Physical literacy
Physical literacy is about building the skills, knowledge and behaviours that give us the confidence and motivation to lead active lives.
Physical Literacy Coalition
The Australian Sports Commission is committed to leading and collaborating with the sport, education and health sectors to ensure physical literacy is a core component of every child’s development and education.
As a key element of this commitment, the ASC Physical Literacy Coalition will bring together individuals and organisations to advance the knowledge, understanding and development of Physical Literacy within Australia.
Membership: The Coalition will consist of members from the sport, education, health and government sectors who possess relevant expertise, and a passion for the development of Physical Literacy.
Lisa Barnett
Professor in Physical Activity and Health, Deakin University
Lisa Barnett’s work focuses on measuring and improving physical literacy through global partnerships. She developed the pictorial scale for Perceived Movement Skill Competence, used in 35 countries, and co-led the Australian Physical Literacy Definition and Framework. She has led the creation of a pictorial tool for measuring children’s physical literacy, now used by researchers worldwide. Lisa has over 220 publications and significant international collaborations.
Matthew Ryan
Relieving Curriculum Specialist, Health and Physical Education, Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)
Matthew Ryan oversees the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education. With experience in both primary and secondary education, he is dedicated to creating engaging movement experiences. He currently leads projects supporting the implementation of the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education Version 9.0.
Richard Telford
Professor, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra
Richard (Dick) Telford began his career teaching physical education and mathematics. After earning his PhD in metabolic physiology, he combined sports science research with elite sports coaching and child development studies. As the inaugural Sport Scientist at the Australian Institute of Sport, he contributed to Australia’s Olympic success. He directed the Australian Lifestyle of our Kids (LOOK) project, focusing on physical activity, nutrition and health. Currently, he co-directs the LOOK study’s translational work at the University of Canberra. Dick has been recognised with numerous awards, including an Order of Australia and induction into the Australian Sporting Hall of Fame.
Tiani Van Haren
Executive Director, Partnerships, Strategy and Development within Sport and Recreation at the Queensland Department of Tourism and Sport
Tiani Van Haren leads the Partnerships, Strategy and Development team, promoting active lifestyles in Queensland. She has launched initiatives like ActiveKIT and developed the Activate! Queensland strategy. Tiani is passionate about equality and improving quality of life through public service.
Mitch Hewitt
National Youth Programs Manager, Tennis Australia
Mitch Hewitt manages youth tennis programs at Tennis Australia, including Hot Shots Tennis and Tennis for Schools. With a background in coaching and teaching, he holds a PhD in Sport Pedagogy and has published extensively on coaching and physical activity. Mitch has presented at numerous national and international conferences.
Pierre Comis
CEO, Special Olympics Australia
Pierre Comis is the CEO of Special Olympics Australia and a leader in promoting physical literacy as the Co-Founder of the Physical Literacy Special Interest Group at the Asia Pacific Society for Physical Activity. With experience at the AFL, NRL and Australian Sports Commission, he has driven participation initiatives like Sporting Schools and influenced sport and physical activity policy across sectors.
Sarah Cook
CEO, Rowing Australia
Sarah Cook, a two-time Olympian in rowing, is the CEO of Rowing Australia and a member of the World Rowing Council. With a background in teaching and sports administration, she is committed to the growth and accessibility of sport and has a first hand appreciation and understanding of the role sport plays in the education and holistic development of young people. Sarah has held various leadership roles and is an international broadcast commentator for World Rowing.
Fiona Campbell
Physical Literacy and Sport Education Leader, School of Sport Education NT
Fiona Campbell has over 30 years of experience in Health and Physical Education. She leads the Physical Literacy Approach NT (PLANT) Network and has embedded physical literacy into the Body, Brain, Being - Active Learning Plan for Primary Years. Fiona values First Nations cultures and has strong connections in Kakadu National Park.
Paul Mugambwa
CEO, Stephen Michael Foundation
Paul Mugumbwa, CEO of the Stephen Michael Foundation, uses sport to engage at-risk youth in Western Australia. With a background in playing and leading multicultural and Indigenous programs, Paul has expanded the foundation’s reach significantly. He holds degrees in Commerce, Arts, and an MBA in Sports Management.