Queensland's sporting and education sectors united last week for a landmark wellbeing event on the Moreton Bay Coast.
The Dolphins NRL Wellbeing and Education Team hosted their 2026 Wellbeing & Education Luncheon on Wednesday 25th February at the UniSC Moreton Bay Campus in Petrie, bringing together sport administrators, wellbeing officers, development managers and practitioners for a morning of collaboration and innovation. Held at the university's Engagement Hub, the event allowed guests meaningful opportunities to connect, learn and build relationships across disciplines.
The Highlight: AI Innovation in Sport Panel
The standout moment of the morning was a compelling panel discussion exploring the rapidly expanding role of artificial intelligence in sport and athlete wellbeing.
Three UniSC experts brought distinct and complementary perspectives to the conversation from its everyday uses to the everchanging scope of AI in general. Dr Dan van den Hoek, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology, shared insights on how AI is reshaping sport science, physical assessment and rehabilitation, offering practitioners smarter ways to monitor load, recovery and injury risk. Ian Sinclair, Senior Innovation & AI Analyst in Information Technology, walked attendees through the diverse range of AI tools currently available and how sporting organisations of varying sizes and budgets can realistically integrate them. Associate Professor Ross Clark from the School of Health brought an evidence-based clinical lens, examining AI's diagnostic capabilities and its growing application in rehabilitation pathways and long-term athlete health monitoring.
Together, the panel painted a vivid picture of where the technology is heading, from sensory tools that track biomechanics in real time, to AI-assisted diagnostics, personalised rehabilitation programs, and mental health and wellbeing support platforms. The discussion made clear that AI is no longer a future concept for elite sport, it is already here, and the organisations that engage with it thoughtfully and safely, stand to gain a meaningful edge in both performance and player welfare.
Dolphins and UniSC: A Partnership in Action
The warmth and energy in the room reflected a genuine partnership between the Dolphins and UniSC,and welcomed guests. Together it was clear attendees were invested and open to finding practical solutions that serve athlete wellbeing beyond the training field. The collaboration on display was exactly the kind of interdisciplinary connection the luncheon set out to foster.
The partnership with UniSC Moreton Bay provided a natural academic backdrop, reinforcing the Club's investment in connecting elite sport with research, education and evidence-based practice across South East Queensland. In short, for the Dolphins NRL club, initiatives like this signal a maturing approach to the off-field structures that underpin on-field performance and a genuine commitment to leading wellbeing culture across Queensland sport.
Dolphins NRL Wellbeing & Education Team
Luke Williamson (Wellbeing & Education Manager)
Dr David Lakisa (Career Coach)
Sam Tagataese (Academy Wellbeing Officer)
Ray Moaga (Sports Chaplain)
