31 August 2023
Already a successful and renowned sports physician, with years of experience in sports medicine, anti-doping and integrity matters, Dr Diana Robinson AM is already a genuine leader in her profession.
But she says a Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) grant helped make her a better, more supportive and empathetic leader and has her exploring director roles in sport. She is encouraging more women to apply.
The WLIS Individual Grant program is designed to support all women in sport access professional development opportunities, develop specialist skills and enhance existing skills in areas specific to their stage in their leadership journey.
Dr Robinson was made a Member of the Order of Australia in the recent Kings Birthday Honours for ‘significant service to sports medicine as a physician and to anti-doping regulation’.
This honour recognised her years of experience in the sporting sector, including working as chief medical officer for Triathlon Australia, and in various capacities with organisations in NRL, rugby union, surf life saving, tennis, basketball, water polo and more. She spent 8 years on the Antidoping Rule Violation Panel, the worked on the FINA Doping Control Review Board and is currently a member of the Therapeutic Exemption Use Panel for the International Testing Agency and has also worked in sports integrity, concussion and transgender inclusion.
She received a WLIS individual grant in 2022 and used it to complete an Australian Institute of Company Directors course in 2023.
She said the course increased her financial literacy and made her more aware of the common law and statutory requirements of being a director.
It has helped me understand other peoples’ ways of thinking, and their various experiences. I wish I had been able to do it 20 years ago!
Dr Diana Robinson
“I have recommended this course to many women of all ages, as I think it is an essential part of learning for any woman wanting to advance through the sporting world,” she said.
“It has made me a better leader – a more supportive and empathic one … It has helped me understand other peoples’ ways of thinking, and their various experiences. I wish I had been able to do it 20 years ago!”
Dr Robinson encouraged other women hoping to further their careers in sport to apply for the WLIS grants.
“Don't be reticent to put your hand up for opportunities that interest you – every experience contributes to your skillset, and builds who you are.”
Applications for WLIS individual and organisation grants are open now and close on 17 September.
- Visit the WLIS website for more information at https://www.ausport.au/wlis