Australian Sailing has been recognised for its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, achieving the highest score in its category and securing Bronze Tier status at the 2025 Australian Pride in Sport Awards held last night at CENTREPIECE, Melbourne.
The prestigious annual event, launched in 2018, celebrates sporting organisations, individuals, and allies across the country who are leading the way in making Australian sport more inclusive of LGBTQ+ people. Hosted by Pride in Sport — a national initiative of ACON, Australia’s largest LGBTQ+ health organisation — the awards continue to highlight the progress being made toward equity and inclusion across the sporting sector.
Among those in attendance were Chair of the Australian Sports Commission Kate Jenkins, Minister for Equality Vicki Ward, and representatives from the UK Government and European Commission, further underlining the growing global emphasis on inclusive sport.
Australian Sailing was one of 12 sporting organisations to achieve Bronze Tier status, and notably ranked as the highest scoring sport in its category. This milestone comes just months after the launch of Australian Sailing’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy for Sailing, marking a significant step forward in the organisation’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all.
“Australian Sailing launched our DEI Strategy late last year and are very proud to have achieved this important milestone so early in the first year of our DEI Strategy implementation,” said Ben Houston, CEO of Australian Sailing. “We are delighted to attain Bronze tier status and this recognition reaffirms our dedication and commitment to ensuring sailing is a sport for everyone.”
Beau Newell, National Program Manager for Pride in Sport, also congratulated the organisation on its achievement:
“We extend a congratulations to Australian Sailing for attaining Bronze tier status in this year’s Pride in Sport Index. This accomplishment showcases its continued commitment to fostering greater inclusion and diversity, benefiting LGBTQ+ sailors, volunteers, fans, and all individuals associated with the sport.
By attaining this level of recognition, Australian Sailing underscores its dedication to embracing diversity, thereby contributing to the creation of a more inclusive environment not only for its supporters, athletes, volunteers, and personnel, but for everyone.”
The night also saw Australian Sailing’s Amelia Catt, High Performance Coach, nominated for Inclusive Coach of the Year. Catt has been a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ+ community for Australian Sailing and also serving as a Thrive with Pride Ambassador for the Australian Sports Commission and championing inclusivity at sailing clubs across the country.
For more information about the Pride in Sport Index and the full list of 2025 award winners, visit Pride in Sport.
