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read moreCatherine Clark, the current Chief Executive of Netball Queensland, has been announced as the new Chief Executive of Paralympics Australia - joining the body at what is described as a "critical juncture" in its history as it moves to convert the success of its Tokyo 2020 campaign into stronger commercial opportunities and record levels of para-sport participation.
Announcing the appointment this morning, the Board of Paralympics Australia advised that with the Winter Paralympic Games next March, a shortened build-up to Paris 2024 and Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, consolidating Australia’s position among the world’s leading Paralympic nations will, according to Paralympics Australia President, Jock O’Callaghan, also be a core focus for Clark.
O’Callaghan stated “from this extraordinary platform that has been set by our Paralympic Teams and our organisation in years past, we are ready to catapult into a multi-faceted push to create lasting change for Australian Para-sport and for the disability community.
“The PA Board is thrilled that Catherine has embraced our vision and is ready to help lead our organisation through what we believe is the most important period in our history.
“It is not hyperbole to suggest that the next five years can determine the success of the Australian Paralympic movement for the following 20 years.”
In her current role at Netball Queensland, which she has held since January 2015, Clark governs one of the state’s largest participation sports from the grassroots to the elite level, including Suncorp Super Netball franchise the Queensland Firebirds, as well as Australia’s premier indoor sporting facility, Nissan Arena, which was built under her tenure.
With an extensive background in sports leadership as both a senior executive and board director, Clark currently serves on the Board of Shooting Australia and previously held a Directorship with Australian University Sport in addition to Chief Executive positions with Gymnastics Australia and Gym Sports New Zealand.
Commenting on the selection process, O’Callaghan added “this was a highly competitive recruitment process. The calibre of applicants for this role was outstanding which is another testament to the reputation of our organisation and the momentum of our Paralympic movement.
“Catherine is clearly an exceptional leader and an experienced administrator with the skill set we believe is perfectly suited to lead our outstanding staff at PA, execute our strategic objectives for Para-sport nationally, drive high performance outcomes internationally and safeguard our long-term sustainability.
“Ultimately this role will carve Paralympics Australia’s path towards Brisbane 2032 and it must be a catalyst for ensuring the Games stakeholders deliver their promise to set new standards in every facet of the Paralympic Games experience for athletes, teams, stakeholders, fans and the wider community.”
Clark, who will commence her role in January, noted “it’s an immense privilege to be appointed as Chief Executive of Paralympics Australia.
“I am excited to lead this wonderful organisation and to help grow the important work that it does to create opportunities for Australians to engage in para-sport.
“Australia has a proud history at the Paralympic Games, but the impact of Paralympics Australia’s work extends well beyond the preparation and management of Australian Paralympic Teams. I see a unique opportunity to drive increased participation, fan engagement and innovative commercialisation at a time when inspiring stories, strong role models and meaningful partnerships have arguably never been more important.”
Coinciding with the announcement of Clark’s new role, Netball Queensland Chair, Ian Fullagar, expressed the Board’s gratitude for Clark’s outstanding contribution during her time in the role.
Fullagar explained “Catherine has re-shaped netball in Queensland, broadening its horizons while proudly celebrating its history. Her visionary leadership will leave a truly powerful legacy.
“Her tireless efforts in advocacy and building strong stakeholder relations in the best interests of the game is evidenced by the immensely strong position it finds itself in upon her departure.
“Most importantly, Catherine embodies our vision of transforming lives through netball, and on behalf of the Board and our Members across Queensland, I’d like to offer our most sincere thanks for all she has given our great game and wish her all the best with the incredible opportunity she has been presented with at Paralympics Australia.”
Looking back on her time at Netball Queensland, Clark stated “I have absolutely loved my time with Netball Queensland. We have transformed our business over the past seven years, ensuring our game is sustainable and equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
“As difficult as it to leave the Netball Queensland family, I know how strongly we are positioned for the next important phase of growth
“We’ve achieved some outstanding results as a community these past seven years including record participation growth, a purpose-built $45 million home of netball in Nissan Arena, creating our Diamond Spirit program for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and even two Queensland Firebirds Premierships
“However, the sport’s most valuable asset though is its people.
“I have traversed this beautiful state to meet people who embody the sense of belonging and the commitment to contribute to something bigger than yourself that is at the heart of this game. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to work, collaborate and lead with such a wonderful group of values-driven people without whom community sport just wouldn’t happen.”
Following Clark’s departure, Netball Queensland Chief Operating Officer Mike Anderson will act as interim Chief Executive will a successor is sought.
Clark will move into the role vacated by Lynne Anderson, who concludes her six-year tenure at Paralympics Australia at the end of the year.
Images: Catherine Clark (top, credit: Netball Queensland), Paralympiam Madison de Rozario at Tokyo 2020 (middle, credit: Paralympics Australia) and Brisbane's Nissan Arena (below, credit: Netball Queensland).
15th October 2021 - Netball Queensland takes next step on Reconciliation journey
7th October 2021 - New Queensland Ministerial roles announced in preparation for 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
11th September 2021 - Inclusive uniform policies keeping girls engaged with netball
6th September 2021 - Australian Sports Commission congratulates Australia’s Paralympians
3rd September 2021 - Australian Government to reward Paralympic medallists
23rd August 2021 - Australia’s largest Paralympic team competing abroad receives growing and ongoing support
16th August 2021 - Tokyo Paralympics will not allow spectators at major venues
9th August 2021 - Netball Australia aspires for the sport to be included in 2032 Brisbane Olympics
7th August 2021 - Super Netball finals locked in for South East Queensland
3rd August 2021 - Suncorp Super Netball competition looks to maintain Queensland base
29th July 2021 - Partnership looks to enable the legacy objective of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games
26th July 2021 - International Paralympic Committee and World Health Organization sign global sport agreement
24th July 2021 - Paralympics Australia aims for 2032 Brisbane Games to deliver societal change
21st July 2021 - Lockdowns see Super Netball return to Queensland Hub
18th July 2021 - Lynne Anderson to step down as Chief Executive at Paralympics Australia
12th July 2021 - Netball Queensland makes appointment to Reconciliation Action Plan Advisor role
4th June 2021 - International Netball Federation reveals new World Netball brand
26th April 2021 - Australia wins right to host 2027 Netball World Cup
16th April 2021 - Queensland Firebirds reveal Aurizon as new Principal Partner
17th March 2021 - Shooting Australia awarded Paralympic Pathway Grant
12th January 2021 - Insurer Allianz begins eight-year worldwide Olympic and Paralympic partnership
4th December 2020 - Australian sport medical leaders’ collaboration looks to see athletes and teams well placed ahead of Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics
3rd December 2020 - AIS and Paralympics Australia partnership expands mental health support to future Paralympians
24th September 2020 - Shooting Australia creates new commercial and marketing role ahead of Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games
27th July 2020 - Eugenie Buckley to lead Netball Queensland as new Chair
15th July 2020 - AIS announces funding boost for Olympic and Paralympic sports
22nd September 2019 - Netball Queensland receives government funding to promote inclusivity
25th February 2019 - New Queensland State Netball Centre and Firebirds base gets official opening
19th January 2015 - Netball Queensland appoints new Chief Executive
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