Independent Panel Members Announced
Professor Alexandra (Alex) Parker and Katherine Bates have been added to the independent panel to investigate issues related to women and girls' experience and advancement in the sport of swimming.
Professor Alex Parker is the Executive Director of the Institute for Health and Sport (IHES) at Victoria University. Professor Parker is a clinical researcher in mental health. Her fields of speciality are in the role of physical activity for preventing and treating mental health concerns, and the mental health and wellbeing of athletes with a focus on women in sport. In addition to her academic and research history, during Professor Parker’s career, she has partnered closely with Orygen and headspace youth mental health organisations.
Katherine Bates is the Head of Operations for Chicks who Ride Bikes. As a former professional Australian track and road cyclist, Ms Bates completed in Commonwealth and Olympic games. Ms Bates has had extensive board and community experience, as Commissioner of the Australian Sports Commission and Director of Bicycle NSW.
This panel is supported by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) through the Australian Institute of Sport, and Swimming Australia.
The panel – led by chair Chris Ronalds AO SC – was formed last month to inquire into the most appropriate mechanisms to create a safer swimming community. The appointment of Alex Parker and Katherine Bates completes the panel.
Ms Ronalds said both Professor Parker and Ms Bates brought extensive experience and knowledge to undertake the work of the review. If this work requires specific technical swimming advice, the panel will consult swimmers, coaches and other appropriatepeople for information.
The panel will report findings and recommendations to the boards of both the ASC and Swimming Australia.
People who wish to make a submission to the panel or be interviewed can express their interest by sending an email to:
Submissions will be open until August 23, 2021.
The original article can be found here.
