AusLeisure

To celebrate International Women's Day, the Australian Womensport and Recreation Association (AWRA) has announced the appointment of Deidre Anderson as its new President.

Taking over from Janice Crosswhite OAM who stepped down after eight years, Anderson, a pioneer in athlete welfare, is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students and Registrar) at Macquarie University and President of Australian University Sport (AUS).

At AUS her role focuses on engaging young people in sport during their important years at university.

Anderson is well known for having counselled swimmer Ian Thorpe on his road to retirement from swimming in 2006 and again with his return to the sport in 2011, Anderson has worked with hundreds of elite athletes to help them achieve their potential.

Commenting on her appointment, Anderson explained "I believe sport is powerful tool to help the Australian community prosper. If women and girls are supported to achieve their potential, then we all benefit through better health outcomes, and stronger and more cohesive communities.

"I've always focused on ensuring the best outcomes for athletes regardless of gender. I'm looking forward to accelerating opportunities for women and girls to pursue their chosen career goals in sport as athletes or coaches or Directors or in other roles."

In another role as an AUSRAPID Director, Anderson is well versed in facilitating opportunities for people with an integration disability to participate in sport and recreation and working with sports so they reflect the broader community.

She concludes "sport can be a catalyst for change and offers women opportunities to participate in leadership roles which then helps them in the community."

4th March 2014 - AWRA BACKS REDEVELOPMENT OF ALBERT PARK’S JUNCTION OVAL

21st August 2013 - AWRA CALL FOR GOVERNMENT BACKING TO PROMOTE MORE FEMALE LEADERS IN SPORT

17th August 2013 - NEW LEADER SOUGHT FOR AUSTRALIA’S PEAK WOMEN’S SPORT ADVOCACY BODY

9th July 2013 - LEANNE EVANS NAMED AS AWRA’S EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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