Professor John Cairney, PhD, PGDipOL (Oxford), MBA (Sport Management) is a globally recognized leader in sport, health, and higher education. He is Head of School at the University of Queensland and Deputy Executive Director of the Office of Games Engagement, where he co-leads UQ’s strategic involvement in Brisbane 2032. With over 25 years’ experience, he has published 320+ peer-reviewed papers, secured over $55 million in research funding, and built international partnerships across academia, government, and sport. He also directs UQ’s IOC-sanctioned Centre for Olympic and Paralympic Studies. Professor Cairney blends executive leadership with deep research impact, holding advanced qualifications from Oxford and an MBA in Sport Management from the Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid–Universidad Europea.

An ally and champion of equity, diversity and inclusion, Adam has 20 years’ experience working for Local, National and International sporting organisations in Australia and abroad. He is currently the Senior Advisor - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the Australian Sports Commission leading such initiatives as the implementation of an Intersectionality Roadmap titled, An ALL Inclusive approach to governance and leadership in Australian Sport as well as an education project titled, Dealing with the moment: Anti-Racism in Community Sport. Adam is also the co-host of the Reflect Forward Podcast; a short-format podcast that explores topics related to racism through the lens of sport.

Tom Dixon is the National Manager for the Play by the Rules program and is employed by Sport Integrity Australia (a partner of Play by the Rules). Tom brings diverse expertise to the role as a sport management professional with experience in club development, participation programs, child safeguarding in sport, diversity and inclusion, member protection, policy and innovation. Prior to joining Play by the Rules, Tom led the implementation of the national safeguarding children and young people framework at Cricket Australia. Prior to that he was the Participation and Innovation manager at Vicsport, responsible for supporting the capability of Vicsport member organisations, LGAs and clubs, across a wide array of areas like strategy, innovation and inclusion. During this time, he was heavily involved in supporting the Victorian sports industry to comply with the Victorian child safe standards legislation. Tom also worked at AusCycling and Tennis Victoria and has volunteered as a club president and strategy officer.

Steve Marquis is the Senior Advisor for Game Plan with the Australian Sports Commission and an experienced leader in sports and recreation. With a deep passion for building and supporting organisations, he helps them deliver high quality sporting experiences that positively impact communities. With extensive experience in strategy, leadership and program development, Steve has worked closely with sports organisations, local government, and community groups to create sustainable and engaging sports and recreation initiatives. His expertise lies in fostering collaboration, enhancing operations and promoting sporting opportunities that are accessible and enjoyable for all.

Meghan is the Sports Partnership Lead at VicReturn (coordinator of Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme). Her role focuses on supporting sport to fundraise through the scheme; and achieves this through building partnerships with peak sporting organisations, SSA and elite teams. As a member of the Project Steering Group, and now part of the Positive Environments Squad, Meghan has been part of the Play Well journey from strategy development to implementation.