Victorian Government Confirms New Appointments to Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) Board

The Victorian Government has announced that Linda Dessau AC CVO and Dr Gillian Sparkes AM have been appointed to the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) Board, where they will play vital roles in steering the direction of Victoria’s premier motorsports events.

Victoria’s Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos announced that both Ms Dessau and Dr Sparkes will bring their wealth of skills and experience to the Board for three-year terms, with Ms Dessau also taking on the role of Deputy Chair.

Ms Dessau’s impressive background includes serving as the Governor of Victoria for eight years and holding various roles in the legal profession, such as a Judge in the Family Court of Australia for 18 years. Her extensive resume also includes positions as a Commissioner of the AFL, President of the Melbourne International Arts Festival, and a Trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria.

Dr Sparkes, on the other hand, has over 20 years of experience as a non-executive Chair and Director across Government and non-Government Boards. She previously served as the Victorian Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability and currently holds the position of Deputy Chair and Trustee of The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.

In their new capacities, Ms Dessau and Dr Sparkes will play key roles in supporting the AGPC’s efforts in organising the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island. These annual events not only showcase Victoria to the world but also significantly contribute to Victoria’s $3.3 billion major events sector.

The Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix, held earlier this year, attracted a record crowd of over 450,000 people to Albert Park over the four-day race weekend in March. Looking ahead, the 2024 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, slated for 18-20 October, is expected to draw thousands of fans to Phillip Island. The event is already generating excitement as regional Victoria’s largest international sporting event of the year.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos expressed his confidence in the new appointments, stating, “Both Linda and Gillian have made significant contributions to Victoria throughout their careers, and these roles will see them further that work and support the AGPC continue to stage the best motor racing events anywhere in the world.”

AGPC’s Board Chair Martin Pakula also praised the incoming members, highlighting the valuable experience they bring to the Board and their essential roles in promoting Victoria globally through the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix events.