Research
The first stage of the BMX for Life project laid the groundwork for a deeper understanding of how BMX riding supports wellbeing, creativity, and social connection. This foundational phase aimed to establish a robust evidence base, drawing on the lived experiences of riders across Australia. Findings from this stage have provided the foundational knowledge needed to inform future program design, co-designed spaces, and targeted interventions that support rider wellbeing. Importantly, this work highlights how creative expression, resilience, and community intersect to shape the experiences of BMX riders in meaningful and often transformative ways.
BMX Creativity
World Creativity and Innovation Week 2025 - ISSCI Special Symposium
Dr Dave Camilleri
Reports
Release 1: Summary of Findings – Participation (PDF 15.0 MB)
Release 2: Summary of Findings – Creativity (coming soon)
Release 3: Summary of Findings – Wellbeing (coming soon)
Publications
- Camilleri, D., R. Williams, R. J. T. Sallis, & V. P. Glăveanu. (2025). “ Creativity in BMX: What Is It, What Does It Look Like, and What Contributes to It?.” The Journal of Creative Behavior . https://doi.org/10.1002/jocb.70071.
- Camilleri, D., & Katz, S. (2025). DIY or institutionalised: Does it matter when it comes to belonging in BMX? DIY, Alternative Cultures & Society . https://doi.org/10.1177/27538702251378553
- Camilleri, D., & Katz, S. (2025). Creative expression, community, and calculated risks : protective and risk factors associated with BMX. International Journal of Emotional Education, 17(1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.56300/SPDE9108
- Camilleri, D., Williams, R., Hyde, C.L., Sallis, R.J.T., & Quach, J. (2024) Exploring BMX as a tool for wellbeing promotion. Leisure Studies, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2024.2436189
- Camilleri, D., Williams, R., Sallis, R. J. T., Hyde, C. L., & Quach, J. (2024) BMX. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.55860/v2yas249
- Camilleri, D. (2024) Exploring creativity in BMX trail construction—Stack, slap, repeat, Possibility Studies & Society. https://doi.org/10.1177/27538699241273740
Latest news
Meet the Team
Dr Dave Camilleri
Dr Dave Camilleri has been immersed in BMX trail scene for decades both in Australia and Europe. Dave dropped out of high school but returned to study Philosophy and Linguistics as a mature age student. Upon leaving university Dave worked as secondary school teacher before starting a PhD investigating creativity in disengaged adolescents within formal schooling. He is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Education. His teaching and research interests are in youth studies, wellbeing, and creativity…and BMX!
BMX-team@unimelb.edu.au
Associate Professor Richard Sallis
Associate Professor Richard Sallis is a senior lecturer and authority regarding gender, sexualities, and youth in various educational and community contexts. His particular area of expertise is in the performance and expression of multiple masculinities in young males and how they express their creativity. His research and publications also include equity, access, diversity, and inclusion regarding young people and also the links between youth culture (and sub-cultures) and identity formation.
Dr Ruth Williams
Dr Ruth Williams is a social researcher with many years of experience managing research projects across disciplines and in collaboration with industry partners and organisational case studies from domestic and international government, university, and private sectors. Ruth has been an educator for 25 years and her qualitative research focuses on ageing across the lifespan, equity, and access to health and education services.
Shanee Katz
Shanee Katz is a final year Doctor of Medicine student at the University of Melbourne. She has previously completed a Bachelor of Science at Monash University, with a major in Physiology. Shanee is presently working on multiple research projects in the areas of adolescent mental health, medical ethics and law. She has previously volunteered with both community and educational organisations seeking to support the development of young people. She has a strong passion for public health, specifically the wellbeing and mental health of adolescents.
Mental Health Experts
Associate Professor Jon Quach
Associate Professor Jon Quach is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Education and senior research fellow at the Royal Childrens Hospital's Centre for Community Child Health. His overarching research agenda focuses on the health and education interface. He conducts large scale, efficacy and effectiveness randomised controlled trials of promising interventions to understand their impact and implementation when scaled. He also leads a number of projects which aim to evaluate policy initiatives that aim to improve outcomes for all students during the primary school years.
Dr Chelsea Hyde
Dr Chelsea Hyde is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Education and course coordinator of the Master of Educational Psychology program. Chelsea is an endorsed Educational and Developmental Psychologist with more than fifteen years practical experience working as a school psychologist within independent school systems in Victoria and Queensland across both regional and metropolitan areas.