SportWest has proudly announced the formation of its inaugural Cultural Navigation Advisory Group (CNAG), marking a significant milestone in its commitment to fostering culturally safe, inclusive, and welcoming sporting environments across Western Australia.
Following a detailed and thorough assessment process, the CNAG brings together a diverse and experienced group of leaders from across the WA sporting landscape. These individuals will guide SportWest and its members on their cultural navigation journeys, with a particular focus on supporting First Nations communities.
Jasmine Cappellucci, True Sport Manager at SportWest expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating:
“We were overwhelmed at the interest and support of joining the Cultural Navigation Advisory Group and are proud to be a part of supporting the industry in shaping their cultural navigation journeys. We look forward to leaning on the experience of our extremely diverse advisory group members, as well as what this journey will mean for SportWest as the peak body for sport in WA. This Advisory Group will also guide our new True Sport Cultural Education Initiative, which we plan to roll out to the WA sporting sector.”
Meet the Advisory Group Members
The CNAG includes a rich mix of professionals with backgrounds in community sport, elite performance, education, diversity and inclusion, and First Nations advocacy. Some of the standout members include:
- Abid Imam – A seasoned sports administrator with over 15 years of experience across Little Athletics WA, Gymnastics WA, and Football West.
- Adam Cockie – Aboriginal Cricket Specialist at WA Cricket and former AFL player, passionate about youth leadership and cultural programs.
- Jade Narkle – Aboriginal & Diversity Programs Specialist at the WA Football Commission, with strong ties to the Wongi and Yamatji peoples.
- Kara Antonio – Former Fremantle Dockers AFLW captain and current Head of Senior School at SEDA College WA, leading inclusion and diversity initiatives.
- Phil Narkle – Noongar Elder and Aboriginal Program Manager at the WA Football Commission, deeply committed to reconciliation and cultural leadership.
- Zara Cavalot – DEI professional with experience in Tennis, Aussie Rules, and Boxing, leading RAP initiatives and community engagement.
- Andrew Dawe - A lifelong participant in sport, Andrew views sport as a reflection of society—sometimes critically. His motivation for joining the Advisory Group stems from a belief in sport’s power to drive positive societal change. With experience outside the sporting sector, he offers fresh perspectives and cross-industry insights to help shape better outcomes.
- Beth Harvey - Currently General Manager Community at Netball WA, Beth has a rich background in netball through playing, coaching, and administration. She is an elite-level coach and brings strong expertise in governance, strategy, and risk, drawn from 16 years in the community services sector.
- Karen Wickham - Participation Manager at Volleyball WA, Karen oversees inclusion, club development, education, and regional growth. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, she’s passionate about making volleyball accessible to all. She serves on both national and state reconciliation working groups and holds advanced degrees in Sport Management.
- Mel Farley - Executive Officer at Triathlon WA, Mel has held roles across government, non-profits, and member-based organisations. She is particularly passionate about physical literacy and equitable access to sport, inspired by her work launching a multisport program for children in Colorado.
A Vision for Cultural Change
The CNAG will play a pivotal role in shaping SportWest’s Reconciliation Action Plan, advising on key deliverables, and ensuring that sport in WA continues to evolve as a space where all individuals, especially First Nations peoples - feel respected, represented, and safe.
To learn more about the Cultural Navigation Advisory Group and explore the full list of members, visit the True Sport website!
