Sue Hunt named new Chief Executive at the Australian Sports Foundation

Sue Hunt, a respected leader in the not-for-profit and philanthropic sectors, has been announced as the Australian Sports Foundation's new Chief Executive - stepping into the role following the retirement of previous postholder Patrick Walker.

Hunt joins the Foundation with extensive experience in the arts and not-for-profit sectors, most recently having completed a 13-year tenure as Chief Executive of Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation (RCH Foundation), where she significantly expanded the impact of community fundraising.

Under her leadership, the Foundation’s annual revenues doubled, and she spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives that responded to the hospital’s emerging healthcare needs and funded essential research projects. Her exceptional contributions were recognised in 2023 when she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her service to the arts and community health. 

In her arts career, Hunt led the Geelong Performing Arts Centre as General Manager, has been General Manager of Queensland Theatre Company, Director, Performing Arts at the Sydney Opera House, and was founding Chief Executive Officer of Carriageworks.

She has also held many voluntary board positions including the Performing Arts Committee of Asialink and was President of the Australasian Performing Arts Centres Association.

More recently Sue was Deputy Chair of Rising Festival and is currently Chair of Auspicious Arts Projects and Regional Arts Victoria and is a Director of the Penguin Foundation on Phillip Island.

Commenting on her new role at the ASF, she advises “sport has an extraordinary ability to enhance well-being and build a sense of community, much like the arts.

“I am thrilled to be joining the ASF at such an exciting time, with the opportunity to work alongside sporting clubs, organisations and athletes, to enhance fundraising efforts that will improve health and well-being across the nation.”

The ASF is Australia’s national non-profit sports fundraising organisation. Over its 37 years of existence, the ASF has distributed nearly $700 million through its online fundraising platform and community sport grant rounds.

Hunt’s appointment signals the organisation’s commitment to not only increasing participation and funding in sport but also enhancing the role of sport in the health and social fabric of Australia.

Believing in the power of sport to transform lives and communities, she notes “having spent over a decade in health philanthropy, I understand the critical role of prevention in our healthcare system. Sport plays a vital role in supporting social cohesion and health and well-being, and leading the ASF is a way for me to contribute to building a stronger, healthier community.”

“Australia is a nation of sports lovers - it’s at the heart of every community, and I am one of those passionate supporters.”

ASF’s outgoing Chief Executive, Patrick Walker expressed his confidence in Hunt’s appointment, noting her “exceptional leadership and proven ability to transform organisations come at a crucial time for Australian sport. Her fresh perspective and innovative approach will be invaluable as the ASF continues to champion sport and sport philanthropy across the nation.”

ASF Chair Grant O’ Brien also welcomed Hunt to ASF, adding “her strategic insight and dedication align seamlessly with our goal to attract new sources of philanthropic funding for community sport and our emerging and representative athletes across Australia.”

Hunt will commence her role as of 16th September.

Images of Sue Hunt courtesy of the ASF.