In partnership with VicHealth, we invite you to join us at the CMSport Strong Clubs, Strong Coaches Forum – exploring the role of coaching and leadership to foster inclusive, safe, and successful sporting environments for multicultural people. Learn more about the day
For this year’s forum, we’ll be joined by an incredible line-up of speakers and moderators to explore various leadership styles and their impacts on club culture, while also developing visions and strategies for club success to support multicultural communities and ensure that clubs remain strong, vibrant, and welcoming spaces for everyone.
Hosted by Junior Melo (Program Manager, CMSport) – an advocate for accessibility and inclusion for multicultural communities in sports and recreational settings, Junior has extensive experience in the youth sector as well as delivering programs in the South East to empower young people to foster an equitable community.
MC by Mariam Koslay – recipient of the Western Bulldogs Women of the West Award (2024) and currently working at the Australian Multicultural Media Centre, Marian advocates for economic and information equity through the development of strength-based, positive storytelling and creative action. She actively supports schools and parents in collaboration, repair, cultural competency and the celebration of the African Diaspora in Australia.
Keynote by Akec Makur Chuot – a former Australian Rules footballer, Akec overcame incredible hurdles to become the first African woman drafted into the AFLW. Born in South Sudan, she spent 11 years of her childhood in a Kenyan refugee camp, before arriving and settling in Perth. She joins us to share her story and lived experience as a professional athlete in Australia.
Panel Discussion – moderated by Mariam and joined by Akec:
Antonia Nimorakiotakis (CitC Programs Coordinator, Melbourne City Football Club) – passionate about the power of football to inspire all communities, Antonia leverages the sport as a powerful tool to engage with young people across Victoria. She develops and delivers programs that aim to connect young people and the broader community, offering opportunities for personal growth, connection and leadership through the power of football.
Sam Pang (Technical Director, FC Bulleen Lions) – a dedicated figure in Victorian football since his youth, Sam joins us at the forum to share his lived experience from player to coach to Technical Director. He champions equity in sports and beyond the field, Sam is a high school teacher, committed to empowering the next generation in education and sport.
Workshop Facilitators
Dr. Carla Luguetti (University of Melbourne) – a lecturer in health and physical education, Carla’s research and teaching focuses on topics of sport pedagogy, social justice and young people’s voices. She has demonstrated the ability to design and conduct research with a strong commitment to reducing social inequalities and promoting positive and sustainable social change in and through sport.
Amal Hassan-Ali (Jump Ball & Western Bulldogs Community Foundation) – Amal is a dynamic leader and advocate for multicultural communities’ participation in sport. Born and raised in Melbourne’s west, she co-founded Jump Ball to increase sport participation within multicultural counties drawing from her own experiences of limited access and barriers to organised sports and programs. She also plays a pivotal role as the Multicultural Youth Programs Coordinator at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, driving positive change for young people in community engagement.
Join us a the forum to witness this incredible lineup of guest speakers, engage in panel discussions, and participate in action-based workshops. Together, we can create a safe and supportive environment for multicultural people.
Date: Thursday 29 August 2024
Location: The Wheeler Centre, Melbourne CBD
Time: 10am – 3pm AEST