The Play Well First Nations Advisory Group has been finalised, bringing together a diverse group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, athletes, practitioners and community advocates.
Announced during NAIDOC Week (5-12 July), the advisory group places First Nations voices, knowledge and cultural leadership at the centre of efforts to make sport safe, welcoming, inclusive and fun for all.
The 13-member group will help shape the Play Well Connection to Country Action Plan, providing cultural guidance, lived experience and sector expertise to drive meaningful and lasting change across Australian sport.
Palawa man and Head of Programs at Surfing Victoria Jordie Campbell said he saw the group as an opportunity to ensure genuine inclusion.
"I hope to help ensure First Nations voices are genuinely embedded in how Play Well is delivered, so sport becomes more culturally safe, inclusive and meaningful for our communities. Through this group, I want to support approaches that strengthen connection, wellbeing and long-term participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the sporting sector."
Kyah Jones, National First Nations Lead at Tennis Australia and a proud Yuin, Dharawal woman, said the role reflects her commitment to future generations.
"I want to help shape a sport system where First Nations people experience sport as a place of opportunity, pride and connection, and where national strategies reflect a genuine long-term commitment. This role also provides an important opportunity to engage with others, build relationships and strengthen connections across the sport system."
Samantha Bliss, a Torres Strait Islander leader and former Queensland and Australian Rugby League representative said the role is about driving meaningful change.
"I hope to influence meaningful change by ensuring First Nations voices, culture and perspectives are embedded across all levels of sport. Through this group, I aim to strengthen culturally safe pathways that support participation, leadership and long-term success for First Nations peoples."
The advisory group will play a central role in guiding the development and implementation of the Play Well Connection to Country Action Plan, helping to strengthen engagement with First Nations communities and support participation across all levels of sport.
The Connection to Country Action Plan is expected to be released early 2027.
Play Well First Nations Advisory Group members:
Amber Ugle-Hayward, Noongar - WA Police Force Aboriginal Engagement LeaderClarence McCarthy-Grogan, Yanyuwa, Garrawa, Kuku-Yalanji - Darwin City CouncillorCourtney Fewquandie, Butchulla and Gubbi Gubbi - Senior Advisor, First Nations Capability, Australian Sports CommissionEmily Hall, Wiradjuri - Research Fellow, University of QueenslandJason Solomon, Wiradjuri - NRL Indigenous Engagement and Partnerships ManagerJordie Campbell, Head of Programs at Surfing Victoria, PalawaJoyrah Sebasio, Wulgurukaba - Senior Policy Officer, Department of EducationKyah Jones, Yuin and Dharawal - National First Nations Lead at Tennis AustraliaLeeonee Thompson, Mamu-Waribarra, Ngadjon-Jii and Tagalaka - First Nations Manager, Olympic and Paralympic Games OfficeNat Heath, Noongar and Martujarra - Founder and CEO of TRIMOB AustraliaNeville Johnston, Zenedth Kes - Regional Operations Manager Census 2026, Australian Bureau of StatisticsSamantha Bliss, Torres Strait Islander - Inspector First Nations Division, Queensland Police ServiceTanisha Williams, Gamilaroi Yuwaalaraay - Engagement Advisor, Australian Sports Commission.
The ASC also thanks Ricky Baldwin, Gunai Kurnai - CEO and Founder of Koorie Academy for his contribution to the advisory group.
