New Chair and Board Director appointed for Australian Sports Foundation

The Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) has appointed Professor Sarah Kelly OAM as its new Chair and Tony Hallam as a new Director of the Board.

Professor Kelly brings a wealth of expertise in sports administration, governance and strategic leadership. She is the Head of the QUT Graduate School of Business, a Board Member with the Brisbane 2032 Games Organising Committee, Deputy Chair of the Brisbane Lions AFL Football Club, and a Non-Executive Director of Events Management Queensland.

Additionally, Professor Kelly will continue to serve as the Queensland Co-Leader of The Minerva Network, which provides pro bono mentoring to professional sportswomen nationally.

Recognised globally for her work in sports integrity, sponsorship and women’s sports commercialisation, Professor Kelly was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2021 for her contributions to sports administration and tertiary education.

Professor Kelly shared “I am honoured to be joining the board of the ASF as Chair to work with such outstanding leaders and stakeholders focused on expanding positive impacts for our communities, sport and athletes through the national vehicle for sports fundraising.

“Sport is a powerful unifying force and my motivation is to leverage its universal appeal to drive social and economic benefits. As we look ahead to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it is crucial that we continue to invest in grassroots and elite sport alike.”

Tony Hallam brings over 30 years of experience as a board director, business owner and executive. His career began as a partner with PwC and includes leadership roles with organisations such as Football Australia, Melbourne Stadiums Limited, Melbourne Boomers WNBL Club and Brotherhood of St Laurence. He is currently Deputy Chair of Zoos Victoria.

Hallam enthused “from grassroots clubs to elite competition, sport has the unique ability to unite people, foster well-being and inspire the next generation. I’m excited to contribute to the ASF’s vision of ensuring that all Australians, regardless of background, have access to sporting opportunities.”

Australian Sports Foundation Chief Executive, Sue Hunt noted “these appointments mark a significant step in ASF’s mission to enhance the impact of sport across Australia through increased private investment and engagement, and I am thrilled to welcome both Sarah and Tony to the Board.”

Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, welcomed the appointments adding “Professor Kelly and Mr Hallam bring outstanding expertise and leadership to the Board at a time when investment in sport is more important than ever. I look forward to seeing their impact as the ASF continues to grow and support sporting communities nationwide.”

For more information on the Australian Sports Foundation