Sport role model inducted into Victorian Honour Roll of Women

VU's Clare Hanlon was today inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women 2018 for her commitment to dismantling barriers and creating opportunities for women in sport.

Associate Professor Clare Hanlon is a researcher, lecturer, advisor and mentor in the College of Sport and Exercise Science at Victoria University. For more than 25 years she has provided research and advice to government, international bodies, and commercial organisations that are keen to enhance their organisations by increasing opportunities for women as leaders and participants in sport and active recreation.

“This honour has made me even more determined to collaborate with people to drive change and strengthen pathways for girls and women to lead and participate in sport,” she said.

In 2016, the Victorian Government recognised Dr Hanlon as one of four female role models in sport. In 2015, she was globally acclaimed in the book Inspirational women: Making a difference in physical education, sport and dance (Oceania edition).

Associate Professor Hanlon has contributed to more than 80 publications and conference presentations, and led on projects worth more than $1 million dollars in Australia and overseas, holding positions such as:

• member on the Victorian Ministerial Inquiry for Women and Girls in Sport and Active Recreation
• project lead into the needs of women in physical activity and leadership programs in Southeast Asia
• researcher on trends and drivers in Australia’s active-wear industry.

Dr Hanlon's current roles include:

• President of the Sport Management Association of Australia and New Zealand
• Director of Gymnastics Australia
• advisor for two State governments
• member on a Victorian Government advisory group to encourage the participation of girls and women in sport.

She also mentors other women in their careers as leaders in sport. 

At a time when government and the sports sectors are embracing the need for change, Dr Hanlon is committed to growing the role of women in sport through her academic role as a sport management lecturer and researcher at Victoria University, and as a volunteer.