I am pleased to announce that SDAC member Ms Stephanie Brantz has taken on the role of Chair of the Sports Diplomacy Advisory Council (SDAC). Ms Brantz has made a strong contribution to the SDAC by promoting Australia's sports diplomacy through her networks, communications outreach and digital engagement.
I also announce appointments to the Council of former Australian netballer Kimberlee Green and former Wallabies player Joe Roff.
Ms Green and Mr Roff will utilise their expertise and leadership in support of the SDAC's mission to strengthen Australia's connections internationally through sport.
I thank previous Chair, Ms Josephine Sukkar for her dedicated work supporting Australia's sports diplomacy agenda and I again congratulate Ms Sukkar on her appointment as Chair of the Australian Sports Commission.
The SDAC has been integral to Australia's Sports Diplomacy 2030 strategy, particularly in relation to Australia's sports initiatives in the Pacific.
I look forward to seeing the Council maximise the opportunities presented to Australia in the coming years as we host a number of major sporting events, culminating in the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane.
The 'green and gold' decade leading to the Games begins next year with the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the UCI Road World Cycling Championships, the FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup, and the FIBA Basketball Women's World Cup.
The Morrison Government is committed to supporting the delivery of an outstanding FIFA Women's World Cup (FWWC) when it kicks off in Australia and New Zealand in 2023. The FWWC will drive the rising popularity of women's football, creating greater opportunities for women and girls in sport.
Ms Green and Mr Roff join current Council members; Caitlin Byrne, Petero Civoniceva, Dr Phil Hamdorf, Fiona de Jong, Anna Meares OAM, Curtis McGrath OAM, Tony Pignata, Danielle Roche OAM, Lisa Sthalekar and Gavin Wanganeen.
