South Australian Sports Institute welcomes new director as new headquarters hits halfway milestone

Keren Faulkner has been announced as the new Director of the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) - promoted to the role from her current position of Performance Services Manager.

Faulkner joined SASI two years ago leading a team of experts in sports science, medicine and performance in their aim to help South Australians achieve sporting excellence.

Faulkner is described as “bring(ing) a wealth of experience in the lead-up to the upcoming Paris, Los Angeles and Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, having supported Australian athletes competing in the Athens and Beijing Olympic Games, and the Rio, London and Tokyo Paralympic Games.

“Her career path in sport began as a physiotherapist working with local netball teams and the Australian Institute of Sport before she went on to work as a Performance Services Manager for Paralympics Australia and AusCycling.”

She replaces Wes Battams who had enjoyed successful 26-year tenure in the Director position.

Announcing Faulkner’s appointment, to Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing South Australia Chief Executive, Kylie Taylor stated “after a global search, Keren emerged as the ideal candidate, bringing her extensive experience and a vision that aligns with our commitment to sporting excellence.

“Keren has a strong welfare approach to athlete and staff development, and I have no doubt the organisation will thrive under her leadership.”

Taylor went on to thank Battams, adding “I would also like to congratulate Wes Battams on his retirement, and I thank him for the incredible legacy he leaves behind, setting up SASI for success for many generations to come.”

New SASI headquarters
It has also been revealed that the new $90 million SASI – scheduled to open in August 2024 – has reached the halfway stage in its building.

Since construction commenced in March this year, building contractor Hansen Yuncken has completed in-ground services, piling works and concrete pours for all three floors.

Works still to come in 2024 include structural steel and curtain wall installation, cladding façade and roof installation, internal fit-out finishes and car park/external works.

The South Australian Government invested $68 million towards the Mile End development, with project partner UniSA contributing a further $20 million for capital costs, which will see the UniSA Sports Science Hub built on the second floor, with high-performance sports science laboratories and teaching spaces for students undertaking a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

The building design (led by COX Architecture) aims to promote greater talent identification, pathways for aspiring athletes and education opportunities through nation-leading high-performance spaces.

Ahead of the move to the new building, SASI has also launched its rebrand featuring an innovative logo, striking brand identity and dynamic colour palette, representing the organisation’s bold new direction.

Image: Concept for the news SASI headquarters. Credit: South Australian Government/Studio Nine Architects.