Swans Academy, implementing paid parental leave, and making the Pride Game a permanent fixture request – our club has been richer for those initiatives.

“We’ve also learned a great deal over the journey, which led to us seeking likeminded organisations who can offer guidance to help us maximise our impact. We’re proud to be working with Down Syndrome NSW, Twenty10, Symmetra and Addi Road, and look forward to sharing the journey ahead with them.”

The DAP is a joint initiative from the Board, staff, players and community leaders. The DAP Committee is chaired by Sydney Swans Director Belinda Rowe, who brings a wealth of experience in C-level roles as well as a passion for advocacy in professional and social change. The DAP Committee includes:

  • Joel Amartey, Sydney Swans player
  • Elise Anderson, Sydney Swans dietician
  • Cynthia Banham, Sydney Swans ambassador and former No. 1 ticket holder
  • Scott Dalby, Sydney Swans Head of People and Culture
  • Tom Harley, Sydney Swans CEO
  • Sarina Jackson, Rainbow Swans chair
  • Kate Mahony, Sydney Swans Executive GM – AFLW
  • Shanthini Naidoo, Sydney Swans Foundation board member
  • Aimee Whelan, Sydney Swans player

Sydney Swans renew commitment to diversity

As part of our commitment to be better tomorrow than today, the Sydney Swans have launched a new Diversity Action Plan (DAP). The DAP is a roadmap of commitments aimed at strengthening our club and our connection to community through genuine advocacy. Our new DAP, unveiled at Henson Park in Marrickville, builds on the commitments made in 2017, when Sydney became the first AFL club to commit to a diversity action plan.
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