The recent Annual General Meeting of the Illawarra Academy of Sport provided a watershed moment for Australia’s first Regional Academy with the evolution of the governance structure.
Long standing President Brian Weir PSM did not recontest the office and several members retired including William (Bill) Dowson who was recently awarded the Order of Australia Medal for, in part, his tieless contribution to the Academy.
Incoming President Shoalhaven Councillor John Wells said, “It is a great honour to lead an organisation which, over its 31-year existence, has provided more than 5500 scholarships to the Regions most talented athletes, several of whom have risen to national and global prominence”
Mr. Wells acknowledged the service provided by the retiring member, stating that “Bill Dowson OAM, Brian Baird, Gregg Rowland, Reg Smith and Phil Parle have been outstanding contributors to the life of the Academy and have rendered great service to sport across the Illawarra”
“While their contributions will be missed, it is also an exciting opportunity for a number of new members including Scott Parr, Grant Hughes and Megan Hutchinson, each of whom will bring valuable knowledge and skill sets into the Academy’s deliberations moving forward” said Mr. Wells
“The athletes will always be front and centre of Academy life” he said. “The development of their talent, skill set, physical and mental fitness and civic spirit continue to be the key focus areas for the Academy”
“The newly elected Board retains great experience with the introduction of some new faces at Director level. All members of the Academy will however be called upon to contribute to its work” Mr. Wells concluded.
The newly elected Board consists of nine Directors who for 2017 include (alphabetically listed):
President – Cr. John Wells
Vice-President – Ms. Amy Duggan
Director – Mr. Peter Bowman
Director – Mr. Canio Fierravanti
Director – Mr. David Goodman
Director – Ms. Megan Hutchison
Director – Mr. Jenny Towers
Director – Mr. Garry Turland
Director – Mr. Brian Weir
