The Sydney Swans will formalise their commitment to diversity and inclusion this year through the establishment of a Diversity Action Plan (DAP).
The DAP will be the first formal action plan of its kind in the AFL and will address four key pillars, including:
- Advancement of women
- LGBTIQ pride
- Multicultural inclusion
- Empowerment of people with disabilities
The announcement coincides with International Women’s Day and follows the official commencement on the Sydney Swans Board of pioneer for women in football Sam Mostyn.
Mostyn will chair Sydney’s DAP Committee, bringing to the role her expertise as the Deputy Chair of Diversity Council Australia.
The committee also includes:
- Andrew Ireland, Sydney Swans CEO and Managing Director
- Natalie Fagg, Sydney Swans Head of Customer and Community
- Kelle Storey, Sydney Swans General Manager of Corporate Partnerships
- Scott Dalby, Sydney Swans Human Resources Manager
- Elise Cameron, Sydney Swans Dietician
- Sarina Jackson, Rainbow Swans organiser and external Pride representative
- Cynthia Banham, Sydney Swans ambassador and external Disability representative
- Nick Smith, Sydney Swans player
- Aliir Aliir, Sydney Swans player
Swans CEO and Managing Director Andrew Ireland said the DAP is expected to be completed mid-year.
“This is an exciting development for the Swans that will see us formalise key commitments in the areas of diversity and inclusion – it’s also timely as we look forward to hosting the first Pride Game for premiership points in Sydney later this year,” Ireland said.
“The commitments in our Diversity Action Plan are not only about making meaningful changes within our football club, but we also hope as community leaders that we can inspire other organisations to take positive action.”
The DAP follows the success of the Sydney Swans’ Reconciliation Action Plan, with the Club’s second RAP launched last year.
