The university sport community in Australia experienced a historic moment last week with two events on global health and collaboration in higher education.
On 19 May, an in-person six hour workshop for the FISU Healthy Campus programme was held in Adelaide, the first face-to-face session of its kind. Co-led by Fernando Parente, FISU’s Director of Development and Healthy Campus, and Martin Doulton, FISU Senior Executive Committee Member, the workshop brought together 24 engaged and experienced new FISU Healthy Campus Auditors from the UniSport Australia network.
The session showcased the impressive expertise and strong camaraderie among university sport professionals in Australia. It also highlighted the potential for even greater impact in creating healthier and more vibrant campus communities, both nationally and around the world.
Participants were guided through the planning, organisation, management, and audit reporting phases of the FISU Healthy Campus programme, which continues to grow in Australia. To date, 13 Australian universities have signed Healthy Campus, with five already certified, among 184 institutions participating globally.
A special highlight of the workshop was the recognition of La Trobe University, the first in Australia to be audited under the programme. During the UniSport Australia National Conference, La Trobe’s achievement was formally acknowledged as Nick Lambert, Senior Manager at La Trobe Sport, received the Healthy Campus certificate on behalf of the university from FISU Secretary General and CEO, Matthias Remund.
UniSport Australia’s 2025 National Conference
UniSport Australia hosted its 2025 National Conference on 20–21 May, also in Adelaide. The event gathered university sport leaders from across the country for two days of reflection, planning, and innovation in student sport and wellbeing.
Opening the conference was the Honourable Emily Bourke MLC, South Australia’s Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Distinguished guests included Dr. Baljit Singh Sekhon, Joint Secretary of the Association of Indian Universities, and his delegation, highlighting growing global ties in university sport. FISU was represented by Secretary General and CEO Matthias Remund, and Fernando Parente, reinforcing FISU’s commitment to international collaboration.
“The National Conference is a vital opportunity to connect, reflect and plan for the future of university sport in Australia,” said UniSport CEO Mark Sinderberry. “The engagement, collaboration and leadership on display this year gives us great confidence as we begin implementing our 2025–2028 Strategic Plan.”
During the event, new board members of Uniport were elected, including: Stephanie Taylor (Bond University), Michelle Wilson (Adelaide University Sport & Fitness), Brett Lavale (Monash University), Mario Milanovic (Western Sydney University). With more 5 members in the board the National University Sports Federation is led by Dr. Lisa Gowthorp (Bond University)
Special thanks were extended to MC Stephanie Brantz GAICD and Olympic Champion Kyle Chalmers, as well as to all contributors and attendees.
Celebrating Excellence at the 2024 UniSport Awards
The National Conference also hosted the 2024 UniSport Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in student sport. This year’s awards showcased the power of sport in building inclusive, high-performing university communities.
Highlights included:
Team of the Year: Monash University Cheer and Dance – 5 international medals at FISU World Championships
Club Leadership Award: RMIT University Surf Club
Student Volunteer Awards: Liam Tully (University of Melbourne), James Henderson (RMIT University)
Sporting Excellence:
Jemima Montag (University of Melbourne) – Most Outstanding Sporting Achievement
Emily Beecroft (University of the Sunshine Coast) – Student-Athlete with a Disability
Anna Solomon (Federation University) & Charlie Pade (University of Sydney) – Indigenous Student-Athletes
Student-Athletes of the Year: Roman Anastasios (University of Melbourne) and Camryn Newton-Smith (University of Southern Queensland)
Program of the Year: UWA Sport’s LGBTQIA+ Allyship in Sport (University of Western Australia)
University Champions:
Overall: University of Sydney
Per Capita: Bond University
Spirit: Australian National University
Honouring Lifetime Contributions
A special moment in the conference was the induction of two longstanding leaders as Life Members of UniSport Australia: David Schmude (FISU Oceania President, here with Lisa Gowthorp) and Paul McJannett. Both have been instrumental in shaping the university sports landscape in Australia through decades of service, vision, and advocacy.
FISU congratulates UniSport Australia for its continued leadership, innovation, and contribution to the global university sport movement. Events like these exemplify the values of collaboration, inclusion, and excellence that are at the heart of FISU’s mission.
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