Join us for the inaugural ‘PLAY WITH PRIDE BRUNCH,’ an event dedicated to celebrating inclusion and diversity in sport, presented in collaboration and support from the University of Adelaide.
Hosted by the voice of live sport in Australia, Jarrod Walsh, and taking place on Thursday, June 27th at the stunning SkyCity Ballroom, this brunch is designed to unite athletes, advocates, and allies in support of LGBTIQA+ representation within the sporting community.
Prepare to be inspired and empowered as we come together for a delicious hot brunch, entertainment, thought-provoking discussions, and valuable networking opportunities.
It's not just a brunch – it's a vibrant celebration of diversity, inclusion, and the positive impact of sports.
Ticket sales must close on Friday 21 June - don't miss out!
BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE
KEYNOTE SPEAKER + PANELLIST
ANDY BRENNAN (HE/HIM)
Andy Brennan is an Australian football player, currently signed to South Melbourne FC. In May 2019, the former A-league player made history by becoming the first Australian male professional footballer to come out as gay.
In a courageous Instagram post, Brennan revealed his sexuality, stating, "It's taken me years to get comfortable saying this - I'm gay." He discussed the challenges of hiding his true self and the relief of finally being open, and supported by friends, family, and teammates.
Brennan's coming out was a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQIA+ acceptance in sports. Passionate about combating homophobia and promoting inclusivity, he continues to advcoate for inclusivity, volunteering with Proud2Play and fighting for a world where athletes (professional & amateur) don't need to come out, and where sports are safe and welcoming for everyone, regardless of their identity.
In addiotion to his contributions to LGBTQIA+ adovacy in sports and his professional football career, Brennan is currently pursuing a Doctor of Psychology, aiming to provide invaluable support to professional athletes and teams. With a keen understanding of the mental challenges faced by athletes, Brennan's academic endeavours reflect his long-standing commitment to empowering individual and team performance through psychological well-being and resilience strategies on and off the field.
Join us for an unforgettable event and hear from Andy Brennan, sharing his insights as a keynote speaker and panellist at the Play with Pride Brunch on Thursday, June 27 at SkyCity Ballroom, Adelaide!
PANELLIST
MATTHEW MITCHAM O.A.M (HE/HIM)
Matthew Mitcham is an Australian Olympic Diver. He is one of the very few athletes to complete the golden trifecta by winning the Olympic Games (2008), World Cup (2010), and Commonwealth Games (2014). Matthew's win in Beijing 2008 will forever stand out in history, not just for achieving the single highest dive score in Olympic history, but in coming out before his Olympic debut, he became the first ever openly gay Olympic Champion. Since winning Gold in Beijing, Matthew has gone on to use his platform as an ambassador, speaker, and entertainer to advocate for issues surrounding mental health and wellbring and the LBTQIA+ community.
Matthew is the only facilitator trained to deliver both the Respectful Behaviours Program and the Thrive With Pride Program for the Australian Institute of Sport, delivering sessions to elite athletes across all sports. He also consults with non-sporting organisations and presents to corporate groups on the impact of diversity and inclusion of mental health and peak performance within the workplace.
An experienced keynote speaker with an inspiring story of overcoming advertisy to achieve the seemingly impossible, Matthew's story has been turned into a best-selling book and adapted into an award-winning cabaret show which toured Australia for five years.
Don't miss hearing insights from Matthew, the first openly gay Olympian, as he shares his unique perspective and experiences with us, live on screen from the U.K.
PANELLIST
CR. JANE RUSSO (SHE/HER) GAICD, FGLF13
Jane has held many diverse leadership roles in strategic policy, program management, business operations, stakeholder engagement and performance management. As an enabler and collaborator, she has worked with State Government, the not for profit and private sectors, and in her own businesses. She has over 20 years' expertise in education and training, youth, health, building, small business, community, volunteering, and sport industries. Jane's leadership roles have extended as a board of director across various corporate, sport, and volunteer organisations.
Currently she is an Elected Member for the City of Unley and Chair of Athletics South Australia. She holds a Master of Educational Management, is a graduate of both the Australian Institute of Compant Directors and the Leaders Institute of South Australia. A passionate volunteer, Jane is an advisor, presenter, mentor, and trainer for the inclusion of all in sport, genuine engagement, women's leadership, and leading change where outcomes benefit the community. She is a committed advocate and ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Jane is Parents of Gender Diverse Children, SA Respresentative supporting parents and families and connecting them to essential services. She also has been appointed to multiple national sport organisations and government education and health departments providing her lived experience as a parent of gender diverse child. In 2021, she was awarded the Australian Pride in Sport LGBTQ Ally of the Year Award, and in 2018, Sports SA's Volunteer of the Year Award.
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PANELLIST
HAZEL ROBINSON-COX (SHE/HER)
Hazel is a student at the University of Adelaide and a member of the Adelaide University Volleyball Club. With more than ten years of experience, Hazel finds joy in playing both on courts and sand, showcasing her passion for the sport.
Through her volleyball journey, Hazel has enjoyed numerous positive experiences, forming meaningful connections and treasured relationships along the way. Proudly an out and proud transgender member of the sporting community, Hazel is an outspoken advocate for diversity and inclusion in sports, believing strongly in the importance of representation.
Grateful for the safe and joyful sporting environment she experiences, Hazel attributes much of this to the trailblazing efforts of queer role models who preceded her. Inspired by their example, Hazel aims to uphold values of strength, resilience, and pride, and will continue to make volleyball in Australia an accepting and embracing community for everyone!
PANELLIST
ANU FRANCIS (SHE/HER)
Anu Francis is an elite para triathlete ranked second in the world ahead of her Paralympic debut in Paris. In 2023, Anu claimed Silver at World Championships and won the Paris Paralympic Test Event to be named 2023 SASI Individual Athlete Program Athlete of the Year and 2024 Onkaparinga Sports Person of the Year. Thus far in 2024, Anu has become three-time Oceania Champion and claimed her first World Triathlon Para Series win.
Being openly gay and living with multiple disabilities, including a one-in-a-million neurological condition, Any is no stranger to discrimination and the complexities of intersectionality. Through advocacy and visibility, Anu strives to use her platform as an athlete to foster inclusion in sport and beyond.
Outside of her athletic career, Anu is an Exericse Science and Clinical Exercise Physiology student, disability peer mentor and support worker, and triathlon coach. She was the Flinders University Student Assocation's Disabilities Officer from 2018-2022 and is a 2024 Lead Ambassador in the AIS Thrive with Pride Program.
Anu's journey as an openly gay and disabled athlete and coach stands as testament to the power of inclusion and diversity in sports, illuminating the path towards a world where every athlete and individual's identity is respected and celebrated.
SPECIAL GUEST
1:1 DISCUSSION
ANDREW PURCHAS O.A.M. (HE/HIM)
Andrew is Co-Founder of the Pride in Sport Index, Founder the Sydney Convicts Rugby Club, Chair of ACON’s Finance & Audit Committee, Director of University of Sydney Sports Association and Past Chair of International Gay Rugby. He is a leading advocate for equality in sport and in 2017 was awarded an Order of Australia for services to rugby and the promotion of social inclusion for LGBTQIA+ people.
Andrew has a long sporting background, having rowed and played rugby for NSW. He played first grade rugby for Sydney University and was awarded a University Blue from Sydney University for rowing. He is a life member Colleagues Rugby Club, Sydney Convicts Rugby Club and International Gay Rugby.
Andrew was a Senior Associate at Corrs, Chief Security Officer at Westpac and is currently an adviser on the board of several not for profits and start-up tech companies.
ENTERTAINMENT
EMERAULD (SHE/HER)
"Emotive lyrics and a voice that packs a punch!"
Emerauld, a multifaceted artist, is bursting onto the Australian Music Scene with passion and a distinct voice that capitvates audiences. Based in Regional Adelaide, the 18-year-old musician has released music for 4 years, earning praise and airplay, even landing an Artist Spotlight on Triple J/Unearthed. From a Golden Ticket for Australian Idol 2023 to performing at WOMAD and festivals, Emerauld's journey is marked by achievements.
Emerauld continues to evolve as an artist, drawing inspiration from her own diversity and a range of influences spanning Indie Pop, Heavy Rock, and emotive storytelling. Her resonating vocals, combined with poignant lyrics, create a powerful musical experience that leaves a lasting impression on listeners.
ADELAIDE QWIRE
Adelaide Qwire will kick off the inaugural Play with Pride Brunch with an inspiring performance! Join us as we unite athletes, advocates, and allies to support LGBTQIA+ representation in the sporting community. Get ready to be uplifted by the choir's music as it sets the tone for an incredible morning!
Ticket sales must close on Friday 21 June - don't miss out!
BUY TICKETS HERE
SKYCITY ACCESS MAP
