Athlete Commission

In 2017, Paralympics Australia facilitated the establishment of an Athlete Commission in recognition of the clear advantages to be gained from continuous and meaningful engagement with Australia’s Paralympians.

The Commission is comprised of 13 Paralympians with a background in at least 10 sports.

If you would like to get in touch with a member of the Commission, please email [email protected].

Read the Athletes’ Commission Charter [PDF – 236KB]

Sarah Stewart (Chair)

Sarah Stewart is a three-time Paralympian and multiple Paralympic medallist, having served as a key member of the Australian women’s wheelchair basketball team, the Gliders, since 2003.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English and a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Philosophy and Cognitive Science. While competing, Sarah taught secondary school philosophy and mathematics, tutored in philosophy and logic at a number of universities, and lectured in philosophy at the University of NSW.

As a vocal and passionate member of the Australian sporting community, Sarah sits on various boards and committees, including as a Director on the Board of Wheelchair Sports NSW, on the Executive of the Sydney University Sport and Fitness Clubs Advisory Committee, and the Basketball Australia League Advisory Committee and League Executive. Sarah has served on the NSW State Government’s Sporting Injuries Committee, and is the Team Manager and Assistant Coach of the Sydney Uni Flames wheelchair basketball team. Sarah has served on the NSW State Government’s Sporting Injuries Committee and is the Team Manager of the Sydney Uni Flames wheelchair basketball team. Sarah is the co-founder, co-creator, and Manager of Paralympics Australia’s Beyond Sport Mentoring and Employment Program. 

Sarah was appointed to Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission at its inception in May 2017 and was elected Chairperson in June 2022. She is an active member of Policies, Procedures and Public Statements, Athlete Engagement, and Athlete Welfare subcommittees.

“I think that as much as we facilitate and support athletes to become world-class athletes, we also need to make sure we are doing everything we can to facilitate and support them growing as all-round deep and meaningful human beings – both on the visible journey as an athlete, and ‘off court’ in their personal life and other pursuits outside of sport (including after ‘the Games journey’).”

Danni Di Toro (Vice Chair)

As a long-standing member of the Australian Paralympic community, Danni Di Toro is a seven-time Paralympian, multiple Paralympic medallist, and previous two-time world champion in wheelchair tennis before switching to Para-table tennis in 2014. She co-captained the Australian Paralympic Team in 2016 and 2020.

Danni has been working in the complementary medicine and mental health sector for 25 years and was Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Welfare and Engagement Officer. 

Danni was elected Vice Chairperson of Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission at its inaugural meeting in May 2017, and leads the Commission’s Athlete Engagement subcommittee.

“I am passionate about doing my bit to continue to provide a platform that recognises the rich legacy and wealth of experience within our community, and the framework to ensure our Mob have a voice across all aspects of our lives.”

Ben Austin OAM

Ben burst onto the swimming scene at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics claiming two silver and two bronze medals. At the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002 – the first time elite athletes with a disability were integrated as equal competitors with medals towards the official medal tally – Ben won gold in the 100 metres freestyle and 50 metres freestyle and broke the most world records of any athlete on the Australian team.  

Athens 2004 proved to be Ben’s most successful Games, with two gold medals, three silver and a bronze, including two world records.  

A Young Australian of the Year finalist, Ben went on to compete at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics bringing home a gold medal and silver and the Delhi Commonwealth Games, where he won the 100 metres freestyle. 

Ben has served on the advisory panel of Our Connection to Country, AIS Australian Sports Commission, as an Austswim Ambassador, as a Westpac Ambassador, and on Paralympics Australia’s First Nations Advisory Group. 

Ben was elected to Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission in 2024. 

Angie Ballard

As a proud and long-time member of the Australian Paralympic family, Angie Ballard is a six-time Paralympian, multiple Paralympic medallist, and previous world title holder on the track.

Angie holds a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) with Honours. She was a board member on the Wheelchair Sports NSW Board from 2004 to 2017 and appointed as an ambassador or advocate for organisations including for Technical Aid for the Disabled, Motor Accidents Authority and Lifeline Australia. 

Angie has served on Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission since its inception in May 2017 and is an active member of its Athlete Welfare subcommittee. She also sits on the advisory panel for Paralympics Australia’s Para-sport Equipment Fund.

“I am interested in the athletes as a group having a larger voice, but also being able to take responsibility for the direction of our sport into the future. I want our perspective and insights to be heard in the decision-making centres of our sports and in the larger community.”

Tracey Barrell OAM

Tracy competed in swimming at the 1992 Barcelona Paralympics and won gold in the 4×50 metres freestyle women’s relay and the 50 metres butterfly S4. Tracy went on to compete at the 1994 World Championships, winning bronze in the 50 metres butterfly S5. Afterwards, Tracy needed a full shoulder reconstruction which ended her swimming career. However, in 2008 she made the national sitting volleyball team that narrowly missed a place at the Beijing Summer Paralympics. 

Tracy is now a mother of two boys aged in their 20s, she is on the board of the National Indigenous Sports Foundation and she is a sought after public speaker on many topics. Tracey also does DDA Compliance as a consultant for developers and councils. Tracy’s everyday focus is on the Aboriginal communities she has the pleasure of being part of around Australia. 

Tracy was elected to Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission in 2024. 

Mitchell Gourley

Mitch is a four-time Winter Paralympian and enjoyed an alpine skiing career spanning 16 years. 

Co-captain of the 2018 Australian Paralympic Winter Team and Opening Ceremony flag bearer in 2022, he has had gold medal success at world championship level and multiple World Cup victories. 

Away from competition, Mitch is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of athletes, helping them to achieve their full potential both on and off the field. His professional experiences span a variety of sport system roles and projects as well as professional services and not-for-profit. He has also served on committees and advisory roles nationally and internationally with the IPC Athlete Council, World Para Alpine Skiing (now FIS), AIS/ASC and Paralympics Australia, among others. 

Mitch joined Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission in June 2020. 

“One of the main ways I want to work with the Commission,” he said, “is to help with how we can improve the pathway for developing athletes, helping them progress as athletes as well as supporting their ongoing development as people.” 

Curt McGrath OAM

A three-time Paralympian, Curt McGrath is a Paralympic gold medallist and holds multiple world titles. He was the Australian Paralympic Team flag-bearer at the Closing Ceremony at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Curt served his country as combat engineer in the Australian Army for six years before becoming a Paralympian, but is currently a full-time athlete and speaker. He was an Ambassador for the 2018 Invictus Games, and was a member of the host broadcast team.

Curt has served on Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission since its inception in May 2017 and is an active member of the its Policies, Procedures and Public Statements subcommittee.

“I want the opportunity to give other athletes their voice and help progress past, present and future athletes, and make a positive difference to all.”

Chad Perris

Chad is a visually impaired sprinter competing in the T13 classification. He began his athletics career in 2012 and quickly rose to international prominence, making his debut at the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships. Chad has earned multiple medals throughout his career, including a bronze at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and several silver and bronze medals at World Para Athletics Championships. 

At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Chad delivered a strong performance, finishing just shy of the podium with a fourth-place result in the 100 metres T13 final. He is currently coached by Matthew Beckenham and continues to be a leading figure in Australian Para-athletics. 

Beyond the track, Chad is a dedicated advocate for athletes and is actively involved in leadership roles. He serves on various groups, including the 2032+ Sport Strategy Leadership Group, helping to shape the future of sport in Australia for the next generation. 

Chad was elected to Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission in 2024.

Sarah Rose

Sarah Rose is a three-time Paralympian and Paralympic medallist in the pool, and Swimming Australia’s mentor to up-and-coming Paralympians.

Since retiring from elite sport in 2013, Sarah has held positions at Roads and Maritime Services, Service NSW, and the NSW Department of Justice, where she is currently employed as Manager of Organisational Culture.

Sarah has served on Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission since its inception in May 2017, and is an active member of its Athlete Welfare subcommittee. As a human resources professional, she brings her extensive experience in engagement and leadership, and her well-developed organisational and project management skills, to the table.

“I am passionate about making a difference, driving positive change and ensuring our athletes’ voices are being represented when tough decisions are being made, and feel that my experience both in and out of the pool would be a good representation of some of the struggles Paralympians face in today’s environment.”

Ella Sabljak

Ella has proudly represented Australia as a dual-sport Paralympian. She competed with the Australian Gliders wheelchair basketball team at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and with the Australian Steelers wheelchair rugby team at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, winning a bronze medal. Ella has more than 15 years’ experience in wheelchair sports. 

Ella’s passion for athlete advocacy has played out in major leadership roles. She was one of four athletes chosen for the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) Athlete Steering Committee, helping to establish an international athlete representative body. Drawing from her work with Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission, she’s been able to build stronger connections between wheelchair basketball globally and at home. 

On top of that, Ella is a member of the WADA Athlete Council, where she advocates for clean sport and athlete welfare on a global scale. With her background as a school teacher, Ella brings a unique perspective, using her skills to support her fellow elite athletes. She was appointed to Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission in 2021 and re-elected in 2024, continuing her commitment to shaping the future of Para-sports. 

Liam Twomey

Liam competed at his first Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024 in triathlon and has been a part of the Australian triathlon team since 2018. He has competed at four world championships and is a multiple World Cup medallist. 

Liam is studying for a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, majoring in psychology at Deakin University. He is an ambassador for the Black Dog Institute and Dylan Alcott Foundation joining two of his main areas of interest in mental health and disability support. He currently works with the Australian and Victorian Institutes of Sport facilitating mental health programs to primary and high school students across Victoria and nationally.  

Liam has been a member of the AusTriathlon Elite Athlete Committee since 2023 and has been its Chair since the beginning of 2024. Liam was voted onto Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission in 2024. He is passionate about athlete representation and support within his own sport and Paralympic sport as a whole. 

“I’m extremely passionate and driven in trying to help create sporting environments that allow athletes to voice their opinions, concerns and be supported along the way. I enjoy and appreciate being voted my peers to help try and improve the sporting landscape to create more athlete focused, inclusive environments for current and future athletes.” 

Al Viney

Alexandra is a two-time Paralympian, world championship silver medallist and an Australian record holder in rowing. 

Passionate about culture, inclusion, integrity and wellbeing, Al is eager to deepen her knowledge and contribute to positive outcomes for the Paralympic Movement as part of the Athlete Commission. 

Alongside her work as a strength and conditioning coach and exercise scientist, Al is pursuing a Master of Business in Sports Management at Deakin University to broaden her understanding of sports. 

Al serves on Rowing Australia’s Athlete Commission and has previously held roles on various committees, in addition to her ongoing role as an ambassador for Proud2Play, an Australian LGBTQIA+ sports organisation. Al was elected to Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission in 2024. 

“My curiosity for creating sustainable change and supporting the holistic athlete drives me to contribute to Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission,” Al says. “I’m committed to empowering the athlete voice centred around the perspective of ‘The standard you walk past is the standard you’re willing to accept,’ and ‘Not for us without us.’” 

Prue Watt OAM

Prue Watt is a four-time Paralympian, eight-time Paralympic medallist in Para-swimming, and has spent time training with the Australian Para-alpine skiing team.

Since retiring from sport in 2016, Prue has completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Neuroscience, and is currently employed as a Policy Officer by Safe Work Australia.

Prue joined Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission at its inception in May 2017, is an active member of the Commission’s Athlete Engagement and Athlete Welfare subcommittees, and has represented it internationally at various Athlete Commission forums.

She also holds positions on the boards of Blind Citizens Australia and Disability Council NSW.

“The athlete voice is a crucial part of shaping a movement where Para-athletes at all levels feel supported, included, empowered and ready to perform at their best – both on and off the sporting field. I truly loved my time as an athlete and really cherish the opportunity to give back through engaging with and listening to the views and ideas of our Mob as we drive positive progress together.”

We thank the former members of the Commission for their expertise and service: 

Toby Kane (AC: 2017-2020) – Para-skiing (Winter)

Dan Michel (AC: 2017-2021) – Boccia.

Annabelle Williams OAM (AC: 2017-2024; Chair: 2017-2022) – Swimming. 

Blake Cochrane OAM (AC: 2017- 2024) – Swimming. 

Carol Cooke AM (AC: 2017-2024) – Cycling.