Board Members
The Gippsland Sports Academy's Board of Management represents the wider Gippsland community as well as the specific sports within the Academy.
Board profiles:
Darrell White: Board Chairman, well known for his long career as a Councillor in Latrobe City, Darrell has also had a long association with tennis as a player and administrator and is now also involved in lawn bowls and President of the Morwell Bowling Club Men’s Bowls Committee. Darrell is also a representative on the tennis advisory panel.
Jacqueline Madden: Vice Chair of the Gippsland Sports Academy, Jacqueline has a strong involvement in swimming and is currently President of Gippsland Swimming as well as holding a position on the financial committee for Swimming Victoria. Jacqueline was recently recognised by Swimming Victoria as administrator of the year. Jacqueline represents the Gippsland Sports Academy on the advisory panel for swimming.
Robert Goldie: Robert’s sporting history is one of success in both tennis and golf. Robert’s endeavour to deliver the best outcomes possible sees him representative the Gippsland Sports Academy Golf advisory panel. He provides the Board with a broad knowledge of sports administration and athlete issues across many events.
Diane Blackwood: Treasurer of the Gippsland Sports Academy Diane has a passionate interest in her local community of Baw Baw and was elected to council in 2008. Diane is currently the mayor of Baw Baw and chair of the Gippsland Local Government Network. Diane was first introduced to the Academy through the sport of swimming and she continues this association by being one of two board representatives on the Swimming Advisory Panel.
Howard Williams: Best described as a consultant and community networker specializing in governance and strategic planning in community organisations with a long career in teaching. Howard’s has experience in a range of leadership positions in community organisations including current Chair of the Baw Baw Latrobe Local Learning & Employment Network, Director (Secretary) Victorian Volleyball Development Trust and Latrobe Valley Volleyball Inc. and Vice President of Morwell Football & Netball Club, past president & life member VVI & LVVI. Howard’s interests outside of sport are politics and the environment among other things. Born in Melbourne, raised in Geelong where he began playing volleyball and is a lifetime Geelong AFL supporter. Also enjoys gardening, bush rambling, travel & reading when not playing or watching volleyball or watching his beloved Cats & Tigers (locally). Howard represents the Gippsland Sports Academy on the football and volleyball advisory panels.
Grantley Switzer: Grantley provides a local government perspective to the Board and shares the role with Jamey Mullen. Grantley manages recreational and cultural services for Latrobe City. Grantley continues to have an active sporting career in Gippsland playing A grade cricket for Gormandale where he has played in 5 A grade premierships. Grantley was also a prolific football player and coach having played in 6 grand finals (Traralgon x 3, Churchill x 2, Gormandale x 1). Grantley enjoys recreational golf admitting his swing could do with some work. His most memorable sporting moment was when John Aloisi scored the penalty for Australia getting them through to the 2006 World Cup. He lists Tiger Woods and Don Bradman two of the best athletes ever but includes Tim Forsyth, Peter Siddle, Bernie Quinlan and Cameron White among the best athletes to come out of Gippsland.
Jamey Mullen: Jamey provides a local government perspective to the Board. Employed by the Latrobe City, Jamey manages the Recreational Liveability Team which includes leisure, recreation and parks, gardens and playgrounds. Jamey has a had a long-standing involvement in Tennis and Australian Rules Football. He is currently enjoying the challenges of competition golf.
Jeff Sawyer: Jeff has interests in several sports, including being Chairman of the Morwell Bowling Club. Jeff is passionate about the Gippsland region and all it can offer. Jeff is general manager of Transpacific-Cleanaway.
Jim Vivian: Jim comes to the Board as the GippsTAFE representative, the college being a major sponsor of the Academy. Jim is General Manager of Corporate Services at GippsTAFE and has broad experience in H.R, marketing and specialised projects.
Jeanette Harding: Jeanette is the Board's newest member having commenced in 2010. A former mayor of South Gippsland Shire Council Jeanette has a strong interest in sport and believes youth who participate in sport become healthier, socially adept and share interests in a wider field. Jeanette also sees the need to encourage the older generation to participate in sport and assist junior athletes in their pursuits. Jeanette has a strong passion not only for her local area but the entire region of Gippsland believing we need to work together to develop strong relationships, assist others and socially engage communities.