Deaf Sports Australia hosted a weekend full of scheduled meetings and trainings in Newcastle. Staff from across Australia met together for their training day on Friday. On Saturday, Deaf Sports Australia hosted its first Annual General Meeting, with over 30 people in attendance, since the COVID-19 pandemic and its lockdown effects across Australia. Previous AGMs were conducted online via Zoom.

The Board presented to members a new constitution to update to current constitution standards as well as recognise that we now report to the Australian Charities and Non-for-Profit Commission (ACNC). This was unanimously endorsed by members.

As for Board elections, Kathryn Armfield and Melinda Vernon were re-elected for another term and Catherine Dunn was formally elected after joining the Board in May last year.

The Board at Deaf Sports Australia wish to thank Alex Jones and Katie Kelly for their services.

The DSA Board consists of seven Board Directors.

Additionally, nominations for Life Members have been submitted by Deaf Golf Australia and after endorsement from the DSA Board, members of Deaf Sports Australia accepted the following individuals to become appointed Life Members at Deaf Sports Australia due to their substantial commitments in Golf:

  • Gavin Balharrie
  • Tony Klimek

After the Annual General Meeting, there was a public forum where members and non-members present were invited to share information and queries relating to sports and events including the 2024 and 2026 Australian Deaf Games; 2024 and 2027 Asian Pacific Deaf Games and 2025 Deaflympics.

Afterwards, Sera Bennett, Sports Convener for the 2024 Australian Deaf Games/Oceania Games delivered a Sports Conveners’ training session. The training was concluded with conveners depart to inspect their sporting venues.

The next day, the Games Organising Committee for the 2024 Australian Deaf Games, staff from Deaf Sports Australia and President of NSW Deaf Sports got together for their regular 2024 Australian Deaf Games planning and preparation meeting.

Media contact:
Lauren Townsend
info@deafsports.org.au