MEDIA RELEASE – 5th November 2009
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame in partnership with the Australian
Government launches the inaugural Captains’ Forum.
On November 19th, the captains and leading athletes of major Australian sports will
convene at Parliament House, Canberra for the 2009 ‘Captains’ Forum’. The key
objective of this event is to develop national responses by Australia’s sporting leaders to
some of the most significant challenges facing sport and the broader community.
The Captains’ Forum is a unique concept that builds on Australia’s reputation as a global
pioneer in sport. “This is the first time Australia’s leading athletes from a wide cross
section of Australian sports and Olympic disciplines have come together to debate and
discuss as peers, issues facing Australian sport and the community at large,” said Sport
Australia Hall of Fame Chairman and Yachting great John Bertrand AM.
“From the Forum, the captains and leaders will determine a theme to take to Australians
through sport in 2010, to address the issue they feel is most important to the community
today.”
Join John Bertrand at 12pm sharp today at the Sydney Cricket Ground to launch
this month’s Captains’ Forum. John will be joined by Federal Minister for Sport
The Hon. Kate Ellis MP, fellow Sport Australia Hall of Fame board member and
former Wallabies Captain John Eales AM, and leading Australian athlete, Olympic
Gold Medalist swimmer Libby Trickett OAM.
"The Captain’s Forum will bring Australia’s sporting leaders together to discuss the big
issues facing Australian sport,” said the Federal Minister for Sport Kate Ellis. "The Forum
will show the power that sport has to make a positive difference on the
challenges confronting sport and Australian society as a whole."
Sporting heroes attending the inaugural Captains’ Forum include: Geelong premiership
captain Tom Harley, world champion Pole Vaulter Steve Hooker, Rugby League’s
Preston Campbell, Basketball captains’ Jason Smith and Kristi Harrower, Wheelchair
Basketball captain Tina McKenzie, Netball captain Sherelle McMahon, Rugby Union’s
Nathan Sharpe, V8 SuperCar champ Mark Skaife, Tennis Davis Cup Captain John
Fitzgerald, from Swimming, Libby Trickett and Patrick Murphy, and Winter Paralympian
Cameron Rahles-Rabula.
Rugby Legend John Eales AM, the original architect of the Captains’ Forum is excited
about this milestone event in Australian sport, “The Captains’ Forum provides the
opportunity for Australian captains’ to speak with one voice to drive cultural change from
within, “ said Mr. Eales. “We hope that the Captains’ Forum becomes an annual event,
bringing together captains to reflect on the year past and plan for the year ahead.”
Media Launch Parking and entry details:-
Free parking is available in MP1 car park on Driver Avenue or in the Entertainment
Quarter car park (normal cost)
Entry is via Gate E, Driver Avenue
Take escalators up to the Victor Trumper stand and follow signs to the Steve Waugh
room.
For media enquiries:
Brigette McGuire
Jayne Stinson
McGuire Marketing Communications
Minister for Sport’s Office
T:
0412 257 874
T:
0458 547 512
E:
brigette@mcguiremarketing.com.au
E:
Jayne.Stinson@dpm.gov.au
For more information regarding the 2009 Captains’ Forum go to:
About The Sport Australia Hall of Fame
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame was established in 1985 to recognise and promote the
outstanding sporting achievements of Australia’s greatest athletes, and encourage everyone to
reach their sport and life potential. With the Prime Minister as the Patron in Chief, the Hall of
Fame membership comprises an illustrious group of Australia’s most respected and celebrated
champions. The Sport Australia Hall of Fame values are integrity; mate ship; courage;
persistence and excellence.
About the Australian Sports Commission
The Australian Sports Commission was established in 1989 “To enrich the lives of all Australians
through sport.” The ASC is Australia’s primary national sports administration and advisory
agency, and the cornerstone of a wide-ranging sports system. On behalf of the Australian
Government, the ASC plays a central leadership role in the development and operation of the
Australian sports system, administering and funding innovative sport programs and providing
leadership, coordination and support for the sports sector.
NEWS 
