Directors appointed to new Stadiums Tasmania board

February 3, 2023

Tasmanian Minister for Hospitality and Events, Nic Street has announced the appointment of five members to the board of the new Stadiums Tasmania authority.

Joining Chair, Michael Malouf, who was appointed in December, the members of the newly created entity are Peter Ball, Kendall Harris, Sally Darke, Jill Davies, and Chris Chapman.

Announcing the new board members, Minister Street advised “these five board members bring unrivalled experience in stadiums and events, sports law, business and financial management.

“We set out with a goal of bringing together a high-calibre leadership team to establish Stadiums Tasmania. I believe with this group, we’ve achieved that goal."

Malouf said the inaugural members were chosen from a highly competitive field of 41 candidates from across Australia, noting “we have brought together five of Australia’s best, including two exceptional Tasmanians. Beyond their extensive national and international experience, each board member brings a passion and drive to deliver the best for the Tasmanian community.”

The new authority is expected to assume responsibility for up to five stadiums, with MyState Bank Arena and the Silverdome already owned by the Tasmanian Government and the transfer of Blundstone Arena, Dial Park and UTAS Stadium remaining subject to negotiation.

Its activities will initially focus on the set-up of Stadiums Tasmania and the transfer of venue assets to the new body, with a search for a Chief Executive set commence in the middle of the year.

Stadiums Tasmania was established as a new statutory authority in May last year with the passing of the Stadiums Tasmania Act 2022.

It has been formed to own, manage and develop Tasmania’s major stadium assets acting upon the Tasmanian Government’s vision for the state’s sporting future with plans to develop stadium infrastructure at venues Dial Park, MyState Bank Arena, UTAS Stadium and Wilkinson’s Point in Hobart.

The Tasmanian Government’s expectation is that these locations will, as multi-purpose sporting and entertainment venues, generate significant economic, health, social and community benefits.

Stadiums Tasmania is also being tasked to develop a 10-year strategic stadium plan to guide future investment in the state’s major stadium infrastructure.

Michael Malouf appointed as Stadiums Tasmania Chairman is a former Chair of Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and Chief Executive of VicRoads, the Carlton Football Club and the City of Melbourne.

The Chair and Board process was led by Global Talent Consulting & Executive search firm SRI.

Jonathan Harris, Managing Partner-ANZ of SRI Executive, stated “this is a fantastic group with an excellent mix of governance skills that will deliver-upon Tasmania’s Stadia strategy for the future. It has been a truly rewarding exercise.”

Main image: Blundstone Arena.

1st February 2023 - First stage of redevelopment of Launceston’s UTAS Stadium to feature new grandstand

20th January 2023 - Cost-benefit analysis says proposed Hobart Stadium would deliver $306 million deficit over 20 years

6th January 2023 - Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sceptical about Federal Government backing for proposed Hobart Stadium

23rd December 2022 - Tasmania Government presents business case for new Hobart stadium

18th November 2022 - AFL reveals in-principle agreement for Tasmania expansion team

21st September 2022 - Tasmanian Government’s AFL licence bid sees it increase financial commitment

17th August 2022 - Tasmanian Premier says JackJumpers’ success provides a strong message to AFL decision-makers

9th June 2022 - AFL’s Gillon McLachlan says new stadium key to Tasmania’s bid for 19th competition team

4th June 2022 - Documents suggest cost of Hobart stadium will be higher than $750 million

16th November 2021 - Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein opens MyState Bank Arena

10th November 2021 - NBL’s JackJumpers ready to take the court as legislation to create Stadiums Tasmania agency moves forward

15th October 2021 - Bill to create Stadiums Tasmania agency tabled in Tasmanian Parliament

23rd August 2021 - Launceston’s UTAS Stadium to host AFL elimination finals

13th August 2021 - AFL report fails to present ‘clear cut’ option for Tasmanian team

8th February 2021 - $200 million plus redevelopment plan proposed for Launceston’s UTAS Stadium

10th June 2021 - MyState Bank Arena branding for venue at the heart of Tasmanian entertainment and sport

10th November 2020 - Tasmanian Government’s purchase of the Derwent Entertainment Centre advances JackJumpers NBL debut

25th June 2019 - NBL owner gets exclusive negotiation period for Derwent Entertainment Centre acquisition

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