Australian Athletics Extends Rio Tinto Partnership

Australian Athletics has renewed and expanded its partnership with Rio Tinto for another three years, extending a collaboration that has become one of the country’s most significant grassroots sport initiatives.

The partnership, which began in 2022, has been anchored by the Rio Tinto Athletics For The Outback program, delivering access and participation opportunities for youth in remote regions of the Northern Territory, Northern Queensland and Western Australia.

To date, the program has reached more than 15,000 young people across 35 communities, making it one of the largest participation programs in outback Australia. In 2025 alone, over 4,400 participants have engaged through activations in key Rio Tinto communities such as Weipa, Gladstone and the Pilbara.

Sharing how the partnership reflects a dual focus for both organisations, Australian Athletics CEO, Simon Hollingsworth, said: “Rio Tinto has helped us turn community dreams into action through the Outback program, and now they’re helping us do the same for athlete dreams at every level.”

Under the renewed agreement, Rio Tinto will remain naming rights partner of the Outback program while broadening its scope.

The new phase will expand delivery in rural and remote areas and increase investment in coaching accreditation for local leaders, aiming to establish sustainable, community-led pathways. This approach reflects a shift from short-term activations to long-term capacity building in grassroots sport.

The deal also formalises the growth of the Rio Tinto Run Club, first piloted in Queensland and since scaled nationally, providing free community running events designed to promote participation and wellbeing. For Rio Tinto, the program also supports a healthier workforce by aligning employee engagement with grassroots sport initiatives.

In addition, Rio Tinto will invest in a new digital content series, Under the Surface, designed to increase athlete visibility and fan engagement. The strategy mirrors content-led approaches taken with other partners across Australian sport and signals a recognition that storytelling is now a critical tool for growing both profile and participation in athletics.

With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, the expanded agreement positions Australian Athletics to leverage both grassroots development and elite performance opportunities. For Rio Tinto, the partnership extends its brand presence in sport while aligning with broader commitments to regional engagement and workforce wellbeing.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.