Elevate Lead Program

Elevate Lead is a bespoke blend of face-to-face, peer-to-peer, and self-paced learning to assist in the development of Performance Pathway Leaders. The program, delivered across two years, targets six learning streams, providing leaders with the technical knowledge on how to be successful in their role. Cohort #1 is being delivered across 2023 and 2024 and Cohort #2 across 2024 and 2025

Program Delivery

• Participants will be required to complete online modules and reading prior to the face-to-face stream residentials. Post the stream residentials, participants will be required to document their reflections
• The residential sessions will feature theory from subject matter experts, presentations from industry representatives, and peer-to-peer learning either through personal challenges or case study work

Learning Outcomes

• Participants will have a deeper understanding of the technical knowledge for the Performance Pathway Leader position
• Participants have a peer support network that they can trust and engage to provide solutions to potential challenges

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, the following criteria must be met:

• Must be employed by an AIS funded High Performance National Sporting Organisation
• Must be providing national leadership within the Performance Pathway to emerging, developing and podium potential athletes
• Must commit and be available for a majority of the stream residentials

Cohort 2

Streams & Residential Schedule

Participants

Andrew Riddell

National Player Development Manager - Basketball Australia

After growing up in Sydney until I was 18, I headed to the U.S and played college baseball for five years. While completing my masters, I then worked in the international student department at the University of Nebraska. This lead to working for USA Baseball before returning home in 2020 to become the national pathways manager. I enjoy working out, staying active and being outdoors, days at the beach, attending sporting events, live music and spending time with family.

Ashleigh Brunning

National Performance Pathways Technical Manager - Australian Sailing

Ash Brunning, lover of the ocean and wind and all things water sport. For me, euthymia is found at, or next to the sea. I have a keen interest in what it takes to develop synergies in our people and processes, to obtain sustainable performance.

Ben Bond

Performance Health and Talent Manager - Snow Australia

Having grown up at the foot of Victorian alpine region in Bright, Ben developed a passion for Snowsport at a young age. His current role spreads broadly across all aspects of the Performance Pathway, predominantly Performance Health & Talent Development. He works closely alongside program staff, performance support teams, athletes, and coaches. Ben is an APA Titled Sports Physiotherapist by qualification and enjoys supporting the High-Performance Teams on the road when available.

Ben Exton

High Performance Manager - Australian Taekwondo

Ben is currently the performance manager for Australian Taekwondo looking after able bodied and para. Prior to this he worked for Tonga Rugby and South Korea Swimming as a strength and conditioning coach and as a clinical exercise physiologist.

Caitlin Ring

Pathway Manager - Netball Australia

Debbie Fisher

Pathways and Talent Development Manager - Football Australia

I have a background in Sports Science (Coaching major) and have worked in football as a coach, sports scientist and coach educator for over 30 years.  My role at Football Australia has recently shifted with a big focus on talent identification and talent development.

Ian Melvin

National Performance Pathway Manager - Sport Climbing Australia

Englishman born and bred, moved to Aus in 2003 and have lived in Brisbane ever since other than a 4-year stint in Canada and a further two in Japan. A coach by trade, I have led teams and individuals to medal winning successes in World Cup's, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Pan American Games.

Since leaving coaching in mid-2019, I have worked for the AIS, QAS and now Sport Climbing Australia

Jason Lane

Pathways Head Coach - Rowing Australia

I was the SASI Rowing Head Coach for 12 years and previously worked at WAIS as the senior rowing coach. I coached the women’s quad scull to fourth place at the London Olympics and was the coach of the women’s double scull that set a new worlds best time in Amsterdam in 2014. My experience as a pathway coach includes winning 7 international underage world championship medals as well as leading several underage teams. I have been the Rowing Australia Pathways Head Coach and more recently the Head of Pathways.

Jens Lang

National Program Manager (Able-Bodied) - Table Tennis Australia

I am a 47-year-old sport and Olympic Games enthusiast living in Brisbane/QLD after migrating to Australia from Germany in 2011. My professional experience includes a variety of management roles in the sporting industry, for national and international organisations, multi-sport Games Organising Committees, corporate sponsors and professional leagues and clubs. Strong areas according to others are communication, integrity, accountability and an ability to lead by example.

Kyle Burns

Para Lead - AusTriathlon

I have been in and around triathlon for 20 years as a weekend warrior, coach and manger. I have been very fortunate to have been offered some great experiences in roles at youth Olympics, Comm Games and Paralympics. Never set out to be in the position that I am but have enjoyed the challenge for the most part to helping athletes to be the best that they can be.

Luke MacDonald

Skateboarding Performance Pathways Manager - Skate Australia

Experienced sports administrator and scientist with demonstrated ability in supporting Athletes and Coaches, and in Talent Identification and Development. A strong communicator with extensive experience in fostering highly effective and trusting relationships. Passionate about deliberate programming, solving complex problems and implementing targeted solutions to achieve successful outcomes in high-performance sport systems.

Melissa Wilson

General Manager, Classification and Pathways - Paralympics Australia

Currently the General Manager, Classification and Pathways at Paralympics Australia, Melissa is a skill acquisition and athlete development specialist with a particular interest in Para sport. Melissa has almost 20 years experience in the high performance sport system spanning across three countries, both Olympic and Paralympic programs, and in a variety of academic, sport science and sport leadership roles. Melissa also leans on her knowledge of athlete development to support her three young, children, Charlie, Zach and Maddie.

Michael Anderson

Paralympic Pathway Manager - Swimming Australia

A passionate advocate within the disability sport landscape that has developed form lived experience and a desire to push the boundaries to deliver more equitable solutions. A water and sun seeker by heart that loves to indulge in cooking, gardening and house reno's in any spare time.

Rebecca Van Asch

High Performance Manager - Bowls Australia

High Performance & Performance Pathways Manager at Bowls Australia for almost 3 years. Previously the CEO of Bowls Tasmania. A retired athlete in the sport of Bowls, multiple World & Commonwealth Games Champion.

Scott Nicholas

Pathways Lead - Paralympics Australia

Pathways Lead at Paralympics Australia. I feel a lot of pride working within para-sport and the Australian system. I have an 18-month-old daughter who is teaching my partner Amanda and I a lot about ourselves and the world. I enjoy running and coaching the mighty Boronia Hawks (Senior Women's football team).

Suzie Collins

General Manager Performance Pathways - Diving Australia

Coming up to a year in post as GM of Performance Pathways with Diving Australia, I made the leap across the pond from the UK in May 2023. Before joining the team here, I was working in the England and GB Diving Pathway Programs. I hung up my swimmers/togs/bathers (I will work out the right name one day) in 2011 and embarked on a career in insurance and finance for longer than I care to remember. However, the call of Sport, Coaching and Pathways eventually beckoned me back to where my passion truly lies.

Brent Miller

National Performance Manager - Badminton Australia

National Performance Manger at Badminton Australia. Born and raised in NZ having competed then worked in the state and national system in NZ within badminton. Moved to Melbourne in 2022 and loving life on this side of the Tasman.

Past Cohorts

Cohort 1

Streams & Residential Schedule

Participants

Contact

For further information, please contact

• Jordan Bridal, Performance Pathway Consultant – jordan.bridal@ausport.gov.au