2024 SMA Board Nominations

Academic and Director | Griffith University & The Bone Clinic

1. Why are you seeking a position on the Board of Sports Medicine Australia?
A role on the SMA Board of Directors represents the opportunity to contribute to an organisation with which my fundamental principles closely align. Continuing my current role on the SMA Board allows me to apply the skills and knowledge acquired during my current 2 year appointment to best assist the organisation.

2. What skills, experience and personal attributes do you possess that make you an ideal candidate for appointment to the Board of Sports Medicine Australia?
I believe I possess all of the key attributes desirable for a member of the SMA Board of Directors, as described in section 3 below, which speak to my skills and experience. In terms of my personal attributes, I would say that I am direct but socially aware, dedicated and tenacious, egalitarian and supportive, and focused on evidence rather than anecdote.

3. Please demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria for each of the following elements:

• Experience and connection with the sports medicine industry
  For the last 30+ years my research has revolved around practical sports medicine challenges, particularly prevention and management of bone stress injuries, but also targeted exercise prescription of the prevention of osteoporotic fracture. I have collaborated with industry partners testing devices in clinical trials and with Defence in an attempt to overcome intransigent bone injuries to athletes and army recruits that hamper performance in the work and sporting place. My work has included studies of bone stress injuries in ballet dancers and cricket bowlers.
• Governance experience
  I have been the Director of The Bone Clinic Pty Ltd for over 9 years, nurturing it from start up to fully functional and self-sustaining translational research and health clinic. My university roles have included Head of School of Anatomy and over 10 years as Deputy Chair of the Human Research Ethics Committee. I also served as Chair of the ESSA Research Committee for 4 years.
• Business experience and acumen
  My experience founding and leading The Bone Clinic has included responsibility for all financial and operational logistics, marketing, staff management and client care, along with creation of commercial products and licenses that are sold around the world.
• A desire to make a difference in the sports medicine industry
  Both my work with the Army and my translational implementation have made large impacts on grass roots outcomes on the management of bone stress injuries and the prevention of osteoporotic fracture. Both are testament to my desire to make a difference in this space.

4. Describe how you will represent the interests of the broader sports medicine industry as a Director.
I will represent the interests of the broader sports medicine industry by being available and accessible to those in the industry, listening to stakeholders, engaging in informed discussion, problem solving through ethical and evidence-based practice, adhering to organisational codes and being accountable to SMA membership in Board-level policy and decision-making.

5. Tell us about any other relevant skills, knowledge, or experience that will support your nomination.
I have over 30 years working and collaborating in organisations where tenacity is fundamental to success, teamwork is valuable and fostered, creativity is encouraged, outcomes are rewarded, and image is everything. Managing people, translating research, working with community and fostering learning are additional skills I have acquired over my career.

6. Is there any other information you wish to add to support your SMA Director Application?
It is rare to have skills both in science/academia and business. I feel this is what I bring to the SMA Board.

Academic / Podiatry / Sport Science | Griffith University

1. Why are you seeking a position on the Board of Sports Medicine Australia?
I am seeking a position on the Board of Sports Medicine Australia because I have a strong commitment to the development and future of the sports medicine industry. I have over 20 years of experience in the field, as a podiatrist, sports scientist (biomechanics), a researcher and an academic leader. I have been a member of the SMA Conference Committee since 2015, serving as Co-Chair since 2021. I am deeply invested in the ongoing success and growth of Sports Medicine Australia, as a multidisciplinary association of highly skilled and connected professionals.

2. What skills, experience and personal attributes do you possess that make you an ideal candidate for appointment to the Board of Sports Medicine Australia?
I believe I am an ideal candidate for this role because of my deep understanding of the sports medicine environment, both within Australia and internationally. I have a unique combination of experience in the sports medicine field, obtained from 20 years of clinical, high-performance sport and academic roles. Specific detail is provided below.

3. Please demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria for each of the following elements:

• Experience and connection with the sports medicine industry
  I have been an active contributor to SMA for the past 10 years. Through these activities, I have made strong connections with SMA members, staff, affiliate societies and industry sponsors. I have developed a strong international network within the sports medicine field, through my time working internationally, and as an academic researcher.
• Governance experience
  I have held leadership positions for national and international professional and academic societies. This includes being an elected Director (2017-24) and Vice President (2021–24) of Sports & Exercise Podiatry Australia. I am currently an elected member of the Executive Council of The International Society of Biomechanics. I have made strong contributions to University governance via roles on research and ethic committees, and more recently as Director of a research centre.
• Business experience and acumen
  As an academic researcher, I have successfully managed budgets and operations on projects with funding that exceeds $5.5 million. I am currently Director of a research centre, with oversight of research funding that exceeds $15 million.
• A desire to make a difference in the sports medicine industry
  Sport and exercise are vehicles to health and longevity. I am committed to ensuring that Australia remains an international leader in Sports Medicine, by advancing knowledge and practice in sports and exercise science and medicine. As a multidisciplinary association of clinicians and academics, SMA’s diverse membership is uniquely placed to ensure the benefits of sports and exercise are well communicated, our knowledge base is always growing, and clinical practice is guided by the best available evidence. Ultimately, this will help Australians and people of other nations live longer and healthier lives.

4. Describe how you will represent the interests of the broader sports medicine industry as a director.
I will represent the broader sports medicine industry by leveraging my broad experience and extensive national and international networks. My work with diverse stakeholders, including patients, clinicians, researchers, equipment manufacturers and regulatory bodies, has equipped me with the skills to balance varying perspectives and ensure that the needs of all parties are represented at the Board level.

5. Tell us about any other relevant skills, knowledge or experience that will support your nomination.
My broad experience spanning clinical practice, education, research and industry provides me with a diverse perspective that has relevance across many of the key priorities for the organisation.

6. Is there any other information you wish to add to support your SMA Director Application?
N/A.

Exercise Scientist Academic | James Cook University

1. Why are you seeking a position on the Board of Sports Medicine Australia?
As a long-term SMA member (since 2000), I am keen to support SMA’s interdisciplinary approach to enhance the exercise and
sports medicine profession and its members. Over the past 4 years, I have supported SMA members at the National (current SMA Board member; current member and inaugural Chair of the Strategic Investment Committee) and State level (QLD Chair; 2021-2024) and want to continue to advance SMA as the peak multidisciplinary organisation for exercise, sport and physical activity.

2. What skills, experience and personal attributes do you possess that make you an ideal candidate for appointment to the Board of Sports Medicine Australia?
I have a strong academic background within the exercise and sports science field having taught future practitioners and conducted research for >25 years. I have extensive governance experience as part of small and large organisations (ESSA, SMA, Townsville Hospital Foundation/BrighterLives, JCU Council) and have worked collaboratively with a range of stakeholders within industry, education and business. I am highly motivated to support SMA members to develop quality practitioners for the future and opportunities for greater advancement.

3. Please demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria for each of the following elements:

• Experience and connection with the sports medicine industry
  I have been a long-term academic researcher and SMA member (2000-present) involved in education and research of
  exercise/sport science and sports medicine. I was Chair of the SMA-QLD State Council (2021-2024) and have supported members with professional development events to date. In 2022, I was appointed as an ASMF/SMA Fellow and am currently a member, and was the inaugural Chair, of the SMA Strategic Investment Committee (2023-present) to support initiatives for SMA’s growth. I am currently a Board member/director of SMA (2023-present) and involved in the strategic development of SMA.
• Governance experience
  I am a current and former board member of James Cook University Council (2014-2018, 2022-2026), a $1B organisation, involved in the higher education and research sectors. As key member of this Board, I was involved in the strategic direction and governance of the organisation and assisted with both Health and Safety and Estate/Infrastructure committees. Further, I was a Board member (2014-2017) and then the Chair (2017-2020) of the Townsville Hospital Foundation (now known as BrighterLives), a not-for-profit charity involved in supporting healthcare needs of North Queensland communities. I was also the National Secretary (Board member) of the Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science (now known as Exercise and Sports Science Australia – ESSA; 2003-2005) that supported exercise and sport science practitioners, graduates and university departments. Currently I am a Board member/director of SMA (2023-present) and involved in the strategic development of SMA. My extensive governance experience and skills across multiple organisations will continue to support a productive role with the National SMA Board.
• Business experience and acumen
  As a Board member of several organisations (see above), I have a good understanding of a range of ventures that rely upon sound financial viability, risk management, and responsible decisionmaking. These key aspects underpin sound governance that drives organisational activities for success. My prior governance experience, academic research background and interactions with a range of stakeholders (e.g. students, practitioners, equipment suppliers), positions me favourably to support the National Board and SMA for the future.
• A desire to make a difference in the sports medicine industry
  I have spent my career striving to make a difference in the development of practitioners and knowledge within the exercise/sports medicine field. Through my work with QLD-SMA Council and SMA’s original journal ( JSAMS, Associate Editor since 2012), I have continued to support SMA and its members so that they are the primary contact and best placed experts for all sports medicine matters.

4. Describe how you will represent the interests of the broader sports medicine industry as a director.
I regularly engage with a range of researchers and sports medicine professionals (e.g. physiotherapist, AEPs, sports trainers, etc) nationally and therefore have a thorough knowledge of the broad industry and the issues facing these practitioners nationwide. Continued engagement with professionals is key to support all SMA members and the organisation for a strong financially-viable organisation. Through positive communication with all stakeholders, I will represent the sports medicine industry to advance its strategic direction and support SMA as the peak body within Australia.

 5. Tell us about any other relevant skills, knowledge or experience that will support your nomination.
In addition to being an experienced exercise scientist/researcher with an international reputation, I am a former international basketball referee that continues to engage with elite basketball at a national (NBL) and international (FIBA) levels. My academic, research and sporting careers has provided me with a diverse background to support the exercise/sports medicine fields and SMA successfully.

6. Is there any other information you wish to add to support your SMA Director Application?
I am keen to continue serving SMA and its members as a national Director for a strong and sustainable organisation that will support future sports medicine professionals around Australia.

Physiotherapy, Research | Victorian Institute of Sport, La Trobe University, The Australian Ballet

1. Why are you seeking a position on the Board of Sports Medicine Australia?
I am a passionate advocate for sports medicine and exercise. I have been an avid supporter of SMA for many years in different capacities including; presenting my research at Conference, education delivery through SMA organised courses around the country and the national Conference (Committee and Co-Chair positions). Last year I was awarded Fellowship reflecting my dedication and service to SMA. This breadth of involvement has allowed me to see the business from many different angles. I am lucky to have a direct line to members as current Conference Co-Chair where our members know me and I am accessible and responsive.

I am seeking a position on the Board as I believe I bring a contemporary perspective for SMA in the current competitive landscape of member organisations. It is important that we are able to respect the past and be agile when making decisions about the direction of our organisation. I am enthusiastic, have innovative ideas, am dedicated, and critically, I listen. I am flexible, prepared to pivot and change when needed but stand by, and live by, my principles that include integrity, honesty, fairness and equality.

It is an exciting time with many changes across SMA including how we deliver education and resources and make these available regardless of location. We need to be thoughtful about membership and the Conference and how this is sustainable and continues to thrive given the shear number of Conferences and orgnisations available for membership across our disciplines. For most of us, SMA is our secondary member organisation (as, for example our insurance is embedded within our primary organisation so most people will be unlikely to change this). In knowing this, how do we continue to grow SMA? What is the role of SMA and how do we best serve our members? These are important strategic directions for the Board and ones that I really want to help drive. I believe I can make a valuable and meaningful contribution to the future of SMA by joining the Board and representing our member voices.

 2. What skills, experience and personal attributes do you possess that make you an ideal candidate for appointment to the Board of Sports Medicine Australia?
I sit on the scientific advisory board for Little Big Steps – a children’s charity to promote physical activity for kids undergoing cancer treatment. I was instrumental in setting up their terms of reference, governance process for research and grants and matrix for assessment.

I established research at the Victorian Institute of Sport. I pitched the idea to the CEO and exec, set up the steering committee and drove the process for terms of reference, grants, and processes. I currently Chair the research council and ensure we are compliant with regulations and report to the executives. This was in addition to my role at VIS (deputy manager of Physiotherapy) demonstrating I am hardworking, innovative and can see the bigger picture.

I have completed the Australian Sports Commission Governance modules – these were optional and I wanted to do them to upskill. I am a life long learner and frequently complete courses outside of what is required to support my role and grow.

I lead a team of junior and senior researchers and am deputy manager of the VIS Physiotherapy department. These roles require me to manage different personalities, manage budgets and deadlines and navigate different processes.

I volunteer at our local junior football club so have real world experience around SMA in the community. I was Vice President of school council for two years including being selected to sit on the panel to short list and appoint a new principle. I am trusted by peers and ask questions that add value and information for the wider group. The role on school council required completion of many modules around finance, governance, etc. as well as reading and understanding budgeting and financial reports, contributing to decisions around use of budget, maintenance projects, writing grants, etc. I enjoyed taking the experience that I had including the ability to distill complex information for parents and the school community as I pushed our community facing role.

I was approached by the Chief Science Officer at The Australian Institute of Sport to Co-Lead the 2032+ High Performance Strategy for Research and Innovation. This has included designing three activities over the next eight years, a legacy piece and engaging with the high performance network about strategic priorities.

3. Please demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria for each of the following elements:

• Experience and connection with the sports medicine industry
  I am a sport and exercise physiotherapist and have worked continuously in sport as a physio since 2006 (prior to that I had a long history of working as a sports trainer). I work in our national institute network and consult broadly across many sports including football, basketball, rugby, soccer and in performing arts. I am frequently invited to speak to sports medicine Conferences both nationally and internationally with my clinically focused research. As noted above, I Co-Lead 2032+ HP strategy in Research and Innovation and that currently we are engaging with every national institute and national sport orgnisation as well as key stakeholders to capture all research, innovation and partnerships in our network. I am organised and well connected.
• Governance experience
  I have experience from being involved with school council, setting up research at VIS and completing formal training through ASC
• Business experience and acumen
  I have a company that I set up, within this I developed an app and ensure that the company complies with all regulations. In addition to my work I consult and speak around the world – these require me to read and understand contracts and negotiate process. I am also deputy manager at the VIS, which needs to run as a business in order to be sustainable. For example, our funding has remained the same, meaning with inflation we actually have less resources to achieve the same – or better – levels of service. I have designed an “efficiency project” that I pitched to my boss, the CEO and exec. This project involves designing resources to service our pathway (young athletes) so that they learn high performance behaviors without always receiving 1:1 care. This way we can focus on podium athletes but still support, at a consistent and meaningful level, our pathway athletes. This project has especially benefited rural, remote and internationally based athletes enabling high quality education and self management strategies to be delivered in an efficient way.
• A desire to make a difference in the sports medicine industry.
  I am constantly striving to make a difference. It is one of the reasons I love research – that is a platform with the ability to help many. I work hard to maintain a presence in PD and constantly give back to our sports medicine community with lectures and volunteering in community sport. I think this demonstrates my desire to make a difference at all levels by actively contributing.

4. Describe how you will represent the interests of the broader sports medicine industry as a director.
It is important to stay in touch and be accountable, accessible and transparent. Our members need to feel they can pick up the phone and call you or speak with you at an event – directors do not always feel approachable to members but this is something I pride myself on.

You need to be visible and genuine in your communication with members and make sure you listen. People need to feel heard – you will never keep everyone happy – and that is ok but consultation and communication is key. My background spans community sport, private practice and high performance – this enables me to be connected and engaged across the sports medicine industry sector and seek many viewpoints as well as engage mentorship and guidance to continue to grow.

I will actively represent the interests of our members and drive processes of consultation to ensure our path aligns with our member voices. This has been something Dr Luke Kelly and I as Co-Chairs have done over the past few years of the Conference. We have ensured we check in with people, seek feedback and act on it when appropriate. This includes continuous reflection and communicating. One example would be the work we have done to ensure the awards process and speaker guidelines are consistent and defensible. We have worked closely with Prof Dara Twoomey (Chief Judge) as well as sought feedback from members (including criticism) and evolved the guidelines to be more contemporary including exceptions around presenting due to late pregancy (as one example of supporting women researchers).

5. Tell us about any other relevant skills, knowledge or experience that will support your nomination:
I have also completed two leadership courses through women in leadership Australia (one four month course where as part of my coursework I set up research at the VIS, and one seven month course where as part of my coursework I instigated setting up individual performance plans and mentorship for our physiotherapy department at VIS.) I am good at seeing what
needs to be done as well as coming up with innovative ways forward. Both of these experiences demonstrate that I am
capable of initiating change and bringing people along by engaging and communication.

6. Is there any other information you wish to add to support your SMA Director Application?
Thank you for considering my application. I am a passionate SMA member, have loved contributing to the Conference and feel this puts me in a good position, along with my other skills and experience to join the Board at this time.