UWA Sport, Macquarie University Sport, Netball Victoria, Touch Football Australia and Hockey ACT are among a diverse mix of sporting bodies and individuals who have been recognised at the 2026 Australian Pride in Sport Awards held in Melbourne this week.
The Pride in Sport program was launched in 2016 and marks its 10th anniversary this year. The Australian Pride in Sport Awards have been held annually since 2017 as the program’s signature event, making them the longest-running awards of their kind dedicated to celebrating and recognising outstanding efforts to make Australian sport more inclusive of LGBTQ+ people.
UWA Sport was awarded Sporting Organisation of the Year, while a further four organisations were recognised as Platinum Tier. Nine sports were awarded Gold Tier, highlighting continued progress across all levels of sport. Perth Pythons Hockey Club was recognised as Community Sport of the Year, acknowledging their outstanding contribution at the grassroots level.
Other sports who took home trophies include Australian Football League (AFL), Australian Sports Commission, Emerald City Kickball Australia, Hockey Australia, Lacrosse Victoria, Lets Go Surfing, Melbourne Spectres Basketball Club, Netball Queensland, NSW Rugby League, Shuttle Swingers Badminton, Sydney Roller Derby League, Surf Life Saving Australia, Surf Life Saving Queensland, Tennis NSW, and Volleyball NSW.
Proudly presented by Pride in Sport, a national initiative led by ACON, Australia’s largest LGBTQ+ health organisation, the awards honour those leading the way in fostering diversity and inclusion across the sporting landscape.
“The awards not only highlight excellence but also reflect the growing momentum of LGBTQ+ inclusion across the Australian sporting landscape,” said Pride in Sport National Program Manager Ben Cork.
“From national sporting organisations to local community clubs, this year’s finalists and winners demonstrate how inclusive policies, visible leadership, and meaningful engagement initiatives are driving cultural change and improving participation outcomes for LGBTQ+ people.”
In addition to acknowledging the contributions of sports clubs and organisations, the event also recognises individuals, community members, and allies from a wide range of sporting disciplines for their commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion both within sport and the wider community.
“We congratulate every nominee, finalist and award recipient for the leadership, resilience and impact they continue to drive across the country,” said Cork.
“For ten years, Pride in Sport has supported the sector to build safer, more inclusive environments. Tonight, we celebrate that progress. Tomorrow, we continue the work with renewed confidence and commitment, to ensure sport is safe, accessible and welcoming for all.”
For more information about Pride in Sport, visit: www.prideinsport.com.au for details.
Image: 2026 Australian Pride in Sport Winners – courtesy of ACON
2026 Australian Pride in Sport Winners:
Sporting Organisation of the Year:
UWA Sport
Inclusive Coach of the Year:
Lauren Barbour (she/her) – Melbourne Spectres Basketball Club
LGBTQ+ Ally of the Year:
Sharon Deans – Surf Life Saving Australia
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Innovation Award:
Trans Health Equity Initiative – Let’s Go Surfing
AO Pride Day – Tennis Australia
Executive Leadership Award:
James E. Shields III (he/him) – Emerald City Kickball Australia
LGBTQ+ Role Model Award:
Sandra Lie – Shuttle Swingers
Positive Media Award:
Jacqueline Shields (she/her) – Joy 94.9
Community Sport of the Year:
Perth Pythons
Most Improved Sporting Organisation:
Volleyball NSW
Platinum Tier Sporting Organisations:
Hockey ACT
Macquarie University Sport
Netball Victoria
Tennis Australia
Touch Football Australia
UWA Sport
Silver Tier Organisations:
Australian Sailing
Badminton Australia
Cricket Australia
Diving Australia
Football Victoria
Gymnastics NSW
Hockey WA
National Rugby League (NRL)
National Basketball League (NBL)
Rugby Australia
Squash Australia
Vicsport
Volleyball NSW
Bronze Tier Organisations:
Australian Dodgeball Federation
Gymnastics Australia
Hockey NSW
Queensland Rugby League (QRL)
Life Saving Victoria
+1 not for publication
Participating Organisations:
Hockey South Australia
Softball Australia