Netball Queensland Recruits Damien Walker to its Board of Directors

Netball Queensland (NQ) has announced the appointment of Damien Walker, Director-General of the Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet, to its Board of Directors.

The announcement also confirmed the reappointment of Leanne Coddington for a second term and the departure of long-serving director David Carter after nearly a decade of service.

The recruitment of Walker is a major boost for the organisation, bringing high-level public sector governance and elite sporting team experience to the board.

His appointment aligns with NQ’s “Go For Growth” strategy, which focuses on expanding netball’s community reach and returning the Queensland Firebirds to the top of the Suncorp Super Netball standings.

Coddington, the former CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland, was also re-elected as chair for a third consecutive year following the 2025 AGM.

Commenting on the appointment of the Director General, Netball Queensland CEO, Kate Davies, said: “We warmly welcome Damien Walker to the Netball Queensland board.”

“Damien brings an outstanding depth of public sector leadership.

“His experience will add considerable value as we continue to strive for Firebirds on-court success and expand netball’s impact throughout the state,” Davies said.

Outgoing director, David Carter, was credited with guiding the organisation through the volatility of the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of significant commercial growth.

“On behalf of Netball Queensland, I sincerely thank David Carter for his significant contribution over many years,”

“David has been a strong advocate for the sport, and his commitment helped guide us through important periods of change,” Davies added. 

Strategic Governance and Growth Agenda

The board transition marks a pivotal moment for NQ as it prepares for the 2026 season and the long-term runway toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Leanne Coddington’s reappointment ensures NQ retains elite-level insights into major events and stakeholder engagement, vital for securing government funding and private partnerships.

Damien Walker’s role as the state’s most senior public servant provides NQ with a direct understanding of whole-of-government priorities, policy, and service delivery.

The organisation’s 2026 campaign is set to be a transformative year, with the Firebirds aiming to qualify for the finals under a refreshed high-performance framework.

The new board will oversee the finalisation of the Nissan Arena precinct master plan, intended to cement the venue as the premier netball facility in the southern hemisphere.

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