The Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Sarah Kelly OAM as its new Chair and Tony Hallam as a Director of the Board. These appointments mark an exciting new chapter for ASF as it continues to drive investment in Australian sport at all levels.

Introducing ASF'S New Chair: Professor Sarah Kelly OAM

Professor Kelly is a recognised expert in sports governance, strategic leadership, and commercialisation. She currently leads the QUT Graduate School of Business, is a Board Member with the Brisbane 2032 Games Organising Committee, the Deputy Chair of the Brisbane Lions AFL Football Club, and a non-Executive director of Events Management Queensland.

Additionally, Professor Kelly will continue to serve as the Queensland Co-Leader of The Minerva Network, which provides pro bono mentoring to professional sportswomen nationally.

Her contributions to sports integrity and women’s sports commercialisation have earned global recognition, including an Order of Australia Medal in 2021.

“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,” Professor Kelly said.

“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.”

Welcoming New Board Director Tony Hallam

Joining the Board alongside Professor Kelly, Tony Hallam brings over 30 years of experience as a board director, business leader, and executive. His career includes leadership roles with Football Australia, Melbourne Stadiums Limited, and the Melbourne Boomers WNBL Club, and he currently serves as Deputy Chair of Zoos Victoria.

“Sport has the unique ability to unite people, foster well-being and inspire the next generation,” Mr Hallam said. “I’m excited to contribute to the ASF’s vision of ensuring that all Australians, regardless of background, have access to sporting opportunities.”

A Strong Future for ASF

Australian Sports Foundation CEO Sue Hunt AM welcomed the new appointments, emphasising their significance in strengthening the Foundation's work.

“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.”

ASF continues to support Australian sport at every level, from grassroots clubs to elite competition. In FY24 alone, ASF facilitated over 72,000 donations, raising a record $89.9 million to fund more than 3,800 projects across the country.

Read the full media release here.