This is my first message to the Australian sporting community as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Sport Commission (ASC).

Like anyone starting a new job, I am excited and looking forward to the future. As a former athlete who represented Australia at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, I know sport can inspire and unite Australians at all levels.

I also understand how critical it is for us to work in partnership to succeed. I am looking forward to building new relationships across the sports sector as well as discussing the challenges and opportunities for Australian sport, now and into the future.

I am also honoured to represent the Australian Government, the ASC Board and dedicated ASC staff at the helm of an organisation which is leading and supporting Australian sport.

But what does it mean to lead and support? For me it’s about valuing and drawing on each other’s unique strengths, knowledge and experiences to improve sport in Australia.

Understanding the needs of sports to ensure appropriate funding, advice and services are delivered, when and where they are needed is also vital. This important leadership role, in partnership with sport, is core to the strategic direction of the ASC and one I am fully committed to.

Fifteen years have passed since I was training at the Australian Institute of Sport in preparation for the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games. With this experience at the back of my mind, I’m looking forward to working with partners in our high performance network to ensure we continue to drive collectively for international success both now and into the future.

Additionally, as a dad with young children, I know it is equally important to focus on improving sporting opportunities at the grassroots level to get more kids and families active and involved.

Sport has provided me opportunities I would never have imagined. Over the past decade I have been working primarily in public administration in Australia and the United Kingdom. To be able to now merge my passions for sport and public policy is a tremendous  opportunity for me.

Australian sport is a vibrant and unique sector. As our Minister for Sport Mark Arbib has noted, ‘sport is the fabric of our nation, it is part of who we are.’

I plan to keep myself busy during my first few weeks meeting with many of our partners to discuss opportunities and outcomes, as well as getting to know staff across our organisation.

I look forward to meeting and working with you.

Simon Hollingsworth
CEO
Australian Sports Commission