Deaf Sports Australia would like to share an important leadership update with our community.
After many years of service to Deaf sport in Australia, our General Manager, Phil Harper, has advised the Board of his decision to step down from his role. Phil will conclude his time with DSA in the coming months.
Phil has been a dedicated and influential leader within Deaf Sports Australia for nearly two decades, including serving as a Board Director, President, and since 2019, General Manager. Throughout this time, he has made a significant contribution to strengthening the organisation and advancing opportunities for Deaf athletes across Australia.
During his tenure as General Manager, Phil has helped drive important progress, including strengthening organisational systems, expanding participation initiatives such as the Active Deaf Kids program, supporting pathways for Deaf athletes, and championing inclusion and accessibility across sport. His leadership has played an important role in building a stronger foundation for Deaf sport nationally.
On behalf of the Board, staff, athletes, and the broader community, we sincerely thank Phil for his commitment, leadership, and lasting contribution.
The upcoming Australian Deaf Games will provide an important opportunity for the community to connect. Members of the Board of Directors and Phil will be in attendance, and we warmly encourage the community to engage with us, share feedback, and take the opportunity to personally acknowledge and farewell Phil.
Looking ahead, Deaf Sports Australia is now preparing for its next phase.
In the coming weeks, the Board will commence a recruitment process for a new General Manager / Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into its next chapter. This presents an exciting opportunity to continue building on recent progress and further strengthen Deaf sport across Australia.
Further information about the recruitment process will be shared with the community shortly.
During this transition, the Board remains focused on ensuring continuity, stability, and ongoing support for our athletes, members, and stakeholders. Our work continues, and we remain committed to delivering for the Deaf sport community.
We thank our community for its continued support and look forward to what comes next.
If you have questions, you can email the Board: President@deafsports.org.au