
Nioka Tyson
Social and Emotional Wellbeing Practice Lead
AFL
Nioka Tyson is a proud Yuwalaraay and Gamilaraay woman, a Senior Social Worker and holds a Master of Counselling (Social Work). As the AFL's Social and Emotional Wellbeing Lead, she leads initiatives that support the wellbeing of First Nations players, staff and communities across elite football, talent pathways and community programs.
Coming from public health, Nioka is passionate about culturally safe, strengths-based approaches that promote health, wellbeing and self-determination. Her work focuses on creating systems that recognise the importance of culture, connection and community in supporting wellbeing and helping people thrive. Nioka brings expertise in holistic care coordination and is committed to advancing equity-oriented models of health and wellbeing. Through her work across sport and public health, she advocates for environments that enable individuals, communities and athletes to thrive and reach their full potential.
9.00
First Nations Ahead of the Game: Supporting social and emotional wellbeing, resilience and cultural connection through community football
Join this session to learn about First Nations Ahead of the Game which was co-designed by the AFL Social and Emotional Wellbeing team and First Nations communities, adapting the original Movember Ahead of the Game program to better reflect the strengths, cultures, experiences and wellbeing priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
James Rice, Program Coordinator, Ahead of the Game, AFL
Nioka Tyson, Social and Emotional Wellbeing Practice Lead, AFL