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Former Australian Defence Force Brigadier Alison Creagh AM CSC and ex-Queensland Government minister Kate Jones were elected to the Paralympics Australia Board by Member Organisations at PA’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday.
The two Directors were appointed in July and received unanimous support from voting Members when nominated for election by PA President Jock O’Callaghan.
Their official confirmation ensures a smooth transition under Paralympics Australia’s Board rotation and election procedures. Creagh and Jones join current Board Directors Hon. Tim Carmody AM KC, Rebecca Frizelle OAM, John Hartigan AO and Grant Mizens OAM along with the President.
In his AGM speech, O’Callaghan thanked outgoing PA Board Members Annabelle Williams and Lachlan Harris for their excellent service. Both joined the Board in 2018.
He also congratulated Jones and Creagh after their election was ratified by PA’s membership.
“Kate became the youngest Minister in Queensland’s history and held various portfolios including Minister for the Commonwealth Games,” the President said.
“In that role, Kate orchestrated the delivery of Gold Coast 2018, which featured the brilliant integration of Para-sport. Kate’s knowledge and connections are a hugely valuable asset for us and we feel privileged she has joined our board.
“Equally so with Alison, who retired after 30 years in the Australian Defence Force with the rank of Brigadier. Alison brings a wealth of expertise in government, private and not-for-profit sectors in sport, defence and cyber security. Alison is also a board member at Rowing Australia and a certified national and international Para-rowing classifier.”
O’Callaghan said the pair joined PA at a pivotal time, as the organisation was in the final stages of a new Strategic Plan.
In her speech to Members, her first AGM as CEO, Clark said she had spent much of the year listening and learning from a wide range of stakeholders.
“What emerged from these engagements is a picture of an organisation and movement in the starting blocks of a defining decade,” she said.
“It’s a decade in which we can further solidify Paralympic sport and the Australian Paralympic Team as an indelible part of our national culture and use that platform as a catalyst for a more equitable sports system in Australia.
“Crucially, this is the start of a decade that could ensure the long-term sustainability of the Australian Paralympic Movement.”
Also at the AGM, Paralympics Australia’s Annual Report and Financial Report for the 2022 financial year were unanimously adopted by Members.
View PA’s Annual Report and Financial Report.
By: David Sygall, Paralympics Australia
Posted: 13 December 2022
