Australian Sports Foundation Announces New Chair and Board Director

The Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) has announced the appointment of Professor Sarah Kelly OAM as its new Chair, alongside Tony Hallam as a Director of the Board, with the appointments signaling an exciting new phase for ASF as it continues its mission to drive investment in Australian sport at all levels.

Commenting on Kelly and Hallam joining organisation, ASF CEO, Sue Hunt AM, said: “These appointments mark a significant step in ASF’s mission to enhance the impact of sport across Australia through increased private investment and engagement, and I am thrilled to welcome both Sarah and Tony to the Board.”

Professor Kelly is a highly respected figure in sports governance, strategic leadership, and commercialisation, and currently leads the QUT Graduate School of Business while also holding several prominent board positions, including with the Brisbane 2032 Games Organising Committee, the Brisbane Lions AFL Football Club (as Deputy Chair), and Events Management Queensland.

On her appointment, Kelly, said: “I am honoured to be joining the board of the ASF as Chair to work with such outstanding leaders and stakeholders focused on expanding positive impacts for our communities, sport and athletes through the national vehicle for sports fundraising.”

“Sport is a unifying force, and as we build toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it is essential that we continue to invest in both grassroots and elite sport,” Kelly said.

Additionally, Professor Kelly is the Queensland co-leader of The Minerva Network, an organisation that provides pro bono mentoring to professional sportswomen across Australia. 

Joining the ASF Board alongside Professor Kelly, Tony Hallam brings over 30 years of experience as a board director, business leader, and executive.

His extensive background includes leadership roles with Football Australia, Melbourne Stadiums Limited, the Melbourne Boomers WNBL Club and currently serves as deputy chair of Zoos Victoria.

On joining ASF, Hallam, said: “Sport has the unique ability to unite people, foster well-being and inspire the next generation.”

“I’m excited to contribute to the ASF’s vision of ensuring that all Australians, regardless of background, have access to sporting opportunities,” Hallam said.

In 2024, ASF facilitated of 72,000 donations totaling AUD$89.9 million, which funded over 3,800 projects from grassroots to professional levels of Australian sport.

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