Is a merger of Ski and Snowboard Australia, NSW Snowsports and Snowsports ACT on the cards?
A public forum on May 4 in Rushcutters Bay was recently announced by NSW Snowsports. The plan is to merge winter sports governance in Australia from multiple organizations into one ‘unitary model.’
Let’s hope that transparent accountability of funding distribution is a key priority should this happen. Have a read of the statement from NSW Snowsports below and let us know what you think of the proposed merger.
Notice of Public Forum
NSW Snowsports along with Ski and Snowboard Australia, would like to invite its members to attend a public forum to be held at 7pm on Thursday 4th May at Sydney’s Vibe Hotel in Rushcutters Bay.
The purpose of the meeting will be to share with members our early discussions regarding a possible governance merger between the independent organisations of New South Wales Snowsports, Ski and Snowboard Australia and possibly SnowSports ACT. Currently the three organisations are overseen by three separate volunteer boards who are each responsible for the guidance and control of winter sports around Australia.
The plan to merge control of winter sports into a ‘Unitary Model’ follows recommendations made by the Costello review in January 2006. This review, commissioned by the Australian Sports Commission, observed that snow sports is currently “over governed, relative to their size” and conclusively recommended that “a unitary governance structure would be the most appropriate”. In line with these recommendation and following several years of stronger cooperation between SSA and NSW Snowsports, including a common Directorship, we believe that this is a good time to consider adopting the recommendations.
Overall, the NSW Snowsports Board see this as an exciting development which will increase our bargaining power with state and federal governments whilst also improving governance and operational efficiencies.
We believe that the proposed unitary model will lead to increased funding, better access to facilities for athletes and greater clarity regarding channels of communication.
Winter Sports is currently in very good shape in terms of on-snow performance, testimony to this is our most successful season ever in 2017 with 40 World Cup medals won by Australian athletes this Northern Hemisphere season. The administration structure of winter sports, which is mostly overseen by a network of passionate volunteers, has done an amazing job over the past decade to grow the sport through greater participation and underpinning of the athlete pathways. We believe that consideration of a merger is only now possible because the sport is in such good shape.
NSWS, SACT and SSA are committed to ensuring that all of the good work being done locally is enhanced through this merger process. All three organisations are determined to preserve existing functionality of volunteer groups and community initiatives throughout the process. This is why we are now seeking feedback from members on specific outcomes which are important to them. No matter how big or small the issue, we are committed to supporting those needs.
Meetings will be held in Sydney, Canberra and Jindabyne over the coming months to ensure that every member is able to have a say in this process. We take pleasure in welcoming everyone to attend the first of these meetings in Sydney on the 4th May.
Daniel Bosco
Chair – NSW Snowsports
