The award places Macquarie among a small group of sporting organisations nationally and reflects a sustained commitment to ensuring everyone can participate safely, proudly and as themselves.
For students like Skye, a Macquarie University volleyballer and second‑year Bachelor of Business student, that commitment is felt every day.
"I was genuinely shocked by how much pride there was in Macquarie Sport," Skye says, reflecting on her first year competing at UniSport Nationals. "Not just because we had the Pride flag on our uniform, but because of the energy. We were the loudest, the most united, and the most supportive. It felt like everyone belonged."
Skye at the UniSport Nationals volleyball championship
Skye joined the Macquarie Nationals volleyball team in her first year and helped bring home gold in Division 1 in 2023. Identifying as pansexual and using she/her pronouns, she says the visible signs of inclusion made a lasting difference.
"It was the first time I was able to wear a Pride flag on my jersey, and I loved that," she says. "We had Pride and Progress flag bands; our coach wore one, and most teams asked us where they came from. The pride flags also had Macquarie branding, so we were swapping them with other students."
Skye and her team after winning Gold at the UniSport Nationals volleyball championship
That visibility is intentional. According to Bruno Toppini, General Manager, Sport and Recreation at Macquarie Sport, Platinum Tier recognition is earned through action, not aspiration.
"Platinum is the highest tier, and there's a clear set of criteria you must meet," Bruno says. "In fact, Macquarie Sport was the first sporting organisation in Australia to receive Platinum when it was introduced. Retaining it for three consecutive years shows that inclusion is embedded in how we operate."
Macquarie Sport's approach includes gender‑inclusive social sport competitions, flexible uniform options, clear behaviour standards and compulsory Pride in Sport training for staff, referees and umpires. These expectations are set up front, so participants understand the culture they are joining.
Macquarie University Sport team at Australian Pride in Sport awards
"We're very clear about who we are," Bruno says. "If you sign up, you know we are accepting of people of all genders and sexualities. We don't tolerate discrimination, and our staff are trained and empowered to call it out."
For Skye, that clarity builds stronger teams and better performance.
"When you're in a team sport, those people become your family," she says. "Being there for each other off the court, through pride and inclusion, makes you stronger on the court as well."
The impact goes beyond Macquarie. As a member of the UniSport Australia Student Advisory Committee, Skye represents the University in national discussions on inclusion, where Macquarie is often cited as a leader.
Achieving Platinum Tier status for the third time reinforces Macquarie Sport's responsibility to keep raising the bar. As Pride in Sport enters its second decade, Macquarie remains focused on listening, learning and ensuring its facilities, programs and competitions continue to reflect the diversity of its community.
