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The Paralympics Australia board has been strengthened by the addition of two supremely accomplished new members who will help lead the organisation’s strategic direction for the Paris 2024 Paralympics and towards Brisbane 2032.
Paralympics Australia President Jock O’Callaghan today confirmed the appointment of former Queensland Government Minister Kate Jones and Alison Creagh AM CSC, a skilful strategist with wide-ranging experience, particularly in the military and in sport.
“Kate and Alison bring experience and expertise of the highest calibre which will be enormously valuable to Paralympics Australia as we set our course towards the Brisbane Paralympics in 10 years’ time,” O’Callaghan said.
“Kate became the youngest Minister in Queensland’s history and held portfolios in education as well as tourism and major events. She was the Minister for the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and played a key role in delivering that very successful event, with community engagement and the integration of Para-sport two of its most prominent elements.
“Kate is respected by a broad cross-section of politicians at state and federal levels and her knowledge and connections will be invaluable to PA as we work towards our goals in the years ahead.”
After resigning from politics in 2020, Jones became an Australian Rugby League Commissioner and Executive Director for the Tech Council of Australia.
Like Jones, Creagh is a strong leader and decision-maker with expertise in strategic planning, analysis and policy development.
Across 30 years in the Australian Defence Force, Creagh supported operations in Cambodia, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan, worked on disaster relief operations and on domestic projects including the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games. She retired with the rank of Brigadier in 2015 and remains an Army Reservist.
Among Creagh’s current roles, she is a Board Member of Rowing Australia, a certified Para-rowing classifier at national and international level and is a strategic defence advisor to the Queensland Government. She previously served as President of Rowing ACT.
“Alison brings a wealth of expertise in government, private and not-for-profit sectors in sport, defence and cyber security,” O’Callaghan said. “She is a highly respected leader who brings vision and direction to the organisations she leads and supports.
“It’s truly an honour to welcome Alison and Kate to the Paralympics Australia board. Their talent and competence, along with their demonstrated desire to advance Para-sport and the ideals of the Paralympic movement in Australia, make them each a wonderful addition to our organisation.”
With O’Callaghan at the helm, Creagh and Jones join the PA Board alongside existing members Tim Carmody, Rebecca Frizelle, John Hartigan, Lachlan Harris, Grant Mizens and Annabelle Williams.
By: David Sygall, Paralympics Australia
Posted: 4 July 2022
