Lynne Anderson to step down as Chief Executive at Paralympics Australia

Having led Paralympics Australia for the past six years, Chief Executive Lynne Anderson has today announced her decision to depart her role at the end of this year.

Before stepping, Anderson will continue to lead from the front as she prepares to join the Australian Paralympic Team in the Games Village in Tokyo next month.

Commenting on her achievements, Anderson advised “this role has been the most amazing privilege.

“It’s truly left its mark on me and given me so much more than I could ever have imagined.

“I’ve always said that once you witness our amazing Para-athletes live at an event you are hooked on the sport for life. I will always remain a passionate Paralympic supporter and advocate.”

In relation to the Paralympics, she added “I am absolutely committed to seeing Paralympics Australia through the most difficult Games in our history.

“This means being there every step of the way with our staff and athletes, from planning and risk mitigation, through performance in Tokyo, recovery in quarantine and safely back to family and loved ones.”

Acknowledging Anderson’s achievements, Paralympics Australia President, Jock O’Callaghan noted “Lynne has always been fiercely proud of the Paralympic movement she loyally represents. Today, on behalf of PA and everyone in the Paralympic family, we recognise the results of her passionate pursuit of better outcomes for Para athletes and for disability sport in Australia.

“Lynne has been instrumental in achieving greater parity in high performance funding for Para Sport, advancing new pathways and accessibility options for emerging talent and gaining a stronger voice for Para athletes across all levels of government and in the community. Lynne has built an athlete-centric culture at PA, engaging alumni current Para-athletes.”

“Lynne has garnered greater recognition and respect for the Paralympic movement in Australia, delivering a step change in investment from governments, corporates and broadcasters. Her legacy will be felt for many years to come.”

Internationally, Anderson, who is also Chair of the NRL’s Canterbury Bulldogs, has worked tirelessly in supporting the Paralympic movement in the Oceania region and with her peers across other leading Paralympic nations.

Speaking of her retirement, International Paralympic Committee President, Andrew Parsons stated “as one of the Paralympic Movement’s most high profile female leaders she has been a role model for others within the Paralympic Movement, receiving numerous awards in recognition of her efforts.

“From all at the IPC, we wish Lynne well for the future and thank her not only for her contribution to Paralympic sport in Australia but the wider Paralympic movement.”

Federal Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck credited Anderson for forging greater pathways for athletes, adding “she has championed the needs of the Australian Paralympic movement starting with those who matter most - the athletes - (and) has strengthened the pathways for aspiring para-athletes, taking advantage of every funding opportunity to ensure our Australian representatives can make their mark on the world stage.”

Paralympics Australia has given careful consideration to the role’s transition as part of ongoing business planning.

Anderson will formally step down on 31st December 2021.

Image: Lynne Anderson. Credit: Canterbury Bulldogs.