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Federal Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck has today announced the appointment of businessman and administrator Grant O’Brien as the new Chairperson for the Australian Sports Foundation.

Stating that O’Brien’s appointment marked a new chapter for the organisation as it continues its vital role raising private funds for the development of sport across the country, Senator Colbeck advised “Mr O’Brien has the experience and expertise needed to stimulate philanthropic funding and allow Australia’s sporting sector to recover and thrive.

A member of the ASF Board since October 2020, O’Brien (pictured) has extensive experience in business management and leadership, including as Chief Executive and Managing Director of Woolworths Ltd.

He is also Deputy Chairman of the Stars Foundation, which aims to empower Indigenous girls and young women, and a founding member and Director of Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.

Set to serve in the role for a three year term, O’Brien said he was looking forward to the challenges ahead, stating “sport is an important part of our Australian culture, and I have experienced first-hand the powerful benefits of participation.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to extend the impact of the Australian Sports Foundation and help raise more funds to increase participation and improve the health and cohesion of our communities.”

For more than 30 years, the Australian Sports Foundation has helped to raise more than $520 million to support athletes, clubs and sporting organisations.

It has funded all sports at all levels and is the only sport fundraising organisation to which donations are tax deductible.

Minister Colbeck also extended his thanks to the outgoing ASF Chairperson, Mark Stockwell, adding “during his seven years as Chairperson, Mr Stockwell has done a tremendous amount for Australian sport.

“Under his leadership, the ASF has raised record amounts of funding, rising to an annual total of more than $50 million before the pandemic hit.”

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