Peta Slocombe and Kaylene Gulich appointed as WA Institute of Sport Board members

Following an exodus of board members following a long-stalled restorative process for gymnasts abused by demanding coaches, Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman has announced the appointments of Peta Slocombe and Kaylene Gulich  as new members to the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) Board, with their roles having commenced 21st September 2023.

Slocombe has 25 years' experience as a psychologist with extensive knowledge in mental health, human behaviour and culture. She is also the founder and Chief Executive of Performance Story.

Gulich brings extensive experience in financial management and is currently the Chief Executive of the Western Australian Treasury Corporation. She has previously held senior executive roles within the WA Department of Treasury and the Perth Mint.

The Board's immediate focus will be to proceed with the restorative justice process relating to the former athletes involved in the Women's Artistic Gymnastics Program run by WAIS between 1987 and 2016.

The appointments follow the recent Board changes that bring in experienced administrator Dr Neale Fong as WAIS Chairperson, and new Directors Darren Foster, Fabian Ross and Gary Dreibergs.

Announcing the appointments, Minister Templeman stated "I welcome Ms Gulich and Ms Slocombe and extend my congratulations on their appointments to the WAIS Board.

"I have chosen Board members with strong leadership and governance credentials to lead WAIS through a period of renewal and change, and who can promote the safe, professional culture we expect from our premier sporting institution."

Minister Templeman has previously promised the board would be able to deliver on the restorative justice process pledged to women who suffered abuse taking part in the Institute’s gymnastics program between 1987 and 2016.

Australasian Leisure Management is also aware that SportWest Chief Executive Matt Fulton will become the WAIS' full-time acting Chief Executive as of 1st November.

Fulton will replace interim Chief Executive Neil Potts, who will return to his former role as WAIS Team Director.

Potts took up the role on 29th September, following the resignation of long-time Steve Lawrence, who had been in post since 2001. 

Images: Peta Slocombe (left) and Kaylene Gulich. Credit: WAIS.