QAS Athlete Advisory Group

The Athlete Advisory Group (AAG) serves as a vital link between athletes and the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS). The purpose of this group is to engage and represent the views and interests of athletes and to provide advice and recommendations to the QAS Board and CEO on all athlete matters and issues pertaining to QAS supported athletes’ experience in high performance sport.

The AAG members are:

Bronwen Knox - AAG Chair

Bronwen Knox, a renowned Water Polo Alumni and 4-time Olympian, brings exceptional expertise to her role as the QAS AAG Chairperson. With over 15 years of playing water polo at the highest level, she understands the challenges faced by athletes firsthand.

Bronwen's illustrious career and unwavering commitment to her sport has earned her numerous accolades and invaluable insights into the athlete's journey. As Chairperson, she aims to leverage her experience to drive positive change in the sports community, championing initiatives that benefit athletes on their sporting journey.

With strategic leadership and a passion for athlete welfare, Bronwen is shaping the landscape of sports. Her exceptional achievements and understanding of the athlete's perspective make her an invaluable asset to the QAS AAG.

Claire Colwill  - Hockey

The youngest member of the AAG brings exceptional leadership and dedication to addressing athlete issues. At just 19 years old, Claire's passion for finding solutions and supporting fellow athletes is truly remarkable. Originally from Mackay in Central Queensland, she intimately understands the unique challenges faced by athletes when considering relocation to pursue their sporting dreams in a new city.

Being a part of the QAS AAG holds immense significance for Claire. She sees herself as a bridge between athlete performance and development, utilising her position to amplify the voices of young aspiring athletes. Drawing from her personal experiences, Claire shares valuable insights that can drive athlete-centered changes within the sporting community.

Claire's achievements speak volumes about her talent and dedication. She is a World Cup Bronze Medallist and Silver Commonwealth Games Medallist, showcasing her outstanding abilities on the global stage. Her accomplishments as an athlete further bolster her credibility and add weight to her role within the QAS AAG.

Chris Bond OAM - Wheelchair Rugby

A distinguished athlete and leader in the world of wheelchair rugby. As a two-time Paralympic Gold Medallist, Australian Wheelchair Rugby Steelers Team Captain, and a devoted father of two, Chris brings a unique perspective to the QAS AAG. His extensive experience working with athletes Australia-wide through his role at the Australian Sports Foundation adds depth to his insights.

Based on the Sunshine Coast, Chris is not only the group's sole Para athlete representative but also holds positions on various Boards and Athlete Groups, including Disability Sports Australia Board Member and Sports Integrity Australia Athlete Advisory Group. This rich background ensures that Chris possesses valuable knowledge and insights that will greatly benefit the AAG and the wider QAS supported athlete cohort.

For Chris, being a part of the QAS AAG means championing decisions that support athletes throughout their entire journey, from their early beginnings to their retirement. He is driven by a profound passion for the holistic athlete, firmly understanding the significance of considering all facets of an athlete's life.

Matthew Denny - Athletics (Discus Throw)

Matt is an accomplished Olympian and Commonwealth Games Discus Champion and is dedicated to developing strategies that improve athlete support within a culture of excellence. With a decade of support from QAS, Matt willingly shares his valuable insights and experiences to empower fellow athletes in their individual growth. Hailing from Allora, in Queensland's Darling Downs, he is fervent about nurturing athlete development in regional areas.

To Matt, being part of the QAS AAG is a matter of immense pride. He firmly believes in the collective strength and passion of the athlete group. Matt's vision is to continually enhance the quality of support and foster a positive culture that fuels the journey of high-performing athletes.

Breiana Whitehead – Sailing (Kitefoil)

Breiana is a native of Townsville and an exceptional talent in Kitefoiling, she brings a regional perspective to the group having spent most of her athletic career in North Queensland. In 2022, she achieved remarkable success, securing a sixth-place finish at the European Championships, followed by a seventh-place position at the World Championships in Italy. Breiana is a passionate advocate for her sport, actively seeking to inspire others to engage in Kitefoiling.

As an athlete who has grown up regionally, being a part of the QAS AAG allows her to give a voice to the challenges and hurdles that many regional athletes experience.

Gabi Palm – Water Polo

An accomplished Aussie Stinger, Olympic athlete, and Bronze Medallist in the World Championships is dedicated to fostering a stronger bond among athletes in QAS supported sports. With unwavering enthusiasm, she actively participates in QAS workshops and activities, recognising the significance of networking with fellow athletes to establish an additional layer of support through shared experiences and challenges. Gabi's strong motivation to create deeper connections, coupled with her valuable leadership experience proves to be an asset to the group.

When asked about her role in the AAG and its significance to her, she highlights the crucial importance of the athlete's voice within the QAS. She deeply values the privilege of representing the views and interests of QAS supported athletes in her position at the AAG, actively working to ensure that their voices are not only heard but also highly valued.

Alyce Wood – Paddle

Alyce a Dual Olympian and Gold Medallist in the World Championships, balances her athletic career with the joys of motherhood to her one year old daughter. She is deeply passionate about amplifying the voices of athletes and ensuring that the AAG represents current and future athlete groups.  Alyce actively contributes as a member of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Athlete Advisory Group, leveraging her knowledge and insights to address challenges faced by athletes across the country. With a strong belief in community engagement, she actively participates in the Olympics Unleashed Program and serves as an ambassador in the pilot QAS Health & Wellbeing Queensland Athlete Ambassador program.

When asked about the significance of being a part of the AAG, Alyce acknowledges the increasing recognition and respect for the athlete's voice in recent times and recognises the importance of continued progress in ensuring athletes are represented and supported at all levels. With over a decade of experience as a QAS supported athlete, Alyce hopes to provide valuable insights into real-life situations faced by athletes, empowering the next generation to excel both as high-performing individuals and athletes.

Shayna Jack – Swimming

A  decorated athlete with multiple medals from Swimming World Championships and Commonwealth Games is dedicated to representing and supporting fellow athletes. She understands the importance of empowering athletes to face challenges, overcome obstacles, and handle pressure with confidence. Shayna's unwavering resilience and determination will bring great value to the QAS AAG.

Zac Stubblety-Cook OAM – Swimming

An Olympic and World Championships Gold Medallist and the current World Record Holder is a firm believer in putting individuals first to help them thrive. He understands the importance of athlete well-being and actively supports athletes facing challenges.

Furthermore, Zac's involvement in the Olympics Unleashed Program has had a profound impact on him. It has allowed him to forge deeper connections with his fellow athletes, strengthening the bond within the sporting community. These connections not only enhance camaraderie but also provide a platform for shared growth and empowerment.

For Zac, being part of the QAS AAG holds immense significance. It offers a unique opportunity for athletes to shape the future of the training environment and overall experience at the QAS and believes this is the beginning of an incredible journey, something extraordinary and momentous that will propel QAS supported athletes towards the highly anticipated Brisbane 2032 Games.