On Wednesday 4 June, Minerva Network, with the generous support of hosts BDO, delivered a standout event in the field of sports governance, Powering the Game: Leadership and Governance of Major Sports Events. Held in a hybrid format, 32 attendees joined in person at BDO’s Brisbane office and 54 tuned in via a live webinar, highlighting the broad interest in the governance of sport at the highest level.
BDO Partner William Tuffley opened the evening with a warm welcome to the guests and panellists, setting the tone for an engaging and insightful discussion. The event brought together an esteemed panel of leaders who have shaped the direction of major Australian sporting organisations and events. The session was expertly moderated by former Matilda and sports commentator Amy Chapman, who kept the discussion dynamic and focused.
The powerhouse panel included:
• Sarah Kelly OAM, board member for Brisbane 2032 and the Brisbane Lions, and Minerva Queensland Co-Chapter Lead
• The Hon Jane Prentice, Chair of Tennis Queensland and a long-time advocate for sport and community
• Michelle Cooper, former and first female President of Triathlon Australia
• Nick Hockley, former CEO of Cricket Australia
Amy Chapman opened the discussion by asking the panellists to reflect on some of their favourite and most memorable major sporting events. The conversation then moved to the responsibilities and challenges of board members in the planning and execution of major events. The panel covered critical areas such as governance, event management, long-term planning, and the broader impact of sport on communities.
Each panellist brought a unique lens to the discussion. Michelle Cooper highlighted the importance of designing sustainable events, urging the sector to explore ways to reduce environmental impact while creating inclusive and accessible experiences. She emphasised the need for new mechanisms that enable broader community involvement, ensuring events are not only successful in the short term but contribute to lasting positive outcomes.
Nick Hockley reinforced the importance of clarity in purpose and social positioning, noting that organisations must be able to define what they stand for beyond commercial outcomes. He stressed the value of focusing on the experience for athletes, fans, and stakeholders, and continually asking how to add value through innovation, culture, and connection.
The Hon Jane Prentice brought attention to the heart of major events; the fans and the community. She spoke about the essence of fan engagement, underscoring that successful events are built on genuine relationships with the communities they serve. Bringing people along for the journey and creating a sense of shared ownership was key to building legacy and pride.
The evening also featured a compelling vision from Sarah Kelly OAM, who described the current era as a “green and gold decade” for Australian sport. She urged leaders to embrace innovation across all pillars and to see this moment as an opportunity to lead globally in sport governance and delivery.
The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, where both in-person and online attendees posed thoughtful questions that enriched the discussion. Audience members engaged with the topics, seeking insights on future governance challenges, community involvement, and the evolving expectations of sporting organisations. Their contributions reflected a genuine interest in shaping a stronger, more inclusive sporting future and added valuable perspectives to an already dynamic conversation.
Belinda Rowe, Minerva Network NSW Co-Chapter Lead, concluded the formal proceedings and reflected on the event; “The sport sector diversity discussed by the panel added to the richness of insight and take aways to utilise when considering sports and governance roles in major events. It also highlighted the importance of diversity of thought, equality and inclusion as an important driver of future success in sporting events."
Minerva Network extends its thanks to BDO for hosting the event, to our expert panellists for their time and wisdom, and to all who attended. Events like this underscore the importance of leadership in shaping the future of Australian sport and remind us that governance is a powerful game-changer in the organisation of world-class major sports events.
