Less than two months ahead of the Paris Games in Paris, Paralympics Australia has announced that Chief Executive Catherine Clark has resigned from the position after two and a half years.
On personal leave for an undisclosed reason since June, Clark’s role is currently being filled on a temporary basis by Paralympics Australia’s Head of Commercial, Communications and Brand, Cameron Murray.
In a statement released on Thursday, Paralympics Australia advised “during her time as CEO, Ms Clark has guided Paralympics Australia to deliver its new strategic plan, the organisation’s first Reconciliation Action Plan as well as critical advocacy for funding equity, including equal team appeal funding for the Australian Paralympic Team.”
However, the departure of Clark, who was not present for Wednesday’s announcement of the team for Paris was launched, is seen as a surprise.
Melbourne’s The Herald Sun quoted a source close to Paralympics Australia as saying “I don’t think it ended well.”
Nonetheless, a spokesperson for the organisation advised “it is business as usual at Paralympics Australia.
"There is no disruption to the preparation of the Australian Paralympic Team following yesterday's announcement."
In a statement posted by Paralympics Australia, Clark commented “it’s been a tremendous honour to be a part of the Australian Paralympic Movement. This really is an incredible community. I am immensely proud of our IMAGINE Strategic Plan, the progress we have made towards equity and in raising the profile of Para-sport. I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone for their support during my time at PA. The stage is well and truly set for Paris. The athletes and their support teams are ready. I hand over to them with complete confidence as they are poised to create their magic.”
In her time in the role, Clark helped Paralympics Australia deliver a new strategic plan, its first Reconciliation Action Plan as well as advocating for funding equity.
Image: Catherine Clark. Credit: Netball Queensland.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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