Maia Tua-Davidson

Sport is often heralded as the ultimate unifier in Australian life, yet the field of play remains a complex microcosm of our broader society. From grassroots community clubs to the elite stage, sport has the power to both champion inclusion and reinforce deep-seated exclusion. This panel explores the thin line between performative tokenism and genuine belonging. We will go "beyond the boundary" to discuss the realities of casual racism, the "excellence trap" of sporting exceptionalism, and the systemic shifts required to ensure sport is a place where everyone can truly belong—not just those who 'perform' or are invited to participate.