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Approaching its 10th year of making impact, Paralympics Australia’s Athletes’ Commission has announced changes that are set to have a vital influence on the future direction of Paralympic sport in Australia.
Established in 2017 to help ensure athletes play a central role in the decision-making across Paralympics Australia and the wider Paralympic movement, the Commission will welcome four new members, two re-elected voices and farewell four, including three foundation members who have served their full term following the recent election cycle timed to coincide with the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games.
Among those re-elected is Chair Sarah Stewart who said the calibre and diversity of nominees reflected the growing strength and engagement of Paralympic athletes across the country.
“The quality of applicants and the willingness of athletes to contribute their time and experience demonstrates the passion that exists within our Paralympic community,” Stewart said.
“The Athletes’ Commission has become critical platform within Paralympics Australia and the broader sporting system, and that has only been possible because of the dedication and commitment of the athletes who have served on it.”
The Athletes’ Commission has become critical platform within Paralympics Australia and the broader sporting system, and that has only been possible because of the dedication and commitment of the athletes who have served on it.
The Winter Paralympic Games cycle triggered elections for Winter athlete, Retired athlete and First Nations athlete representative positions, while an extraordinary election was also held following the retirement of foundation member Curtis McGrath.
Along with McGrath, fellow foundation members Prue Watt and Sarah Rose also concluded their full tenure under the Athletes’ Commission charter, while winter sport representative Mitchell Gourley also stepped down after providing an outstanding level of service.
With the departure of a wealth of knowledge and experience, Stewart said the athletes coming on to the Commission will bring new skills and expertise to ensure progress and achieving outcomes for Para athletes nationally continues at pace.
“Every Commission evolves over time and that renewal is important because it ensures fresh perspectives, new ideas and different lived experiences continue to shape the future of Paralympic sport in Australia,” Stewart said.
Every Commission evolves over time and that renewal is important because it ensures fresh perspectives, new ideas and different lived experiences continue to shape the future of Paralympic sport in Australia”
“While we farewell some incredibly experienced and influential athlete representatives, we are also excited by the knowledge, passion and energy the incoming members will bring to the table.”
“The Commission remains deeply committed to ensuring athletes are heard, represented and empowered, and I’m confident this group will continue driving meaningful outcomes for current and future Paralympians.”
The following athletes have been elected to the Commission:
Winter athlete representative:
Retired athlete representatives:
First Nations athlete representatives:
Summer athlete representative mid-term replacement:
They will join continuing Commission members Angie Ballard, Danni di Toro, Chad Perris, Ella Sabljak, Liam Twomey and Al Viney.
“The strength of the Athletes’ Commission has always come from the willingness of athletes to step forward and contribute beyond their own sporting careers, and that commitment continues strongly with this new group,” Stewart said.
“We are seeing more athletes than ever engage with the Commission and recognise the importance of athlete representation in shaping policies, programs and the overall direction of the Paralympic movement.”
“There is a genuine sense of momentum around athlete voice within Paralympic sport in Australia, and this next chapter of the Commission will build on the strong foundations established over the past decade.”
There is a genuine sense of momentum around athlete voice within Paralympic sport in Australia, and this next chapter of the Commission will build on the strong foundations established over the past decade.
Reflecting on the contribution of her long-time colleagues and outgoing members Gourley, McGrath, Rose and Watt, Stewart said all four should be immensely proud of their years of leadership and advocacy.
“As a Commission, we have achieved a tremendous amount together,” Stewart said.
“We have strengthened the professionalism and structure around athlete voice representation in Australia, developed our Charter and strategy, improved the way we work together and helped influence important decisions affecting Paralympic athletes now and into the future.
“Our work has ranged from practical athlete outcomes, including more accessible uniform designs, through to broader initiatives like the Paralympian pin project and advocating for greater recognition of the Paralympic movement across government and sport.”
“As foundation members of the Athletes’ Commission, Curtis, Sarah and Prue have each played a significant role in shaping what the Commission has become today,” she said.
“We also acknowledge Mitch Gourley, who joined us as the Winter athlete representative in 2020, and worked hard to ensure the collective voice of winter athletes was represented as strongly and clearly as that of summer athletes.
“Together they have helped establish a strong and respected athlete voice within Paralympics Australia and across the wider sporting landscape.”
To learn more about the PA Athlete’s Commission, visit: Our Athlete Commission | Paralympics Australia
For more information, please contact:
Tim Mannion
General Manager, Communications
Paralympics Australia
M: +61 417 065 409
W: paralympic.org.au
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