Ms Brownlee’s appointment brings the number of Australians on IOC Commissions to six.

The Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commission is a new Commission announced earlier this month by IOC President Thomas Bach.

It is tasked with advising the IOC Session, the IOC Executive and the IOC President on strategies and policies to promote equal opportunities for women and girls to participate in and benefit from sport and physical activity.

AOC President Ian Chesterman says Ms Brownlee is an ideal appointment to this key Commission.

“Helen has been tireless over many years in advancing the cause of women,” Mr Chesterman said.

“She has played a major role in the Pacific region as Chair of the Oceania National Olympic Committees’ Women and Sport Commission in particular.

“Helen’s service has extended to work on a number of IOC Commissions in the past including the Education and Culture Commission as well as the Women and Sport Commission.

“Only this year IOC President Thomas Bach acknowledged her efforts when he presented Helen with an Australian Olympic Change Maker medal. She has previously been honoured by the IOC with an Olympic Order.

“Helen was the first women to be elected as an AOC Vice President during her 30-year membership of the AOC. She will continue to make an outstanding contribution to the Olympic movement through this new role.

“Helen has been a mentor to many over the years and I’m sure others on the Commission will benefit from her experience”, Mr Chesterman concluded.

The six Australians on IOC Commissions as of 1 October this year are:

• Helen Brownlee - Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commission
• John Coates - IOC Vice President, IOC Executive Board member and Chair of the Legal Affairs Commission
• Jess Fox – Athletes’ Commission
• Sally Fitzgibbons – Olympic Program Commission
• Evelyn Halls – Athletes’ Entourage Commission
• James Tomkins – Revenue and Commercial Partnerships Commission