Directors appointed to new Stadiums Tasmania board

Tasmanian Minister for Hospitality and Events, Nic Street has announced the appointment of five members to the board of the new Stadiums Tasmania authority.

Joining Chair, Michael Malouf, who was appointed in December, the members of the newly created entity are Peter Ball, Kendall Harris, Sally Darke, Jill Davies, and Chris Chapman.

Announcing the new board members, Minister Street advised “these five board members bring unrivalled experience in stadiums and events, sports law, business and financial management.

“We set out with a goal of bringing together a high-calibre leadership team to establish Stadiums Tasmania. I believe with this group, we’ve achieved that goal."

Malouf said the inaugural members were chosen from a highly competitive field of 41 candidates from across Australia, noting “we have brought together five of Australia’s best, including two exceptional Tasmanians. Beyond their extensive national and international experience, each board member brings a passion and drive to deliver the best for the Tasmanian community.”

The new authority is expected to assume responsibility for up to five stadiums, with MyState Bank Arena and the Silverdome already owned by the Tasmanian Government and the transfer of Blundstone Arena, Dial Park and UTAS Stadium remaining subject to negotiation.

Its activities will initially focus on the set-up of Stadiums Tasmania and the transfer of venue assets to the new body, with a search for a Chief Executive set commence in the middle of the year.

Stadiums Tasmania was established as a new statutory authority in May last year with the passing of the Stadiums Tasmania Act 2022.

It has been formed to own, manage and develop Tasmania’s major stadium assets acting upon the Tasmanian Government’s vision for the state’s sporting future with plans to develop stadium infrastructure at venues Dial Park, MyState Bank Arena, UTAS Stadium and Wilkinson’s Point in Hobart.

The Tasmanian Government’s expectation is that these locations will, as multi-purpose sporting and entertainment venues, generate significant economic, health, social and community benefits.

Stadiums Tasmania is also being tasked to develop a 10-year strategic stadium plan to guide future investment in the state’s major stadium infrastructure.

Michael Malouf appointed as Stadiums Tasmania Chairman is a former Chair of Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and Chief Executive of VicRoads, the Carlton Football Club and the City of Melbourne.

The Chair and Board process was led by Global Talent Consulting & Executive search firm SRI.

Jonathan Harris, Managing Partner-ANZ of SRI Executive, stated “this is a fantastic group with an excellent mix of governance skills that will deliver-upon Tasmania’s Stadia strategy for the future. It has been a truly rewarding exercise.”

Main image: Blundstone Arena.