AusLeisure

Federal Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck has today announced the appointment of businessman and administrator Grant O’Brien as the new Chairperson for the Australian Sports Foundation.

Stating that O’Brien’s appointment marked a new chapter for the organisation as it continues its vital role raising private funds for the development of sport across the country, Senator Colbeck advised “Mr O’Brien has the experience and expertise needed to stimulate philanthropic funding and allow Australia’s sporting sector to recover and thrive.

A member of the ASF Board since October 2020, O’Brien (pictured) has extensive experience in business management and leadership, including as Chief Executive and Managing Director of Woolworths Ltd.

He is also Deputy Chairman of the Stars Foundation, which aims to empower Indigenous girls and young women, and a founding member and Director of Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.

Set to serve in the role for a three year term, O’Brien said he was looking forward to the challenges ahead, stating “sport is an important part of our Australian culture, and I have experienced first-hand the powerful benefits of participation.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to extend the impact of the Australian Sports Foundation and help raise more funds to increase participation and improve the health and cohesion of our communities.”

For more than 30 years, the Australian Sports Foundation has helped to raise more than $520 million to support athletes, clubs and sporting organisations.

It has funded all sports at all levels and is the only sport fundraising organisation to which donations are tax deductible.

Minister Colbeck also extended his thanks to the outgoing ASF Chairperson, Mark Stockwell, adding “during his seven years as Chairperson, Mr Stockwell has done a tremendous amount for Australian sport.

“Under his leadership, the ASF has raised record amounts of funding, rising to an annual total of more than $50 million before the pandemic hit.”

Related Articles

25th June 2021 - New South Australian Sports Institute headquarters gets go ahead

21st June 2021 - 30 Western Australian sporting clubs secure funding to encourage healthy habits

2nd May 2021 - Awaiting release of Human Rights Commission’s review Australian Sports Commission launches services to support abused gymnasts

15th March 2021 - Australian Sports Foundation distributes record $43.3 million in 2019/20

25th February 2021 - Australian Sports Commission welcomes South-East Queensland’s recognition as preferred bid candidate for the 2032 Olympics

22nd July 2020 - Australian Sports Foundation survey finds Coronavirus has taken $1.5 billion from community sport

23rd July 2019 - FAN+ Australia marketplace to partner with Australian Sports Foundation

21st March 2019 - Australian Sports Foundation eases tax time donations process

19th December 2018 - Tabcorp’s Play For Purpose gets backing from Sport Australia and the Australian Sports Foundation

10th November 2018 - Trio of Olympians join Australian Sports Foundation board

30th August 2018 - Australian Sports Foundation coordinates $44.7 million in donations in last financial year

30th July 2018 - Australian Sports Foundation creates new charitable fund

2nd August 2017 - Australian Sports Foundation achieves record $44.75 million fundraising

4th November 2016 - Australian Sports Foundation raises record funds for sport

29th August 2016 - Australian Sports Foundation reaches $300 million target with record sport donations

20th April 2016 - Spartan Sports joins forces with Australian Sports Foundation

5th May 2015 - Australian Sports Foundation looks for donations boost

19th February 2015 - Mark Stockwell takes on role of Australian Sports Commission Deputy Chair

1st August 2014 - Mark Stockwell to chair Australian Sports Foundation

7th May 2012 - Queensland Government dumps Commonwealth Games head Stockwell

---

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.