CHAIRPERSON

Peter encompasses a life-long commitment to sport. He has represented Australia at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games and holds coaching accreditation in the sports of Basketball, Cricket and AFL. Peter also boasts a distinguished political career, representing the electorate of Albany in state parliament for over 20 years culminating in being appointed as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in 2017. Peter retired in 2021 but is still passionately engaged in sports advocacy.

VICE CHAIR

Tom brings to the board a wealth of sporting passion and governance. He holds qualifications in sports management and has sat on numerous Great Southern boards including Royals Football Club, Manypeaks Cricket Club and previously served as Regional Football Manager for WAFC. Tom currently serves as Independent Chair of Great Southern Griffins and works professionally as the Office Manager at Wellington & Reeves. Tom is a passionate supporter of AFL, Cricket and Golf and cites Ricky Ponting, Ben Cousins and Tiger Woods as some of his favourite sportspeople.

TREASURER

Michelle brings financial expertise along with an elite sports background to the Academy. Michelle is a Level 1 Cross-fit coach and competes at the Australasia Master League Games. As a swimmer, Michelle competed for national titles and was coached by Lisa Curry at the AIS and trained with many Olympic and Commonwealth Games athletes. Michelle has a Bachelor of Accounting, a CPA and is Senior Manager at Lincoln Accountants.

SECRETARY

Simon has a diverse and exemplary career in regional sports development with positions including Coaching Effectiveness Coordinator at the MidWest Academy of Sport, Program Coordinator at Outdoors Great Southern and Recreation Business Services Coordinator at the City of Albany. Simon also has a degree in sports science, level 3 cricket coaching qualifications and extensive coaching experience including WACA development squads.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Rob brings a holistic perspective and diverse skillset to the role of Executive Officer. Rob has a Bachelor of Commerce, a computer science degree and has served on the boards of Volleyball WA and Denmark Chamber of Commerce. He has built and managed teams in industries including IT, retail and construction. Rob was a WAIS scholarship holder for both indoor and beach volleyball. He still coaches and plays volleyball and is the founder and current president of the Denmark Volleyball Club.

Kathryn understands the journey of an elite regional athlete. Born and raised in South Stirling, Kathryn rose through the hockey ranks to represent Australia at the Oceania Cup in 2017 and Rio Olympic Games in 2016. She played 91 games for Australia, scored 37 goals and following her international career, played professionally in Belgium.

Susette is a passionate supporter of youth engagement, inclusivity and equality both in sport and in life. As an enthusiastic keelboat sailor and as a Hansa Class state representative, you will regularly find Susette sailing in local, state and national regattas both as a sailor and para sailor. Susette held recent roles as Commodore and Chair of the Princess Royal Sailing Club and Interim Coordinator PRSC Sailability Albany.

Jeremy has been highly active in junior sporting programs as a coach or committee member since 2004 and a volunteer in community sport for over 30 years. He has AFL Level 2 coaching and AFL Level 1 Talent Identification accreditation and was the GS Storm 15’s coach from 2013 to 2016. Jeremy was the Great Southern Cricket Academy coach in 2022 and is a life member of Southern Districts Junior Football. Jeremy is a local business owner and a long standing professional in the local insurance industry.

Nicola is a local business owner and specialist in graphic design, website creation and marketing. She was a state finalist in the 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards. Nicola served on the Princess Royal Sailing Club board for 2 years and the GGSTA board for 5 years and was instrumental in the transition from GSSTA to the new academy (GSAS). Nicola’s athletic achievements include competing in the Berlin marathon and sailing around the world in 2015/16.

Mel is the Regional Manager for the DLGSC Great Southern Office. Over many years, Mel has been involved in the governance of numerous associations including GSSTA, Albany Volleyball Association and several hockey clubs, participated in competitive hockey, volleyball, ballroom dancing and BMX, coached a number of volleyball and hockey teams and was a qualified State and District volleyball referee.

Jarrad is currently the Acting CEO of the GSDC. Jarrad has extensive experience in state government, across the energy, water, housing, forestry and land development sectors. Jarrad formally worked in the Department of Treasury, with key involvement in the implementation of major government initiatives, policies and industry sector reforms. Returning to the Great Southern in 2020, Jarrad took on the Director Regional Development role for the GSDC.