Squash Australia announces members of its Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Panel

Squash Australia’s commitment to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment will be guided by a newly formed Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Panel.

The Advisory Panel will provide strategic advice, as well as support the activities of Squash Australia regarding diversity and inclusion practice within the organisation, including the professional development of staff within the sport.

Squash Australia’s National Lead - Sport Development Shaun McEachin said the members of the panel bring experience from various industries including sport, government, education and advocacy.

“Sport is a great vehicle in driving community and social outcomes. With the contribution of the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Panel, Squash Australia will drive continued support for all communities to feel safe, supported and included in our sport,” said McEachin, who will also be a member of the Advisory Panel.

“The members of our Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Panel bring so much experience to Squash Australia and I’m humbled that such a highly qualified and successful group have put their hand up to support us through this journey.”

The squash community will be well represented through GSquash Sydney team member Stephan Wurzing as well as Kathryn Taylor, a former squash player for over two decades. 

Former Netball Australia General Manager of Community Engagement Julia Symons, Multi award-winning diversity and inclusion advocate Jeremy Archer, former National Rugby League player Nick Youngquest, the City of Casey Inclusion and Participation Officer Anuya Ketkar, and Athletics South Australia President Jane Russo will join Master of Business (Sport Management) student Alex Fergusson, Gymnastics Queensland Participation & Partnerships Coordinator Eloise Mullins and Communication and Events lead for Brisbane City Council's River City Pride LGBTIQ+ network Klynt Oberto on the Advisory Panel.

“I am excited to be back in the D&I game with such a diverse group of talented people to support Squash Australia in becoming a more inclusive and diverse sport,” said Archer, who was the founding President of the Brisbane Tritons Water Polo Club, the first LGBTIQ and inclusive water polo club in Queensland.

“I believe sports should be accessible to everybody and the commitment by Squash Australia to bring together a D&I panel is inspiring. I look forward to the journey,” he added.

“I’m very excited to be a part of Squash Australia’s first Diversity and Inclusion panel,” said Fergusson. “The opportunity to have a voice on what inclusion looks like in the future of Squash Australia is something I’m very grateful for.”

The Advisory Panel, which was formed following the completion of the first Pride in Sport Index Submission and Pride in Sport Index National Survey, is responsible for contributing specialist knowledge to assist Squash Australia in its role of developing and updating policies that promote inclusive practice.

Squash Australia is reviewing several programs including coach and referee education, events, participation programs and member management.

Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Panel

• Shaun McEachin
• Stephan Wurzinger
• Julia Symons
• Jeremy Archer
• Nick Youngquest
• Kathryn Taylor
• Anuya Ketkar
• Jane Russo
• Alex Fergusson
• Eloise Mullins
• Klynt Oberto