2019/20 Annual Report Covering the period 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020 Paralympics Ltd Australian Address: Building A, 1 Herb Elliott Avenue, OAM Olympic Park, NSW, 2127 Kevin Coombs OAM Tracey Freeman Postal address: David Hall OAM PO Box 596, Daphne Hilton Sydney Markets, NSW, 2129 Sir OBE P +61 2 9704 0500 Ron Finneran OAM E [email protected] Adrienne Smith OAM Contents W www.paralympic.org.au ABN 41810 234 213 | ACN 061 547 957 02 Message from the President

04 Message from the Chief Executive Officer

06 About

08 Finance

10 Message from

13 Games Delivery

19 Performance Services

24 Para-sport Reports

41 Commercial and Marketing

49 Communications

55 Stakeholder Engagement

58 Corporate Operations

60 IT Operations

61 Sponsor Family

Cover: 2020 Australian Paralympic Team co-captains and Danni Di Toro This page: Vanessa Low 2 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 3

Among our world’s best female and Minister Colbeck in Canberra to Games coming up in quick succession Message from the President governance, I was thrilled to see discuss the strategic direction of the next year and in 2022, followed shortly our Chief Executive Officer Lynne IPC and Paralympic Movement, the after by the . Anderson earn the Award for strength of Para- and There is much work ahead and an Leadership at the AIS’s Sport a potential bid for the 2032 Olympic uncertain environment in which to It’s in the tough times that our best allocated to Para-programs for Performance Awards. Lynne received and . do it. But, as we have shown over qualities come to the fore, so it’s no , , men’s this prestigious recognition at the end The bid became a reality two months the past 12 months, our people are surprise to me that the Australian wheelchair , , of 2019, during which she oversaw new later when Premier resilient, passionate and united. Paralympic family has risen so shooting, boccia, and canoe. I would government investment, a landmark Annastacia Palaszczuk announced We have outstanding people within admirably to the challenges we’ve like to extend my gratitude to Sport media rights deal, the launch of the her state would seek to host the 2032 our organisation and have strong been presented. Australia, led by Chairman John Wylie new Paralympics Australia brand Games. On behalf of Paralympics partnerships in government, business, and Chief Executive Rob Dalton, and new partnerships with sponsors, The past year has delivered obstacles Australia, I applauded the Premier’s media and across the sports industry. and AIS Director Peter Conde, for suppliers and supporters. the likes of which we’ve never decision and offered our strong their unwavering support of these We are also backed by our Para- experienced. The bushfire disaster last Recognition on a fitting scale was support. Hosting a second Paralympic programs. athletes, whose informed and summer, the COVID-19 pandemic and forthcoming also for Greg Hartung, Games in Australia 32 years after the important input continues to be valued the subsequent postponement of the Amid this defining announcement, I who during his 16 years as President success of Sydney 2000 would define both in Australia and internationally. Tokyo Paralympics have tested us in was pleased to welcome three new of Paralympics Australia until a new generation of sporting talent Three-time Winter Paralympian many different ways. Yet, the mettle, Directors to our Paralympics Australia his retirement in 2013, made a and have a hugely constructive impact Mitchell Gourley joined PA’s Athletes’ unity and compassion shown by our Board. Former Chief Justice of the monumental contribution domestically on the wider Australian community. Commission that addressed key issues people has reinforced to me what a Queensland Supreme Court, Tim and internationally by increasing Positive legacy is a big part of what this year while ’s election special place Paralympics Australia is. Carmody, Chief Operating Officer of support and respect for athletes we aim for within our Movement and as Vice-Chair of the IPC’s Athletes’ Frizelle Sunshine Prestige, Rebecca with disabilities. Greg received the it is here I would like to make special Council strengthens our visibility of During these unprecedented Frizelle and Paralympic gold medallist, Paralympic Order from International and solemn mention of two revered issues facing athletes with a disability times, I am pleased to report that , bring unique and Paralympic Committee President members of our Paralympic family, across every continent. our relationship with the Federal important skill sets to the Board at Andrew Parsons at a special ceremony Glenn Tasker and , Government has only strengthened. a pivotal time in our organisation’s in Sydney last October. It is the highest who we lost in tragic circumstances I ask you to join me in embracing the We are grateful to the Federal history. Tim, Rebecca and Grant honour presented to an administrator during the year. Glenn was President next year with the kind of confidence Minister for Youth and Sport, Senator extend our Board of Directors from in the Paralympic Movement and I can of Paralympics Australia from 2013 to and enthusiasm that makes our Richard Colbeck, whose confirmation six to nine members, including five think of no more worthy recipient. 2018 and was an outstanding leader Para-athletes the best in the world of significant funding for high men and four women. and colleague. Kieran was a five- and makes Paralympics Australia performance sport over the next two I was delighted to host Mr Parsons the special place it is. Across Paralympics Australia we time Paralympic gold medallist, but years provided much needed certainty during his visit to Australia, the continue to lead the way in gender his positive impact on the Australian to our national sporting organisations. first by an IPC President in more equality. Apart from the Board, Paralympic Teams he featured on than a decade. The IPC is currently women represent 55 per cent of the between 1988 and 2016 went so far It has enabled our Para-athletes undertaking a Governance Review, Senior Executive Team and 64 per beyond his competitive performances. to stay focused on what they do which PA is contributing to, which has cent of the Athlete Commission, The loss of both Glenn and Kieran best - striving for excellence as they two simple objectives: to listen and to Jock O’Callaghan including the Chair and Vice Chair. devastated our Movement and we work towards the rescheduled Tokyo learn from key stakeholders in order President On International Women’s Day we will always be indebted to the Games, the Beijing Winter Paralympics to ensure the IPC is more membership Paralympics Australia were honoured by the International contribution both of them made to and the Birmingham Commonwealth focused and athlete-centred. Mr Paralympic Committee for our global Australian Paralympic sport. Games. Parsons certainly took that opportunity leadership in this area. The IPC with both hands during his time on our It has certainly been a year like no The Minister’s commitment was recognised Paralympics Australia as shores. Among several important and other. Without doubt, further major backed by the Australian Institute the world’s best National Paralympic productive engagements, together we challenges lie ahead, not least of Sport, which announced that Committee for promoting women in met with Prime Minister Scott Morrison Summer and Winter Paralympic an additional $1.5 million would be sport in 2020. 4 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 5

produced by PA that features input core organisations forming a key peak In September 2020, we all received a Message from the Chief from experts from a range of high- agency for sport and physical activity huge boost when we had the honour performance fields and the best table for Australians with a disability. The of naming our first 10 Para-athletes for Executive Officer knowledge in Australia. Alliance is supported and funded by next year’s Games. Having launched our wonderful Tokyo 2020 uniforms Sport Australia and I thank Chair John Despite being confined to online before the event, we announced Para- Wylie and his Board for their backing. sessions, our Paralympic Education athletics competitors who had earned Program has advanced, educating One of the things I love most about at the Para- World For all our achievements over the past qualification through their results at students Australia-wide about the the magnificent Para-athletes we Series in in February. year, it would be false to say it’s been the World Championships in Dubai. It Paralympic movement and teaching was an exciting reminder that, despite support is that they are champions all smooth . Our athletes and at finding the silver lining in any When the 2020 Games were them about inclusion, resilience and the hitches and hindrances, we will staff have done it tough. Sometimes situation. postponed, we gave our unequivocal disability. never sway from our target. As I said that silver lining has been hard to find. support to the IPC and IOC for the at the time, the message is clear: we’re As part of the ethos of inclusivity It is by their example that our decision and vowed to leave no stone But I’m immensely proud of the way in full swing for Tokyo and we’ll be that’s entrenched in our DNA, we organisation has been guided in the unturned to provide an optimal we have forged ahead regardless. aiming to succeed. joined the Australian Pride in Sport face of the Tokyo postponement. performance environment for our As well as the way our athletes have program, which is designed to assist Rather than wallow in the deep athletes. I met with leaders of national responded, I would like to make sporting organisations better include disappointment we’ve all felt, our sporting organisations and the AIS to special mention of the personnel at employees, athletes, coaches, Para-athletes, their coaches and discuss next steps and felt incredibly volunteers and spectators with diverse PA, who have worked tirelessly to support staff have got on with the job proud of the way we and our partners genders and sexualities. We were keep the wheels turning, planning, and used this time to seek whatever committed to working together to also pleased to become part of the re-planning and then planning again Lynne Anderson advantages they could find. So have help each other through. to ensure we are reaching our goals, we at Paralympics Australia. Australian Sporting Alliance for people Chief Executive Officer Much has been achieved in the with a disability, a grouping of nine despite the shifting goalposts. Paralympics Australia Over the reporting period, despite the time since. I was elated to see one cancellation of several sporting events of our greatest Paralympians, Kurt in 2020, we have been agile and Fearnley, elected Vice-Chair of the innovative. We have stayed focused IPC’s Athletes’ Council, a post he will not only on sending the best prepared hold until December 2022, and we Team we can to the rescheduled welcomed the Co-Captain of our 2018 Games in Tokyo next year, but also Winter Paralympic Team, Mitchell on the business of running Para-sport, Gourley, to the Paralympics Australia demonstrating fiscal responsibility Athletes’ Commission, which we in a time of extreme uncertainty, established in 2017 to inform us on but importantly also expanding decisions relating to athlete-facing opportunities for participation and matters. spreading our messages of inclusivity and the pursuit of excellence. We worked with Australia and the AIS to initiate a new Para- Before the COVID-19 pandemic rowing pathway, the feature of which drastically altered the landscape, will be a series of camps focusing on our athletes secured some fine results, talent identification and expanding including winning 23 medals, eight of opportunities for female Para-rowers. them gold, at the 2019 World Para- athletics Championships in Dubai. Our Another partnership of which I’m Para-cycling Team claimed eight gold particularly proud is with medals, one silver and one bronze Australia, with whom we started a at the Para-cycling Track World Coaching Working Group, tasked with Championships in in January developing coaching skills specific to – second only to – and our Para-table tennis. The project is being swimmers finished ahead of the rest enhanced by a video content series 6 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ABOUT PARALYMPICS AUSTRALIA 7

About Paralympics Australia

Paralympics Australia Board Paralympics Australia Paralympics Australia Staff Member Organisations

President Jock O’Callaghan Sam Allan Dan Evans Paul Oliver Vice Presidents Helen Nott Manager, Operations, Manager, Games Delivery General Manager, Stakeholder Wheelchair Rugby Engagement Australian Para Ice Hockey Association Georgina Exton Lynne Anderson Senior Manager, Sponsorship Ross Pinder Directors Tim Carmody Chief Executive Officer Keren Faulkner Skill Acquisition Specialist, (since May 2020) Australia Jennifer Baker Performance Services Manager Paralympic Innovation Lead Kurt Fearnley Coordinator, Events (from (until November 2019) Cathy Lambert (until Nov 2019) September 2019 to April 2020) Shellee Ferguson Manager, Classification Rebecca Frizelle Boccia Australia Jenny Blow Manager, Games Delivery Kara Retford (since May 2020) Manager, Education Robert Fitzgerald Manager, Out of Village Lachlan Harris (from October 2019) (until April 2020) Disabled Wintersport Australia Fundraising Executive John Hartigan Nat Browne (until April 2020) Lauren Robertson Disability Sport Australia Rosie King Senior Manager, Games Delivery Louise Geisker Coordinator, Media and Public Grant Mizens Vanessa Cardinale Executive Assistant to the Chief Relations (until June 2020) (since May 2020) Football Federation Australia General Manager, Finance Executive Officer (from April 2020) Sascha Ryner (until April 2020) Kate Gillies Manager, Media and Public David Collins Administration Officer, Commercial Relations (until April 2020) Shooting Australia IT Assistant (from January (until April 2020) Alek Saunders 2020 to April 2020) Para Strength and Conditioning Sport Inclusion Australia Laura Jones Kieran Courtney Manager, Outfitting Coach Snow Australia Sport Information Officer (until April 2020) Trish Crews Paul Kiteley Strength & Conditioning Table Senior Manager, Fundraising General Manager, Performance Coordinator and National Assistant Coach – Wheelchair Rugby Australian Justin Crow (until April 2020) Tennis Australia Senior Manager, High Performance Karen Mackey Ben Troy (from November 2019) Executive Assistant to the Chief General Manager, IT Aerin Di Leva Executive Officer (until March 2020) Amy Wadwell Manager, Para-Sport Performance Tim Mannion Senior Manager, Digital Marketing Pathways General Manager, Communications (from September 2019) Danni Di Toro Samantha Martin Shontayne Ward Manager, Athlete Wellbeing and Manager, Human Resources Executive, Sponsorship and Marketing Engagement Tim Matthews Lori Dotti Senior Manager, Para-Sport Natasha Welsh Manager, Pre-Games Staging Chief Financial Officer Kate McLoughlin Camp (until April 2020) Brad Dubberley General Manager, Sport Head Coach, Wheelchair Rugby Anna Muldoon Denise Duong Manager, Classification Finance Officer (until May 2020) Alex El-Shamy Louise Nelson General Manager, Commercial Senior Manager, Marketing and Marketing (until April 2020) 8 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 FINANCE 9

Finance

Statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 30 June 2020 2020 2019 Statement of financial position as at 30 June 2020 2020 2019 $ $ $ $

Revenue Assets Grants 7,195,994 9,467,377 Current assets Sponsorship and broadcasting 3,706,431 3,203,230 Cash and cash equivalents 14,199,848 15,836,302 Fundraising 1,329,764 3,190,333 Trade and other receivables 1,878,218 2,480,916 Investment income and bank interest 149,071 80,445 Total current assets 16,078,066 18,317,218 Membership fees and other income 788,594 171,966 Non-current assets Total revenue 13,169,854 16,113,351 Investments 1,018,068 - Right of use assets 234,110 - Property, plant and equipment 262,290 144,123 Expenses Total non-current assets 1,514,468 144,123 Sport programs (3,985,163) (7,240,638) Total assets 17,592,534 18,461,341 Paralympic and other Games (2,437,782) (1,485,723) Promotion, marketing and media (1,270,530) (1,109,641) Current liabilities Fundraising (1,072,347) (2,237,637) Trade and other payables 1,885,684 6,889,049 Administration (2,822,630) (3,117,978) Provisions 125,488 145,299 Broadcasting (218,357) (706,489) Contract liabilities 10,183,567 7,691,953 Total expenses (11,806,809) (15,898,106) Lease liabilities 116,006 - Total current liabilities 12,310,745 14,726,301 Non-current liabilities Operating surplus before income tax 1,363,045 215,245 Provisions 114,896 93,912 Income tax expense - - Lease liabilities 162,720 - Net surplus attributable to members of Paralympics Australia Ltd 1,363,045 215,245 Other comprehensive income - - Total non-current liabilities 277,616 93,912 Total liabilities 12,588,361 14,820,213 Total comprehensive income 1,363,045 215,245 Net assets 5,004,173 3,641,128 Equity Accumulated funds 5,004,173 3,641,128 Total equity 5,004,173 3,641,128

Finance Report – for the year The operating surplus for the year postponement of the Tokyo2020 scenario planning and other COVID- This finance report has been for the first time in the 2020 financial ended 30 June 2020 ended 30 June 2020 was $1,363,045. . By specific activities to support the best prepared on a going concern basis. It year. This occurred after revenue of extending the Tokyo quadrennial outcome for Paralympics Australia contemplates the continuity of normal Paralympics Australia Ltd operated A copy of Paralympic Australia’s full $13,169,854 and gross expenditure of for an additional year, Paralympics and Australia’s Para-athletes. business activities and the realisation in all states and territories of Australia financial report can be made available $11,806,809. Australia will receive four years of of assets and liabilities in the ordinary Paralympics Australia’s balance sheet by contacting Paralympics Australia on during the year ended 30 June 2020, commercial revenue against five years course of business. reflects a cash balance of $14,199,848 +61 2 9704 0500. and this finance report reflects those In 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic has of operational costs. operations. impacted many organisations in a which includes a large portion of A summary of Paralympics Australia’s As always, Paralympics Australia is negative and at times catastrophic The IOC Coordination Commission, carried forward grant funding received Finance Report for the 12 months Paralympics Australia has a multi-year extremely grateful for the continued way. Paralympics Australia has the Japanese Government and the during the financial year. Any unspent ended 30 June 2020, including corporate and budget strategy to support of its sponsors, benefactors, navigated through this period by International Paralympic Committee grant funding has an equivalent comparison with the previous year, accomplish its five strategic priorities: and the Australian Government taking decisive and swift action to remain committed to the Tokyo liability included in the Contract are shown above. Please note that through Sport Australia. 1. Invest in Para-sport performance support the financial health of the Games going ahead in 2021. However, liabilities section of the balance Paralympics Australia has applied 2. Rebuild cash reserves organisation. Paralympics Australia recognises there sheet. Paralympics Australia expects AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with is a heightened amount of uncertainty to maintain sufficient cash reserves Customers, AASB 1058 Income of Not- 3. Expand the commercial portfolio The most significant impact in Games planning while the COVID-19 through the next financial year. For-Profit Entities and AASB 16 Leases 4. Deepen stakeholder engagement of COVID-19 on the operations pandemic remains active. As such, the 5. Grow the Paralympic brand of Paralympics Australia is the organisation is undertaking multiple 10 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 MESSAGE FROM SPORT AUSTRALIA 11

Message from Sport Australia

The start of 2020 has been an Alcott added three more Grand Slam extraordinarily tough time for quad wheelchair singles trophies to the Australians, including all of us cabinet and Sailing duo Matt Belcher committed to sport. and Will Ryan claimed the men’s 470 World Championship. In the pool, our The impact of bushfires and the swimmers won seven gold medals COVID-19 pandemic have been at the FINA World Championships, confronting for communities, where placing Australia fourth on the medal we all know sport plays such an tally. important role. This year our inspiring women’s At the Australian Sports Commission team won a fifth World T20 title, (ASC), comprising Sport Australia and drawing a record crowd of 86,174 to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), the MCG. How fitting that this historical our energy is focused on supporting moment fell on International Women’s our partners through these times as we Day. These results are a testament to continue to advocate the importance the tenacity and passion of athletes, of sport to our economy, productivity, coaches, sports staff and sporting health, wellbeing and culture. organisations, which know we have We believe whole-heartedly that when all the skills and abilities to achieve we get through this challenging period, success. sport will play a prominent role in lifting I am proud too of the service our the nation’s energy and spirits again. organisation provides to Australian Times such as these can also make us sport each year, on behalf of the Darren Hicks more appreciative of what we do have Australian Government. and of the success we have achieved. The ASC, through Sport Australia and Sport Australia invests in sports opportunities for women to progress Instead, it has been postponed to Success in sport is always hard the AIS, delivers 25,000 grants a year. participation programs, from our their professional development in all 2021, with the to be national Sporting Schools program for roles across sport. held from 23 July to 8 August 2021 fought. But it’s a fight Australian high- The AIS, funds and prepares younger children through to the Better and the Paralympics from 24 August performance sport welcomes as it our Olympic, Paralympic and Ageing program aimed at Australians We continue to work with sports to to 5 September 2021. continues to achieve success. Commonwealth Games athletes to aged 65 and over. modernise traditional governance Last year the wonderful Ash Barty represent us at the highest level in structures in Australian sporting We have already witnessed a great won the French Open and became international competition. So many of these grants fuel organisations and we continue to deal of positivity from athletes who aspirations. Our Local Sporting encourage environments that are now need to re-set. I’m confident, as our first female No1 tennis player since In the past few years, we have Champions program supports 9,000 inclusive, diverse, safe and welcoming, a united sport system, we will do the her idol, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, enhanced our support to athlete children a year to reach for their making sport the benchmark for a same. in 1976. Javelin-thrower Kelsey Lee- wellbeing and engagement, a move sporting dreams. more equitable society. Barber set personal bests throughout that is essential especially in the the year and took the title at the IAAF current environment. Our Women Leaders in Sport program This was to be the year of the 2020 John Wylie AM World Championships in Doha. Dylan and the AIS Talent program provide Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo. Chair, Sport Australia 12 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 GAMES DELIVERY 13

Games Delivery

Tokyo 2020 emergency planning ensures the PA Executive Team and its stakeholders Paralympics Australia’s Games are best prepared for any possible Delivery division accelerated scenario in , including the its planning for the Tokyo 2020 introduction of a new and unexpected Paralympic Games during the risk in the COVID-19 pandemic. reporting period. While the announcement of the postponement The process for securing the Australian of these Games in March 2020 called Paralympic Team uniforms involved for a full review and revision of plans consultation, design, procurement through a COVID-19 risk mitigation and ordering in collaboration with lens, the division continued to consult the PA Athlete Commission and and collaborate with all stakeholders individual national federations. PA to work towards the goal to deliver engaged with The Garment Exchange, a world class Australian Paralympic R.M.Williams, Speedo, Jockey, Mizuno Team. and Birkenstock to create a diverse range of uniforms across the casual, The CEO and Chef de Mission competition and ceremonial range attended the Chef de Mission Seminar with many pieces also embedded in Tokyo in September 2019 and, in with the custom Indigenous artwork October 2019, PA representatives took of Rheanna Lotter. The Goodman part in a planning visit to Japan to Foundation offered two warehouse inspect facilities throughout Tokyo, the facilities to PA as value-in-kind for the cycling locations in Izu and Mt Fuji and storage and distribution of uniforms the city of Kobe, the site of PA’s pre- in the Sydney suburbs Chullora and Games staging camp. The final site Silverwater. visit scheduled for 23 to 27 March was cancelled due to COVID-19. Finally, in April due to the impact of the Games postponement, PA made PA continued its close engagement the financial decision to cancel the with key representatives from the Pre-Games Staging Camp in Kobe Department of Foreign Affairs and City. Fortunately, key administrators Trade (DFAT) and the Australian in the city were very understanding Federal Police (AFP). The Games and supportive of the decision. PA will Delivery division conducted continue to look for opportunities to extensive scenario planning and strengthen our close relationship with training exercises related to possible Kobe City and intends to roll out online earthquakes and natural disasters in school engagement activity later in Japan at Games time. This style of 2020.

Curtis McGrath 14 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 GAMES DELIVERY 15

Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement • Creation of three social platforms to staff members and National Sporting mental health support; share key messaging, information Organisation team managers and Athlete welfare and engagement was • Strengthened connection with the and support services to Para-sport coaches; a key focus for the PA’s Sport division Australian Institute of Sport’s Athlete athletes and staff including the during the reporting period. Due to • Creation and first round pilot of the Welfare and Engagement team, Aussie Paralympic Mob Facebook work in previous years to establish a Paralympics Australia Mentoring ongoing referral of Paralympians page for alumni (513 members), meaningful connection with athletes, Program which has 12 mentors and to the Australian Institute of Sport’s #ReadySetTokyo Facebook page the ongoing Athlete Welfare and 17 mentees across seven Paralympic Career and Education Program and for Tokyo long-list athletes (163 Engagement Officer role ensured sports at the end of the reporting the Mental Health Referral Network members), and the Sydney 2000 that Paralympics Australia was able period; and advocating and supporting the Reunion Facebook page (134 to respond quickly and directly with • Strengthening of Paralympics inclusion of access for alumni and members); athletes when the Tokyo Paralympic Australia’s relationship with Beyond coaches to the Mental Health Referral Games were postponed. • Creation of the Paralympics Australia Blue to ensure athletes have Network (at no cost to the athlete or Tokyo Welfare Team to provide access to services and information coach); The role ensured that despite the an additional layer of service and that support their mental health. • Increased capacity of Paralympics pandemic, Paralympics Australia was support for athletes and staff in Paralympics Australia has also Australia’s Athlete Commission, with well placed to continue to provide the lead up to, during and after the assisted Beyond Blue develop meetings held in August, November, opportunities and support to all Tokyo Paralympic Games. content specific to people with February, April and June. Athlete Paralympians to experience successful • Provision of free Mental Health First disability to encourage and help Commission members were present and rewarding sporting careers and Aid access to Paralympic Australia break down the stigma of seeking at the 2019 Infinite Possibilities Gala, Team officials and staff members from Paralympics Australia on a Games planning lives through access to information visit in Tokyo and services which support and Misshon 2020 Beijing 2022 encourage: • Ongoing direct engagement with The Misshon 2020 workshops are From 19 to 22 November 2019, PA Paralympic athletes in meaningful, integral to developing a supportive attended the NOC/NPC Open Day respectful and supportive and cohesive culture within the hosted by Beijing 2022, where initial environments; Australian Paralympic Team. It Games planning information was gives participants the opportunity to presented on venues and hotels • Access to information and services to understand Paralympics Australia’s across three proposed subsites. support their mental health both on plans for the delivery of the Tokyo and off the field; 2020 Paralympic Games, network with Snow Australia (SA) provided PA • Access to grant information and other organisations, and collaborate with an initial Winter long-list of opportunities for athletes to help on ideas. athletes, coaches and officials with fund their sporting careers; the potential for selection to the • Access to employment opportunities From 2 to 4 December 2019, PA hosted Australian Paralympic Team to attend and services to help athletes manage its largest Misshon workshop in Sydney the Beijing 2022 Winter Games. While financial constraints and ensure a to provide a detailed update on all the Winter athletes competed in career after sport. operations, logistics, performance events from late 2019 through to early and team-based services. Renowned 2020, the season was cut short due Key achievements during the reporting mindset coach Ben Crowe was invited to the COVID-19 pandemic with no period included: as the keynote speaker. This three-day further opportunities for training and • Direct contact, either in person, or by seminar was attended by more than competition domestically or overseas phone or email, with more than 120 80 key Games staff, Team Managers, before the end of the financial year. Paralympians and long-list athletes NSO, NSWIS, AOC, AIS, DFAT and AFP (increase of 20% from last year); representatives. In May, planning started for the outfitting scope of the competition, casual, ceremonial and outwear ranges for the Beijing 2022 Australian Winter Paralympic Team.

Shae Graham and Jayden Warn 16 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 GAMES DELIVERY 17

Members of the PA Athletes' Commission (back from left: , Annabelle Williams, , . Front from left: Sarah Stewart, , , Danni Di Toro). Not pictured: Mitchell Gourley, Curtis McGrath, )

and also participated in the Five meetings were conducted during Misshon 2020 series in June; and the reporting period, with a focus on strategy development, athlete welfare, • Continued engagement with the integrity issues, policy compliance and Paralympic Workplace Diversity working towards the establishment Program through 360HR Consulting, of a charter. Sub-committees with who contacted 38 athletes to targeted objectives were also formed find employment, were able to to carry out more detailed work on successfully place three athletes in specific areas, with updates and meaningful employment and are reports provided to the Athletes' actively working with 13 athletes Commission at each meeting. to secure full-time or part-time employment. The PA Athletes’ Commission includes: • Annabelle Williams – Chair Paralympics Australia Athletes' • Danni Di Toro – Vice-Chair Commission • Angie Ballard In 2017, Paralympics Australia • Blake Cochrane facilitated the establishment of an • Carol Cooke Athletes' Commission in recognition of the clear advantages to be gained • Mitchell Gourley from continuous and meaningful • Curtis McGrath engagement with Australia’s • Daniel Michel Paralympians. • Sarah Rose

The Commission is comprised of 11 • Sarah Stewart Paralympians from eight sports. • Prue Watt.

Jonathan Goerlach and sighted guide Sam Douglas 18 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 PERFORMANCE SERVICES 19

Performance Services

The Performance Services division and preparation is ongoing to ensure aims to support the delivery of the biosecurity of the Australian optimum performance environments Paralympic Team at the Games. and enhance medal outcomes at key Paralympics Australia staff have benchmark events for Para-athletes also played a significant role in Sport and officials, with a core focus being Australia’s review of the landscape the preparation for the Games and of Australian disability sporting delivery of Australian Summer and organisations and subsequent Winter Paralympic Teams. recommendations and plans moving The division aims to enhance medal forward for the sector, including outcomes through: identifying a collective vision, purpose • Collaborating with national and a framework for ongoing federations to support and improve collaboration and decision making. service delivery, athlete health and the effectiveness of daily training Paralympic Innovation environments; Following the expansion of skill • Engaging experts and external acquisition services in 2018/19, along organisations; with growing research partnerships, • Providing targeted education; Paralympics Australia formally recognised the evolution of a specialist • Delivering research and innovation high-performance team who were through partnerships with national renamed Paralympic Innovation federations, the Australian Institute in 2020. Led by Dr Ross Pinder, of Sport and the national institute the team’s vision is to become a network; world-renowned team of specialists, • Distributing evidence-based unrivalled in Paralympic sport, that information and exploring new ideas. has a significant and measured impact on the performance of the PA facilitated the provision of Australian Paralympic Team through customised high-performance applied research, collaboration and equipment and technology to education. key athletes and sports utilising partnerships with the AIS, Toyota and Paralympic Innovation is a team Optus. Medical advice and support of sport scientists and applied was provided by PA to all Para- researchers across a range of sports to ensure a planned and safe disciplines, including skill acquisition, return to sport in the context of the coach and athlete development, COVID-19 pandemic, and planning performance analysis, biomechanics

Jonathon Milne 20 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 PERFORMANCE SERVICES 21

During the reporting period, forum in November in Sydney, bringing Paralympics Australia: together classification personnel from • Supported and delivered national federations as well as selected international classification in Australia classifiers. Athlete welfare through in Para-athletics, Para-badminton, the classification process was a topic Para-swimming and Para-triathlon; of significant discussion in addition to ethics and integrity of classification. • Provided expertise and direct support to help address the The delay in the Tokyo 2020 classification issue within wheelchair Paralympic Games due to the basketball, after the International COVID-19 pandemic has created Paralympic Committee (IPC) serious disruptions and concerns for found the International Wheelchair sports and athletes still needing to Basketball Federation (IWBF) non- obtain an international classification compliant with the 2015 IPC Athlete to be eligible for the Tokyo Paralympic Classification Code in early 2020; Paralympic Connect Games. The PA Classification program • Provided funding to 16 Paralympic will continue to work closely with and sports engineering. During across the National Institute Network The program responded to 125 for the purpose of increasing sport programs to improve the each Para-sport to ensure impact the reporting period, the team (NIN). Working closely with Optus, registrations during the reporting participation. The sports to benefit delivery of effective classification is minimized and new opportunities collaborated with sports and worked Paralympics Australia’s own App period, which were received through from this engagement included Para- pathways across Australia; sought. closely with coaches to co-design “Paralympic Connect” was released a ‘Get Involved’ registration link on archery, boccia, Para-, , • Delivered the national classification At the end of the reporting period, learning environments which: ahead of schedule to be able to Paralympics Australia’s website. 5-a-side football, Para-powerlifting program for athletes with a vision there were 42 International Classifiers • embraced worlds-best practice for support more athletes. Paralympic Applicants were then assessed to and wheelchair fencing. impairment and boccia; based in Australia, including two skill learning; Innovation directly supported or determine which sports they were best PA also hosted the third annual trainees and 126 National level facilitated more than 200 sessions in suited to and were presented with Classification • empowered athletes to take Australian Para-sport classification Classifiers. ownership of their development; the initial lock-down period alone. the most appropriate sport pathway Paralympics Australia worked options. collaboratively with 21 Para-sports in • simulated competition contexts In addition to finding flexible and the year leading into the Tokyo 2020 and prepared athletes for major creative ways to increase support In March 2020, the focus of the Paralympic Games and supported benchmark events for more coaches and sports, the program shifted following the classification preparation for Para- • supported behavioural change; Paralympic Innovation team also appointment of a Para Performance athletes aiming for the Beijing 2022 continued its targeted research Pathway Manager. The role enabled • allowed for cross-sport learning and . education for sustainable success. collaborations with world-leading a greater level of engagement and specialists and institutes through support to be offered by articulating PA’s classification program remained Paralympic Innovation provided major projects, which in early 2020 and expanding pathway support focused on establishing and delivering support across more than 10 grew to four PhD scholars across across Paralympic sports and a quality national classification system Paralympic sports during the reporting three leading institutes – Queensland ensuring Paralympic Programs throughout every state and territory. period. This included engagement University of Technology, University were appropriately represented Central to this work was engagement within daily training environments of Adelaide and York University in and supported through the AIS with athletes and support personnel and competitions nationally, and at Toronto, Canada. Workforce and Pathway Solutions to elevate their understanding of international events with observation grant opportunities made available obligations and responsibilities and analysis at multiple competitions Performance Talent throughout 2019/20. under the International Paralympic for Para-archery, Para-cycling, Para- Committee’s athlete classification table tennis, and wheelchair rugby. In Paralympics Australia’s Performance Although initiatives with the specific code. response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Talent program supports the purpose of identifying and embedding the team provided resources and identification and transition of athletes athletes within Para-sport programs education for sports to embrace into Para-sport programs who have was a priority, Paralympics Australia remote coaching technologies, the traits required to achieve high continued to provide targeted support Alexandra Viney, Alex Vuillermin, Ben Gibson and James Talbot including widening the support performance success. to emerging Para-sport programs 22 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 PERFORMANCE SERVICES 23

COVID-19, the closing date was extended through to November 2020.

To date, the highly successful program has received a total of 156 applications with 56 per cent receiving grants from four funding rounds. A total of $711,461 has been distributed towards the purchase or development of equipment. The program has had a profound impact on the recipients and has resulted in the expansion or establishment of new programs and even new clubs in some sports, including boccia.

One recipient, who received a new tandem bike, explained “I can focus on performance rather than worry about my bike breaking down”, while another, who received a new wheelchair tennis chair stated “I can manoeuvre my chair more efficiently and I’m faster across the court. I performed better and my game has improved and I now don’t tire Ben Popham, Tim Disken, , as easily.” The benefits of having Para Sport Equipment Fund Round three closed in August 2019 access to equipment which enables and included 23 applications from individuals with an impairment to The Para-sport Equipment fund individual athletes and 17 program participate in sport extends beyond program is an initiative between applications from clubs, associations the playing surface, as best explained Paralympics Australia and Sport or national sport organisations. by a recipient who stated that access Australia which aims to address Sixteen individuals and 12 programs to the equipment and participation in one of the most significant barriers were successful and received $141,542 sport “has been highly beneficial to my to participation for people with a in total funding. mental and physical wellbeing.” disability; the high costs associated with access to equipment required Round four closed in February 2020 Additional contributions to the to participate in Para-sport. and included 18 applications from fund through 2019/20 included individual athletes and 14 program the Newman’s Own Foundation. While the program provides applications from clubs, associations Paralympics Australia is extremely funding for a range of levels within or national sport organisations. Grants grateful for all financial contributions the pathway, priority is placed on were awarded to six individuals and 10 to the Para-sport Equipment Fund increasing access to participation in programs, totalling $135,911. and continues to seek additional early stages of the pathway. revenue opportunities, corporate Round five of the program was sponsorship and donations to continue Rounds three and four of the program scheduled to close in June 2020, the program through to the Tokyo were delivered throughout 2019/20. however due to the impacts of Paralympic Games in 2021 and beyond.

Amber Merritt 24 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 PARA-SPORT REPORTS 25

Jason Lees Ameera Lee Eliza Ault-Connell Para-sport Reports

High Performance Strategy Paralympics Australia, in conjunction with the Australian Institute of Sport, strives to facilitate an innovative and united Australian high performance sporting system to achieve Para-athletics podium success at key benchmark events including the Paralympic Games, World International Federation: World Para-athletics Championships and the Commonwealth High Performance Program National Federation: Athletics Australia Games. managed by Paralympics Australia Paralympic Program Manager: Jon Turnbull Benchmark Events in 2019/2020: 2019 World Para- athletics World Championships, Dubai, United Arab Since the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic Wheelchair Rugby Emirates (7-15 November) began in early 2020, Paralympics Australia 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $2,395,000 worked closely with key stakeholders International Federation: International Wheelchair (increase of $545,000 from the 2018/2019 investment) Rugby Federation Additional funding (AW&E, Pathways): $220,000 including national sport organisations, Head Coach: Brad Dubberley Report: the national institute network and High Performance Program Manager: Sam Allan A team of 34 athletes and two guide runners represented Commonwealth Games Australia to ensure Benchmark Events in 2019/2020: 2019 IWRF Asia- Australia at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships Australian Para-athletes could continue Oceania Zone Championships, Gangneung, Republic in UAE, Dubai, in November. The Australians finished of Korea (6-9 September) seventh on the medal tally, both on gold and total medals, to prepare for successful campaigns at High Performance Programs managed 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $800,000 after winning 23 medals (8 gold, 6 silver, 9 bronze). World the postponed Tokyo 2020 Games, Beijing (decrease $200,052 from the 2018/2019 investment) by National Sporting Organisations records were also set on the way to World championship glory, with emerging star (T12) and his 2022 Winter Games and Birmingham 2022 Additional funding: (AW&E, Pathways): $100,000 guides setting new marks in the 1500m and 5000m, Commonwealth Games, despite the obvious Report: Para-archery while James Turner (100m ) and Corey Anderson In September 2019 in Gangneung, Republic of Korea, (Javelin F38) also broke world records. In addition to the challenges of the pandemic. three quota slots obtained for Tokyo via the World Para the Australian Wheelchair Rugby Team defended their International Federation: World Archery title at the 2019 IWBF Asia-Oceania Championships, the Marathon Championships at the London Marathon earlier National Federation: Archery Australia During the reporting period, the Australian benchmark event for the reporting period. The Steelers in the year, a further 15 slots for the Tokyo 2020 Games won all but one pool match, going down to reigning world Head Coach: Ricci Cheah were awarded courtesy of the performances of the Institute of Sport invested $19.56 million in Australian team. champions Japan in overtime. They then crushed New High Performance Manager: Graeme Rose Zealand in the semi-final, winning by 19 points, before On the road at the World Wheelchair Marathon Super funding to 14 national sport organisations Benchmark Events in 2019/2020: 2020 World Archery facing Japan for the gold medal. A physically dominant Series, achieved a podium finish Para Archery World Ranking Tournament, Nove Mesto, and Paralympics Australia for their high and consistent performance during the final match saw at the Berlin Marathon in in September and a (15-21 June) performance Para-sport programs, Australia secure a 57-55 victory. sixth place the following month at the Chicago Marathon, 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $82,000 The Steelers travelled to Tokyo, Japan the following month with fellow Australian finishing in eighth. performance pathway programs and (consistent with the 2018/2019 investment) for the IWBF World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge, staged In November, Dawes secured a top-five finish in the New special projects. in conjunction with the IRB Rugby World Cup. Featuring the Additional Funds (AW&E, Pathways): $29,908 York Marathon and in March raced on the Tokyo 2020 world’s top eight nations, Australia began well by winning Report: Games course to come away with a bronze medal. their first two pool matches. However, a loss to the United During the reporting period, no international benchmark Domestically, the annual Summer Down Under series States in the final group match left the Steelers with a competitions took place for Australian Para-archers, was held in January 2020, in Canberra and Sydney. At semi-final match-up against host nation Japan before the due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed Oceania the AIS Track in Canberra, a world record was broken by Steelers progressed to the final with an outstanding one Regional Championships also did not take place. Despite Vanessa Low (100m T61), while in the men’s 100m, Rheed goal win. In the final, costly turnovers in the second half a request to World Archery, Australian athletes were McCracken () and Samuel Mcintosh () achieved enabled USA to win 61-54. unable to enter other regional championships, which Athletics Australia A qualifiers for the Tokyo Games. In February 2020, the squad travelled to Leicester, Great would have allowed an equal opportunity to qualify for The Sydney meet saw Eliza Ault-Connell () standout Britain for the Quad Nations Tournament. With only three the Tokyo 2020 Games. Despite this, with international in the women’s 400m, clocking another Tokyo 2020 A teams eventually taking part, Australia, and classification delivered at the Para Asian Regional qualification time. The OZ Day 10k road race held at host Great Britain contested a round robin format before Championships in Bangkok, , in October of the Rocks in Sydney saw De Rozario cruise to her fourth Australia went down in their final match to Great Britain by 2019 a key athlete was able to obtain an international consecutive open wheelchair victory. 61-53 to finish third. classification following much conjecture. The Queensland State Championships in early March Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all further national Due to COVID-19, the national titles, which were due to be 2020 also included a critical international classification and international competitions were cancelled for the held in in late March 2020, were cancelled. The opportunity, with international athletes participating remainder of the reporting period. The squad was due to benchmark event and final qualification event for Tokyo including several athletes from the Oceania region. travel to Tokyo in March for the Paralympic Games test 2020, the World Archery Para World Ranking Tournament Following the outbreak of COVID-19, all national and event before heading to Vancouver, Canada for the final to be held in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic, in June 2020 international competitions were cancelled or postponed rankings tournament before Tokyo 2020. was also cancelled. for the remainder of the reporting period. 26 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 PARA-SPORT REPORTS 27

Grant Manzoney Daniel Michel

Para-canoe

International Federation: International Canoe Federation (ICF) Boccia National Federation: Paddle Australia National Performance Director: Shaun Stephens Boccia International Sports International Federation: Head Coach: Shaun Caven Federation (BISFed) Program Manager: Tahnee Norris National Federation: Boccia Australia Benchmark Events in 2019/2020: 2019 ICF Para Canoe Head Coach: Ken Halliday World Championships, Szeged, (21-24 August) Caroline Walker High Performance Program Manager: 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $475,000 Benchmark Event in 2019/2020: 2019 BISFed Boccia (decrease of $150,000 from the 2018/2019 investment) Asia-Oceania Regional Championships, Seoul, Republic Report: of Korea (2-9 July) At the ICF Para Canoe Sprint World Championships in 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $113,706 Szeged, Hungary in August 2019, the Australian squad of (consistent with 2018/2019 investment) four paddlers finished third on medal standings, winning Report: a combined total of four medals (2 gold, 1 silver and 1 In a highly competitive field, Daniel Michel (7th), Spencer bronze). Curtis McGrath continued his dominance with Cotie (13th), and Jamieson Leeson (18th), all competed in two gold medals in the men’s KL2 and VL3, with Susan the BC3 individual draw at the 2019 BISFed Boccia Asia- Seipel winning silver and bronze in the women’s KL2 and Para- Regional Championships in Seoul, , VL2 events. (KL3) finished fourth and the benchmark event for the reporting period, in July 2019. Amanda Reynolds (KL3) finished in seventh place, which International Federation: Badminton World Federation Thailand International in Bangkok, no-one advanced All three then combined to place sixth in the BC3 pairs was subsequently enough to secure four Tokyo 2020 National Federation: beyond the group stage. However, later in the month at event. qualification slots at the championships. the China International in Beijing, Dransfield reached the Head Coach/Program Manager: Ian Bridge At the national championships in November in Brisbane, The following month the squad travelled to Japan for quarterfinals of the singles and the doubles. the Ready Steady Tokyo 2020 test event, with Littlehales High Performance Manager: Peter Roberts Michel achieved another individual national title, while In November, the Australian squad travelled to Japan for Leeson caused an upset to take the silver medal over achieving a podium finish and Reynolds finishing fifth. Benchmark Events in 2019/2020: 2019 BWF Para- the Tokyo 2020 test event, the Japan International, with Cotie. In the BC3 pairs event, Cotie and Leeson joined McGrath again won the VL3 event, however he was pipped Badminton World Championships, Basel, Dransfield the only player to advance to the knockout phase forces but were unable to defeat Michel and Siobhan at the post by Fernando Rufino de Paulo of for the (20-25 August) in the singles and the mixed doubles. Daley. gold in the KL2 event. Seipel achieved a silver medal in the VL2 event. 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $0 (consistent In early February 2020, Dransfield travelled to the Brazilian In December, six Australian athletes travelled to Dubai, with the 2018/2019 investment) International in Sao Paulo, gaining valuable ranking points United Arab Emirates, for the final Asia-Oceania Regional Domestically, competition across the summer Grand Report: towards Tokyo 2020 qualification and making it to the Open for 2019. The BC1/BC2 team combination finished Prix meet series in Adelaide and Sydney was contested knockout phase of the mixed doubles. Five Australian players contested singles, doubles and mixed sixth overall, with Christopher Allerdice (BC1) and Scott over a variety of Paralympic (200m) and non-Paralympic doubles at the BWF Para World Championships in Basel, Domestically, the Oceania Para Badminton Regional Elsworth (BC2) both making it through to the quarterfinals (500m/1000m) distances. Switzerland, the benchmark event for the reporting period, Championships were held in Ballarat, in February with Corena Harrison (BC2) knocked out at the pool The paddlers returned to the Sydney International in August of 2019. Individually, Celine Vinot (women’s SL3) 2020. The event saw 35 players from four countries stage. In the BC3 classification events, Daley reached the Regatta Centre in March 2020 for the national titles, with and Caitlin Dransfield (women’s SL4) progressed beyond the (Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Fiji) compete. quarterfinals, but all eyes were on the all-Australian gold McGrath, Seipel, Littlehales and Reynolds all winning their pool stage to qualify for the quarterfinals. In the wheelchair Of the six singles events contested, Australian players won medal match as Michel defeated Cotie 3-2. Daley, Cotie respective classes in the KL/VL 200m events. All four doubles, the combination of Grant Manzoney (WH2) and three; Manzoney in the men’s WH2, Lochan Cowper in the and Michel then combined to demolish the opposition paddlers achieved nomination Paralympic times set by Duke Trench-Thiedeman (WH1) partnered together in the men’s WH1 and Missen in the SS6 event. Australia also won through a round robin series, only losing four ends out of Paddle Australia, as did Kathleen O’Kelly-Kennedy (KL3) men’s WH1-2 event, with Vinot and Dransfield partnering a further three gold medals in doubles and mixed doubles 38 to secure one of the top world-ranked BC3 team quota and Ben Sainsbury (KL1), who have been added to the in the Women’s SL3-SU5 event. However, only Luke Missen events. slots for Tokyo 2020. Tokyo long-list of potential Australian representatives (SS6) with Italian partner Berardino Lo Chiatito progressed Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all further national and Due to the COVID-19 pandemic all subsequent national following the championships. into the knockout phase of the championships. international competitions were cancelled or postponed for and international competitions were cancelled for the The squad was due to travel to Duisburg, Germany for In September 2019, several emerging players travelled with the remainder of the reporting period. The squad was due remainder of the reporting period. The BC3 squad were 2020 ICF Para Canoe World Championships, the final high-performance squad athletes to Asia to contest several to travel to Dubai, UAE for an international event in March. due to travel to Canada for a World Open event in late qualification event for slots for the Tokyo 2020 Games, international ranking tournaments with mixed results. At the April-early May 2020. but the event was cancelled due to COVID-19. 28 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 PARA-SPORT REPORTS 29

Emily Petricola (left) and Meg Lemon Members of the Australian Para-Equestrian Team

Para-cycling

International Federation: Union Cycliste Internationale The following week, four riders continued onto the United National Federation: Cycling Australia Kingdom, to the Yorkshire 2019 Para Cycling International, which was held in-conjunction with the UCI Road World Head Coach/Program Manager: Warren McDonald Championships for able-bodied competitors. This was the Benchmark Events in 2019/2020: 2019 UCI Para Cycling first time that a Para-cycling event was held at a major able- Road World Championships, Emmen, (12- bodied UCI Championship event. All four cyclists achieved 15 September), and 2020 UCI Para Cycling Track World a medal outcome with , Cooke, and Hannah Championships, Milton, Canada (30 January-2 February) MacDougall () all topping the podium. 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $1,195,000 In the new year, the second of the benchmark events for Para-equestrian (decrease of $400,000 from the 2018/2019 investment) the reporting period was the UCI Para Cycling Track World Additional funding (AW&E, Pathways): $190,000 Championships in Milton, Canada. Four male and four female riders contested the championships with Australia finishing International Federation: Fédération Equestre part. (Grade III) and (Grade IV) Report: third on the medal standings with seven gold, one silver and Internationale (FEI) were most consistent across all three test events, Five Australian Para-cyclists attended the final UCI Para one bronze medal. The seven gold medals were split between National Federation: Equestrian Australia with 70%+ scores. Cycling Road World Cup for the 2019 season in Baie-Comeau, Paralympic and non-Paralympic events, with National High Performance Director: Chris Webb To end the calendar year, the second of the classic dressage Canada in August. In the time trial events, gold medals were (), Paige Greco (C3) and Emily Petricola (C4) claiming festival competitions took place with good performances by High Performance Sport Coordinator: Stefanie Maraun won by Carol Cooke () and Darren Hicks (C2), along with individual pursuit titles and (C2) winning the time Booth with 70%+ scores, and Zoe Vorenas who stepped up to a bronze from Paige Greco (C3). In the road races, Cooke trial event. (C5), Reid and Petricola winning Benchmark Events in 2019/2020: Nil replace Jarvis in the Grade IV division. achieved a second gold and Grant Allen (H4) won silver. As the scratch races (non-Paralympic events). 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $475,000 a result of attending all three World Cups throughout the In the new year, just days out from the closing of the Tokyo Domestically, both the Brisbane Para-cycling Track Grand (consistent with the 2018/2019 investment) calendar year, Cooke and Greco finished top of the world 2020 qualification period on 31 January, Booth (on Mogelvangs Prix held in conjunction with the able-bodied Track World Cup rankings. Report: Zidane) continued to dominate the Grade III scores, but there in mid-December and the Ballarat Para-cycling Classic held was a battle between Jarvis and Vorenas in Grade IV. In the The following month the UCI Para Cycling Road World During the reporting period, four 3-star internationally in-conjunction with Road National Championships in early Team Test, Vorenas beat Jarvis by only 0.525%, but in doing Championships were held in Emmen, Netherlands, the sanctioned events were contested in Australia during the January were categorised as UCI C1 sanction competitions, so her horse Neversfelde Kipling become lame post-event benchmark event for the reporting period. With a squad of 13 Tokyo 2020 qualification period. The first of the four was held with ranking points contributing towards Tokyo 2020 and was withdrawn from the remainder of the competition. riders, Australia topped the medal standings with nine gold, in Brisbane at the State Equestrian Centre in July 2019, which qualification slot calculations. This did not affect Jarvis’s performance on Romanos and one silver and five bronze medals. Ten of the 15 medals were saw Victoria Davies (Grade II) on Celere achieve scores of Following the outbreak of COVID-19, all scheduled national she continued to score above 70%+ in the remaining tests. achieved in the time trial events, of which seven were gold 67.270% in the Team Test, 71.08% in the Individual Test and and international competitions were cancelled or postponed. medals with Darren Hicks (C2), David Nicholas (C3), Alistair 71.53% in the Freestyle Test. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were still several The squad was due to travel to Europe in May for a World Cup Donohoe (C5), Paige Greco (C3), Emily Petricola (C4), Emilie The remaining three competitions took place in Victoria at national and international nomination performance and the final Tokyo ranking qualification event on the road. Miller () and Carol Cooke (T2) earning world titles. On the the Boneo Park Equestrian Centre. The first of these was competitions taking place in Sydney in NSW, Waregem in road, Miller and Cooke doubled up to win a second gold in November, with both national and international level , Mannheim in Germany, and Deauville in in medal at the event. officiating and 14 different rider/horse combinations taking April and May. 30 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 PARA-SPORT REPORTS 31

Jenny Blow Wayne Phipps Ben Wright

Para-powerlifting

International Federation: World Para-powerlifting National Federation: /Paralympics Australia Program Manager: Simon Bergner (until August 2019)/ Tim Matthews (from September 2019) Program Coordinator: Caroline Walker (December to February) Benchmark Event in 2019/2020: 2019 World Para Powerlifting World Championships, Nur-Sultan, Astana, Kazakhstan (12-20 July) 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $0 (consistent with the 2018/2019 investment) CGA Funding of Paralympics Australia for Birmingham 2022 Coaching/Talent Initiatives: $42,500 (postponed to 2020-21 due to COVID-19 pandemic) Report: Goalball During the reporting period, the administration of the high-performance program transitioned from Powerlifting International Federation: International Blind Sports went on to defeat Great Britain in the semi-final 4-3 and then Para- back to Paralympics Australia. Federation (IBSA) faced a tough Brazilian opposition in the gold medal match. Four Australian Para-athletes contested the World Para National Federation: Goalball Australia Ultimately, the host nation finished with the silver medal, International Federation: International Blind Sports Powerlifting Championships in Nur-Sultan, Astana, going down 5-0 in the decider. Federation Kazakhstan, the benchmark event for the reporting Head Coach: Peter Corr (women’s program), Greg Scott period, in July 2019. The two Tokyo 2020 long-list (men’s program) The Aussie Storm and the Belles contested the 2019 IBSA National Federation: Blind Sports Australia/Judo Goalball Asia-Pacific Regional Championships in Chiba, Australia members, Ben Wright (men’s 80kg division) and Kaia Benchmark Event in 2019/2020: 2019 IBSA Goalball Scholl (women’s 45kg division) achieved two out of three Japan in early December 2019. This was the final opportunity Technical Performance Director: Maria Pekli Paralympic Ranking Tournament, Fort Wayne, Indiana, for either team to qualify for Tokyo 2020. The Belles again lifts and placed 22nd and 17th respectively. Benchmark Event in 2019/2020: 2019 IBSA Judo Asia- USA (1-9 July) finished third in the group stage. A loss to the host nation Domestically, in February 2020, Paralympics Australia Oceania Regional Championships, Atyrau, Kazakhstan 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $0 (decrease and tournament winners, Japan 3-1 in the semi-finals left the contracted Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association in (6-7 September) of $85,500 from the 2018/2019 investment) Belles to battle for the bronze medal against South Korea, Queensland to conduct a national level competition with Report: going down by one goal (3-2). The Storm did not fare so 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $0 (consistent World Para-powerlifting status. Ten athletes attended well, unable to progress out of the pool stage, with only one with the 2018/2019 investment) the Brisbane Classic with Wright and Scholl topping the The Australian women’s goalball team, the Belles, travelled win over (8-4), to finish sixth for the tournament. men’s and women’s open events using the AH Formula to to Fort Wayne, USA for the IBSA Paralympic Ranking Report: Jon Horsburgh and Meica Horsburgh were Australia’s top calculate bodyweight to lift-weight ratio. Tournament, the benchmark event for the reporting period, -based Wayne Phipps (B3 Classification) is Australia’s performers, each scoring 17 goals. Meica finished second in July 2019. On the line was securing a top two non-automatic sole elite Para-judo athlete and attended the IBSA Both Scholl and Wright were due to travel to the final highest on female tally and Jon ninth highest on the male qualification slot for Tokyo 2020. The team played strongly Judo Asia-Oceania Regional Championships in Atyrau, Tokyo 2020 ranking qualification event, a World Cup scorecard. to finish third in their pool, with a 4-2 record during the Kazakhstan, the benchmark event for the reporting in Dubai, UAE, in April, however COVID-19 ensured all round robin. The Belles then defeated Canada 5-1 in the Based on the results from the world championships in 2018, period, in September 2019. He performed strongly after his remaining events were cancelled in the reporting period. quarterfinals. Unfortunately, an 8-4 loss to eventual winners the qualifying ranking tournament in USA and the four 2019 opening round bye, winning his quarterfinal against Azamat Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) awarded a China in the semi-final left the Australians fighting for third regional championships held, the Aussie Belles were eventually Nokushev of Kazakhstan, a higher world ranked Judoka. grant to Paralympics Australia specifically to support the place, before going down to to finish fourth. awarded one of the two non-automatic qualifying slots for the Phipps lost both his semi-final and repechage for bronze to identification of athletes with potential to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Games. In August 2019, the IBSA Goalball Youth World Championships eventually finish equal fifth for the championships. Phipps Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, in addition to were held in Sydney. Six male teams and six female teams Due to the COVID-19 pandemic all further national and subsequently moved up the world rankings to 24. provision of coaching and equipment support for these contested the tournament, which saw the junior Aussie Storm international competitions were cancelled for the remainder Phipps was intending to travel to the final Tokyo 2020 athletes. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these initiatives finish within the round robin stage without a win and the junior of the reporting period. The Aussie Belles were due to travel qualification ranking tournament, a World Cup in London, and funding have been pushed back to start early in the Aussie Belles finishing third with two wins, one draw and two to in May 2020 for final ranking tournament prior to Great Britain in April of 2020 before the COVID-19 2020/21 financial year. Paralympics Australia is extremely losses. While the junior Storm finished sixth, the junior Belles Tokyo. pandemic saw that the event was cancelled. grateful to CGA for this support. 32 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 PARA-SPORT REPORTS 33

Kathryn Ross Glen McMurtrie

Para-shooting Para-rowing International Federation: World Shooting Para-sport International Federation: World Rowing Federation National Federation: Shooting Australia (FISA) General Manager, High Performance: Adam Sachs National Federation: Rowing Australia Paralympic Program Coordinator: Kurt Olsen Head Coach: Gordon Marcks Benchmark Events in 2019/2020: 2019 World High Performance Director: Bernard Savage Shooting Para Sport World Championships, Sydney, NSW (11-18 October) Benchmark Events in 2019/2020: 2019 FISA World Rowing Championships, Linz Ottensheim, Austria 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $280,000 (25 August-1 September) (decrease of $250 from the 2018/2019 investment) 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $475,000 Report: (decrease of $24,403 from the 2018/2019 investment) At the reporting period’s first World Cup in July 2019 in Additional funding (AW&E, Pathways): $110,907 Osijek, , the Australian team reached three final rounds and secured two medals in non-Paralympic Report: events. The top eight (final round) Paralympic event Australia contested four of the nine Para-events at the results included Christopher Pitt (SH1), who finished fifth FISA World Rowing Championships in Linz Ottensheim, in the mixed P3 25m pistol and (SH1), Austria, in August 2019. The medal haul of one gold, one who finished eighth in the mixed 10m air rifle prone and silver and one bronze saw Australia finish third on the seventh in the mixed R6 50m rifle prone event. Two medal tally. In the Paralympic events, won bronze medals come from trap shooters, Scottie Brydon bronze in the PR1 men’s single scull and in the PR3 mixed in the sitting class and Matthew Tingate in the upper limb coxed four, the crew of Alexandra Viney, Alex Vuillermin, standing class. Ben Gibson, James Talbot with cox Renae Domaschenz In October 2019, an Australia team of 10 shooters just missed out on a podium, finishing in fourth place. contested the World Shooting Para Sport World Both these results secured a Tokyo 2020 boat slot Championships on home soil in Sydney, NSW. Australia allocation for Australia. finished 15th on the medal standings with Zappelli winning Para-swimming Australia’s other crews were William Smith and Jed a silver medal. (SH1), who is the only other Altschwager, in the PR3 men’s double scull, who finished athlete so far to achieve a quota slot for Australia for International Federation: World Para-swimming medal. There were also four Oceania records broken and with a silver, and who dominated to win Tokyo 2020, contested the women’s R2 10m air rifle one Championship record set by Patterson in the heats of gold in the PR2 Women’s Single Scull. Following the National Federation: Swimming Australia standing event and finished in 14th position. Fellow Tokyo her gold winning performance. championships, Ross returned to the PR2 mixed double hopeful Glen McMurtrie (SH1) finished 20th in the men’s R1 Head Coach: Brendan Burkett scull, hoping to qualify a slot for Tokyo 2020 with either By the end of the Tokyo 2020 qualification period (31st 10m air rifle standing event, just missing out on a quota Paralympic Program Manager: Adam Pine or Simon Albury. slot, while Rohan Daw (SH1) also contested the P1 10m air January 2020), in which athletes were required to achieve Benchmark Events in 2019/2020: 2019 World Para- minimum qualifying standards (MQS) for the calculations Domestically, the squad contested the NSW State pistol and the P4 50m free pistol events. swimming Championships, London, Great Britain of NPC slot allocations, Australia achieved 17 male and 15 Championships in February 2020, competing in single Domestically, the month before the World Championships (9-15 September) female quota slots for the Games (subject to acceptance). and double scull events across multiple distances. Due in September 2019, the second Sydney Cup for the to heavy rain and poor weather conditions, the final day calendar year was held at Sydney International Shooting 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $1,910,000 Domestically, for the second-consecutive year, Melbourne of competition was cancelled, which did not allow for all Centre as part of Shooting Australia’s performance series (decrease of $80,000 from the 2018/2019 investment) hosted the opening round of World Para-swimming series in conjunction with the Victoria Open State Championships. combinations to be tested. Fortunately, the National and carried World Shooting Para-sport sanctioning. Additional funding (AW&E, Pathways): $323,000 Team Selection Trials were held at Sydney International The event, which included international classification, saw Several developing athletes attended including Australia’s Report: Regatta Centre only weeks later in March, allowing for PR1 first vision-impaired shooter at the elite level. Athletes from 28 regional records set including 26 Oceania records and and PR2 rowers to test themselves against the clock in New Zealand and a Canada also competed. Pitt, Zappelli Australia was represented by 34 Para-swimmers at the one world record set by New Zealander Sophie Pascoe. more favourable conditions. and McMurtrie all had multiple victories across a full range benchmark event for the reporting period, the World Para Furthermore, 14 Swimming Australia nomination times for Tokyo 2020 were posted across the three-day event. All further national and international competitions were of pistol and rifle events. Swimming Championships in London in September 2019. The Australian team achieved 23 medals (2 gold, 7 silver and 14 cancelled for the remainder of the reporting period due In May 2020, the Australian squad was scheduled to Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all further national and bronze). Tiffany Thomas Kane (women’s 100m Breaststroke to COVID-19. The squad was due to be based in Varese, attend either the International Shooters Competition in international competitions were cancelled or postponed for SB7) and (400m Freestyle ) led the way in April and May for World Cups and the Para-Rowing Hannover, Germany and the WSPS World Cup in Lina, the remainder of the reporting period. A small contingent of by winning gold. In total, there were 20 Australian medallists International Regatta in Europe which was scheduled to be Peru for the final qualification meet for Tokyo 2020, squad members were planning to travel Sheffield in Great the final Paralympic qualification regatta for Tokyo 2020. before COVID-19 ended those plans. including seven multi-medallists, with Ben Popham () Britain and in April and May respectively for achieving the most medals with two individual and one relay World Series events and international classification. 34 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 PARA-SPORT REPORTS 35

Sam Von Einem Janine Watson (left)

Para-table tennis

International Federation: International Table Tennis (women’s Class 6) and Nathan Pellissier (men’s class 8) Federation (ITTF) were unable to progress beyond the pool stage and Class 10 National Federation: player Joel Coughlan was knocked out in the quarterfinals by eventual tournament runner-up Bunpot Sillapakong of Head Coach: Alois Rosario Thailand. National Program Manager: Sue Stevenson The following week, a development squad of nine players Benchmark Events in 2019/2020: Nil travelled to Thailand for the Bangkok Open, a valuable 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $347,000 event to build world rankings and international tournament (consistent with the 2018/2019 investment) experience. Rory Carroll was Australia’s sole medallist, picking up a bronze medal in the men’s Class 11 singles event after Additional funding (AW&E, Pathways): $159,947 losing his semi-final to tournament winner, Kyuyoung Jeong Report: from the Republic of Korea. Two separate squads travelled to the Asian region for factor In the new year, six players travelled to Girona, for one Para-taekwondo 20 events in August 2019. The first squad attended the Japan of the final ranking qualification tournaments (factor 40) Para Table Tennis Open in Tokyo. This was an excellent for Tokyo 2020 before the end of the qualification period. International Federation: World Taekwondo The following month, Watson (seeded fifth) contested the opportunity for podium-level athletes and podium-potential Australia finished third on the medal table with four singles National Federation: Australian Taekwondo Tokyo 2020 Ready Steady Test event, where she defeated athletes aiming for Tokyo 2020 to test themselves within medals and three team medals, including four gold across number four seed Shoko Ota of Japan and number two seed the Tokyo Games venue. With 23 countries in attendance, both singles and teams. The singles medals were won by Head Coach: Bernie Victor Laura Schiel Hiel of France, to finish with a bronze medal. Australia finished on top of the standings with six gold and Yang and Ma (gold), Tapper (silver) and Von Einem (bronze) Benchmark Events in 2019/2020: 2020 World In early 2020, the World Taekwondo Para Oceania one silver medal. Of the gold, four were won in singles events; and team medals were won by Lei/Yang/Tapper (gold) Taekwondo Para Oceania Continental Qualification Continental Qualification Tournament was held on the Gold Na Li Lei and Lin Ma in the women’s and men’s Class 9 and Ma with partner Luka Bakic (from Montenegro) winning Tournament, Gold Coast, QLD (29 Feb) Coast, QLD, and was the benchmark event for the reporting events respectively, Samuel Von Einem in the men’s Class 11 bronze. 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $0 period. The event featured international competitors from event and Qian Yang, in the Class 10 event, who defeated Domestically, the INAS Global Games for athletes with an (consistent with the 2018/2019 investment) New Zealand and Solomon Islands. All three Australians, 3-0 (11-6, 11-4, 11-8) in the all-Australian final. intellectual impairment was held in Brisbane in October Report: Kara Fournie (K44) in the female under 49kg event, Steven Team gold medals were won by Von Einem, who partnered 2019. Australia finished second on the table tennis standings Currie (K44) in the men’s up to 75kg event and Watson all Janine Watson (K44) was Australia’s sole competitor at with Korean Gi Tae Kim with Tapper partnering with follow with Von Einem winning gold in the men’s singles and he achieved gold medals and booked three quota slots for the Korea Open, a G1 level event in Chuncheon in July 2019. Australian Andrea McDonnell and Thailand’s Kanlaya partnered with Carroll in the Teams event to claim silver. Australia for the Tokyo 2020 Games. Competing in the female over 58kg weight division, Watson Kriabklang (Class 8) in the women’s 8-10 teams’ event. The national squad was due to travel to Slovenia in May reached the semi-final before being knocked out by eventual Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all further national and Meanwhile, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Australian Paralympic for factor 40 events prior to Tokyo 2020, but national tournament runner-up Debora Menezes of Brazil. international competitions were cancelled or postponed for Team co-captain finished fourth in the and international competitions and training camps were the remainder of the reporting period. women’s Class 4 round robin singles, cancelled due to COVID-19. 36 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 PARA-SPORT REPORTS 37

Lauren Parker Luke Pople (left) and Matt McShane (right)

Wheelchair basketball

Para-triathlon International Federation: International Wheelchair In mid-November 2019, the Australian men's U23 wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) basketball team, the Spinners, contested the Kitakyushu International Federation: International Triathlon Union A contingent of 10 Australian Para-triathletes contested Champions Cup in Kitakyushu, Japan. The team was National Federation: Basketball Australia National Federation: Triathlon Australia the ITU World Para Triathlon Championships in Lausanne, coached by five-time Paralympian and gold medallist Brad Switzerland, the benchmark event for the reporting period, Head Coach: Stephen Charlton (women’s program), Ness. The young inexperienced team lost all three pool High Performance Director: Justin Drew in September 2019. Australia finished seventh on the medal Craig Friday (men’s program) matches and went down to Canada in the playoff for bronze Paralympic Program Manager: Kyle Burns standings with one podium finish, as Parker was crowned Paralympic Program Manager: Leigh Gooding by 15 points. Benchmark Events in 2019/2020: 2019 ITU Para world champion. Sally Pilbeam (PT4) performed extremely Benchmark Events in 2019/2020: 2019 IWBF Asia-Oceania A week later the Rollers and the Gliders competed in the Triathlon World Championships, Lausanne, Switzerland well to secure fourth place while a further seven top-10 Zone Championships, Pattaya, Thailand (29 November-7 Tokyo 2020 qualification tournament, the IWBF Asia- (1 September) finishes from the Australian team were recorded. December) Oceania Zone Championships in Pattaya, Thailand, the 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $465,000 The following week the international series hit Banyoles, benchmark event for the reporting period. The Rollers won all Spain and saw multiple top three placings, including Kate 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $1,022,000 (decrease of $40,286 from the 2018/2019 investment) but one pool match, losing against Japan, resulting in both Naess and Parker on top of the podium, with Tapp and (decrease $39,750 from the 2018/2019 investment) nations being on equal wins. However due to the 3-point loss Additional funding (AW&E, Pathways): $40,286 Pilbeam winning silver and Beveridge winning bronze. Additional funding (AW&E, Pathways): $39,749 to Japan, the Rollers finished second within the group. From Report: To close out the international 2019 season, Bryant achieved a there the Rollers continued with wins over in the Report: In the opening month of the Tokyo 2020 qualification (July silver medal and Gosens an eighth place at the World Cup in quarter-finals and in the semi, to meet Republic of Korea 2019), an all-male Australian squad contested the Magog Alanya, Turkey in October. In late August both the Australian men's team, the Rollers, in the final, which saw the Rollers record a commanding win and the women's team, the Gliders, contested the Mitsubishi Para Triathlon World Cup in Canada. Clint Pickin (PT4) Domestically, the new international season kicked off in late 62-45 and earn qualification for Tokyo 2020. achieved a bronze medal, Nic Beveridge finished with a February with a World Series event in Davenport, TAS, and Electric World Challenge Cup in Tokyo, Japan. The men’s The Gliders began their quest to qualify for Tokyo 2020 with fourth placing in the PTWC event and top 10 finishes were a strong field consisting of more than 70 athletes including tournament saw Japan, Korea, Iran and Australia battle pool wins over Japan but losses to China left the Gliders recorded by Liam Twomey (PTS4 – sixth), Joshua Kassulke 12 Australians. Australia achieved seven podium finishes, it out in a four nations pool stage where Australia finished second within the group stage. In the semi-final the Gliders (PTS5 – eighth) and Gerrard Gosens (PTVI – eighth) with his including three victories from Goerlach, Parker and Doughty. second on a three-way countback. The gold medal playoff continued sighted guide. A further two silver medals were won by Bryant and Tapp, against Iran was a tough match with the first three-quarters to put pressure on Japan, winning 49-37. However, China was all going Iran’s way. The Rollers were unable to pull back the The following month, the world cup circuit moved to Japan with two bronze medals for Beveridge and Pilbeam. Top too good for the Gliders in the final and won the gold medal for the Tokyo 2020 test event. Podium finishes were achieved five finishes were also achieved by Glen Jarvis (PTS2) with a deficit in the final quarter, going down 84-54. with a 53-31 victory. The second place was good enough for by Jonathon Goerlach and his guide in the men’s PTVI event fourth placing, and emerging young star Molly Wallace (PTS5) The Gliders had a best-of-three-games friendly series with the Gliders to qualify for Tokyo 2020. and a second and third place battle occurred between coming away with a fifth placing. Japan. The opening match saw the Gliders win by 11 points Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several travel plans for the Australian team-mates Emily Tapp and Lauren Parker The Australia Para-triathlon squad was due to continue to with game two being close until the final quarter when Japan Rollers and Gliders programs were cancelled. The first ever in the Women’s PTWC event. A top five placing by David race until the end of Tokyo 2020 qualification period in Italy, forced Australia into turnovers to win by 18 points. The final IWBF 3x3 World Championships were scheduled to be held in Bryant (PTS5) and top eight finish by Pickin rounded out the Japan, France and Canada, but plans were cancelled after deciding game was very close with Japan going on to win the Thailand in April and both squads were also due to travel to Australian results. the outbreak of COVID-19. series 2-1. the United States in a final hit-out prior to Tokyo 2020. 38 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 PARA-SPORT REPORTS 39

Heath Davidson

Winter sports

International Federation: World Para Alpine Skiing/ The following three weeks saw the top level of competition, World Para Snowboard the WPAS World Cups take place across Europe. The first National Federation: Snow Australia stop was Veysonnaz, Switzerland where Jensen won a bronze and secured two top-five finishes in the SG races, with Sam Performance Pathway and Program Manager: Ben Tait just missing out on top-10 finishes. Next up was Prato Wordsworth Nevoso, Italy, where Jensen won two further bronze medals in Wheelchair tennis Program Manager: Annie Geiger SL events. In the third World Cup in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, Benchmark Events in 2019/2020: Nil tough conditions and competition saw Jensen finish fifth while Tait crashed out of both the SL and GS events. International Federation: International Tennis Weekes improved on his performances from Nottingham, 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $1,149,000 Federation (ITF) reaching the round of 16 in singles and the quarterfinals (decrease $64,478 from the 2018/2019 investment) To close out the month of January 2020, Jensen and Tait travelled to Jasna, Slovakia, for a European Cup event. Tait National Federation: Tennis Australia in the doubles. was knocked out in the Additional funding (AW&E, Pathways): $99,622 quarterfinals in the singles draw and semi-finals in the had his best performance for the season, finishing on top of Report: Wheelchair Tennis Program Manager: Brenda Tierney doubles. the podium with Jensen winning bronze. Alpine Skiing Benchmark Events in 2019/2020: 2019 Wimbledon In November, the major end-of-season tournaments – the The squad was due to travel back to Europe to compete Championship, London, GBR (11-14 July), 2019 US Open, NEC Wheelchair Singles Masters and the UNIQLO Wheelchair In mid-December 2019, a squad of five Australian Para-skiers in and Sweden for the end of season world cups New York, USA (5-8 September), 2020 Australian Open, Doubles Masters – were held in Orlando, USA, with Davidson had their first competitive hit-out on the slopes in Mammoth, in March 2020, before COVID-19 brought the season to a Melbourne, VIC (29 January-1 February) and 2020 French partnering with Niels Vink (NED) to win the doubles title over USA, in a combination of Northern American (NORAM) premature end. Open, Paris, France (postponed) Kyu-Seung Kim (KOR) and Koji Sugeno (JPN). and World Para Alpine Skiing (WPAS) races, across slalom, Snowboard super-G (SG) and giant slalom (GS) events. The opening days 2019/2020 High Performance Investment: $0 (decrease In mid-November 2019, (SB-UL2) and Ben The first Grand Slam of the 2020 season (Australian Open) saw emerging racers compete in the SL events, with Rae $321,965 from the 2018/2019 investment) Tudhope (SB-LL1) travelled to Landgraaf, Netherlands, for saw Weekes knocked out in the opening round of the singles Anderson (LW6/8-2) placing sixth in the women’s standing Report: a combined European and World Cup competition. Tudhope and the doubles. class and Josh Hanlon (LW12-1) achieving a top 10 finish in won silver and Pollard ended with three top-ten finishes. The first Grand Slam (Wimbledon) for the reporting period The quad singles final between Alcott and Lapthorne was the his second attempt in the men’s sitting classes. In the men’s Tudhope then travelled to Pyha, for the second world saw Dylan Alcott win both the Quad Singles against Andy third successive Grand Slam final meeting of the two rivals, VI classification, (B2) and his guide Amelia cup of the season and, in a strong field of 19 riders, Tudhope Lapthorne (GBR) in straight sets (6-0, 6-2) before partnering with Alcott taking victory in straight sets (6-0, 6-4). Success Hodgson had two podium finishes in SL, three in the SG, and won dual gold. with Lapthorne to win the doubles against Koji Sugeno (JPN) also went to the Australia duo of Alcott and Davidson in the one in the GS. Australian team-mate in the men’s standing and David Wagner (USA). doubles final (6-4, 6-4), much to the delight of the vocal class Jonty O'Callaghan (LW9-1) had two top-ten placings in In March 2020, both Pollard and Tudhope travelled back into In the second Grand Slam (US Open) Alcott won all three home crowd. SL, four podium finishes in the SG, and a silver in the GS. Europe for more world cup action in La Molina, Spain with Pollard finishing with two fourth placings and Tudhope taking pool matches, however Lapthorne had his revenge from The Australian squad was due to travel to the final grand In the first three days of the new year, WPAS races at Winter home two silver medals. Wimbledon beating Alcott in straight sets (1-6, 0-6). Alcott slam of the season (French Open) and several Super Series Park, USA, saw emerging athlete, Georgia Gunew (B3) with and Lapthorne lifted the doubles trophy again, defeating events in Baton Rouge in USA, Iizuka in Japan, Paris in France guide Jess Haslau joining the ranks. They finished fourth and The World Cup finals were held in Hafjell, Norway in mid- Wagner and countryman Bryan Barten (USA). in addition to the World Team Cup Finals in Vilamoura second in the GS races and stepped up in the SG events with March with Pollard winning silver and Tudhope, finishing Two days later, the USTA Wheelchair Championships (Super in before the COVID-19 pandemic ensured two podiums, along with O’Callaghan, who secured double fourth despite starting strongly. Due to the COVID-19 Series) was held in St. Louis, USA, in September 2019. Ben postponement or cancellation of all scheduled events. SG victory. pandemic, the Snowboard Cross events were subsequently cancelled. 40 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 COMMERCIAL AND MARKETING 41

Commercial and Marketing

Paralympics Australia generates quarter. This was an increase of a significant portion of its funding $682,000 from the corresponding through commercial and marketing period in the previous Paralympic operations including sponsorship, Summer Games cycle. fundraising, licensing and broadcast. Sponsorship revenue was made up During the reporting period, the of sponsorship rights fees (both cash Commercial and Marketing division and VIK), guaranteed fundraising was responsible for generating contributions and cause-related more than $5 million in revenue for marketing proceeds. PA, representing 38 per cent of the organisation’s overall funding. PA welcomed and supported new (and returning) sponsors and Corporate sponsorship, including suppliers during the reporting period both cash and value-in-kind (VIK) including Royal Australian Mint, investments, constituted 63 per Harvey Norman, Cadbury, Uber, City cent of all commercial revenue, with of Sydney, Essendon Football Club, broadcast representing 11 per cent Commonwealth Games Australia, and fundraising and trade promotions Goodman Foundation, Mizuno and contributing the remaining 26 per cent. Permobil.

The profound effect of COVID-19 on Existing sponsors Sport Australia, corporate and consumer markets Optus, Woolworths, Toyota, Allianz, was reflected in the decelerating of PA Citibank, Qantas, Seven West Media, commercial results in the final quarter Meat & Livestock Australia, icare, of the reporting period. Isentia, Clayton Utz, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), Sponsorship Jockey, The Garment Exchange, Paralympics Australia generated Speedo, R.M.Williams and Birkenstock, more than $3.1 million in sponsorship were supported through sponsor revenue during the reporting period, benefits delivery, targeted sponsor despite the interruption of COVID-19- value-add initiatives and sponsor related factors over the final financial activation services.

Ahmed Kelly 42 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 COMMERCIAL AND MARKETING 43

Major Partners Official Partners Official Supporters Official Suppliers

Sport Australia Toyota Isentia Jockey Optus Allianz Clayton Utz The Garment Exchange Woolworths Citi National Disability Speedo Insurance Agency Royal Australian Mint Qantas R.M.Williams Goodman Foundation Seven West Media Mizuno City of Sydney icare Birkenstock Commonwealth Games Meat & Livestock Australia Permobil Australia Harvey Norman Essendon Football Club Cadbury Uber

In addition to direct financial support, planning workshops throughout Commercial PA sponsors and suppliers continued the year where partners had the Revenue Split $,000 to provide invaluable support to opportunity to network, brainstorm Paralympics Australia, investing in and, for those who attended the activities such as: November workshop, the opportunity • Optus’ and PA’s collaborative to try wheelchair basketball under remote coaching platform the watchful eye of Australian Gliders Paralympic Connect; representative and Paralympian • the Royal Australian Mint’s launch Sarah Stewart. of the Australian Paralympic The obvious and enduring Ambassador coin program; commitment to the Paralympic Broadcast () • Harvey Norman’s in-store movement, to greater inclusion, Sponsorship (1) ‘Australia Day AUS Squad’ and to genuinely achieve mutually Fundraising and Trade Promotions (10) campaign extending PA’s beneficial outcomes is a testament marketing reach; to the calibre of organisations that • Meat & Livestock Australia’s choose to partner with Paralympics Commercial sponsorship of the re-launched Australia. Revenue % ‘Paralympic Education Program’; and Paralympics Australia is sincerely grateful to all its sponsors and • Allianz’s renewed commitment suppliers and looks forward to working as ‘major team partner’ of the with each and every one of them in Australian Wheelchair Rugby the lead-up to, during and following Team, the Steelers. the highly anticipated Tokyo 2020 Sponsors and suppliers attended Paralympics Games to be held in a number of PA information and August/September 2021.

Broadcast (11) Sponsorship () Fundraising and Trade Promotions (2)

A Paralympic Corporate Challenge participant 44 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 COMMERCIAL AND MARKETING 45

• Corporate Fundraising – revenue received a design refresh with imagery generated through sponsor developed of her participating in all fundraising and/or cause related winter and summer Para-sports. marketing campaigns, workplace giving and donations from Commercialising our digital assets corporations and other continues to be a focus as we work organisations; and with our partners to identify • Trade Promotions – revenue opportunities for integration and generated through PA’s licensing synergy. A video content series was program. developed with Harvey Norman called ‘My Squad’. PA donors continue to grow every year and, for this, the organisation Social Media and those who benefit are most program, part of its non-profit tools. In partnership with the Royal Australia humbled and appreciative. The grant provides US$10,000 of in- Mint, the Australian Paralympic Team Social media opens up another way kind advertising per month. mascot – Lizzie the frilled neck lizard – for our fans and supporters to connect There are a small number of Fundraising & Licensing • Regular Giving – donations with the Australian Paralympic Team individuals, companies and received on a regular basis by and Paralympics Australia at all Fundraising is an important foundations whose generosity is both individual donors; levels. During the reporting period, contributor to Paralympics Australia’s regular and considerable. A special PA achieved above benchmark commercial revenue in addition to • Community Fundraising – one-off thank you is extended to them. engagement rate percentage targets driving and increasing awareness donations received via the PA (or of the Paralympic movement and third party fundraising) websites, Marketing across its primary consumer channels; greater audience engagement. mail, phone etc; During the reporting period, Facebook 18 per cent and Instagram • Direct Response – one-off donations Paralympics Australia’s digital 26 per cent. These are calculated During the reporting period, PA received as a result of PA direct mail marketing channels (website, email by dividing total engagement generated more than $1.3million in and email campaigns. Two were and social media) transitioned (comments, likes, shares and video fundraising and trade promotions conducted during the reporting ownership from the Communications viewers) by the total reach (Facebook) (licensing) revenue with programs and period; division to the Commercial and or Audience (Instagram) of those initiatives grouped into the following Marketing division. This transition channels throughout the reporting categories: saw a greater focus on consumer period. marketing with the objectives to strengthen the brand connection, PA’s content pillars and platform Revenue Split $,000 Revenue Split % grow and retain our supporter base strategy continue to guide what is and convert audiences. posted and this content is posted in a tone and style that encourages New Initiatives regular conversation and contact A number of initiatives were introduced with fans and supporters of the including the roll-out of a new email Australian Paralympic Team. marketing platform Adestra, new sections of the website including On Facebook, the Paralympics Education, Fundraising, Tokyo 2020, Australia Page transitioned Direct Response (9) Direct Response () Integrity Framework, Online Store with categories from a ‘Sports Team’ to a Regular Giving (1) Regular Giving (11) a growing merchandise range, and a ‘Non-Profit’. This change opened up Community Fundraising (102) Community Fundraising () new consumer engagement program a range of fundraising tools, including Corporate Donations (9) Corporate Donations (2) AUS Squad. Trade Promotions (2) Trade Promotions (22) the ability to collect donations on The organisation was successful in Facebook via their partnership with applying for Google’s Ad Grant PayPal Giving. 46 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 COMMERCIAL AND MARKETING 47

while still highlighting Para-sport, AUS Squad a customized user experience in Para-athletes and PA programs. the future via a fully integrated AUS Squad, the official cheer squad This hashtag continues to underpin CRM (Salesforce). of the Australian Paralympic Team, PA’s community and social impact was launched in January 2020 with initiatives by supporting its consumer The postponement of Tokyo 2020 the primary objective of engaging audience to grow their resilience, focus halted delivery and trajectory of new and existing audiences through on their health and wellbeing, shine a the program, with tweaks to be content and special offers. It also light on the power of the human spirit implemented based on current provided additional opportunities to and normalise disability. resourcing and capacity to be made commercialise content and value- for the next period. At the end of the #ReadySetTokyo continues to add to partners. The free online reporting period, 828 members had underpin PA’s Games campaign for membership required sign-up via an joined AUS Squad. the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, email address, with the added ability in 2021. to capture preference data to provide Website Campaigns

During the reporting period, The postponement of the Tokyo 2020 paralympic.org.au generated 395,438 Paralympic Games due to COVID-19 page views to 135,494 users from 189 saw the introduction of a new countries. This is a 9 per cent increase consumer facing digital campaign, in page views and 14 per cent increase #AUSAdapts. The campaign aimed in users from the previous reporting to create relevant and considered period. content in the current environment,

Pages URL Views Home Page paralympic.org.au 36,812 Athletes paralympic.org.au/athletes 32,574 Play Para-Sport paralympic.org.au/play-para-sport 15,542 Classification paralympic.org.au/classification 9,086 About Us paralympic.org.au/about-us 6,903 Education education.paralympic.org.au 5,837 Contact Us paralympic.org.au/contact-us 5,327 News paralympic.org.au/news 4,908 Make a Donation Paralympic.org.au/make-a-donation 4,425

Dan Michel at the Infinite Possibilities Gala 48 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 COMMUNICATIONS 49

Communications

The Communications division • Production of content for use across is responsible for managing assets managed by PA Media Paralympics Australia’s media, Rights partners, the Seven Network, public relations, content, media headlined by ‘The Dream Hasn’t rights and broadcast operations. Changed, Just The Date’ which ran Its core purpose is to tell the story as a network promotion in all major of Paralympics Australia and the metropolitan markets. Paralympic movement to • Establishment of the audiences – new and existing. #ReadySetTokyo campaign and new content series ‘My Squad’ delivered in The ability of the Communications partnership with Harvey Norman; division to service every other PA division is paramount. Enabling • Representation in the 2032 Games the Commercial and Marketing, Taskforce for Communication and Stakeholder Engagement and Media, alongside representatives Corporate divisions to generate from relevant Federal, State and revenue is key, while also bolstering Local Government departments and the Sport division’s ability to support the Australian Olympic Committee; and deliver elements of the Australian • Implementation of phases of PA’s Paralympic Team and Para-sport multi-faceted media and broadcast programs generally. plan specifically for Tokyo 2020 before COVID-19; Key projects executed during the • Media outreach and management reporting period included: for key PA announcements, including: • Delivery of PA’s 2019/2020 - The response to the postponement communications strategy; of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic • Execution of Australia’s first Games; commercial media rights deals for - Funding boosts from the Federal the IPC World Championships for Government and some state and Para-athletics and Para-swimming territory governments to support in 2019; the 2020 Australian Paralympic • Successful delivery of event-specific Team; PA campaigns for Tokyo 2020 ‘One - The appointment of three new PA Year To Go’ celebrations, the 2019 IPC Board Members, Tim Carmody, Para-shooting World Championships, Rebecca Frizelle and Grant Mizens; 2019 INAS Global Games, the World - The announcement of Australian Wheelchair Rugby Challenge and Paralympic Team co-captains other international Para-sport events Danni Di Toro and Ryley Batt for across media, public relations, social Tokyo 2020 media and multimedia;

Chris Bond 50 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 COMMUNICATIONS 51

- The launch of new Paralympics Paralympic sport received 16,259 As well as coverage at a national level, production company Good Shout Australia program initiatives mentions in the media, including Paralympic sport was also widely to produce content for social media, including the Para-sport Equipment 4,460 in print, 1,763 on radio, 1,317 reported in suburban and regional traditional media, Paralympics Fund and the Paralympic Education on television and 8,599 online. media in every state and territory, Australia’s partnership with Seven Program; which continued to provide extensive West Media and Paralympics - The presentation of the This was a 7.8 per cent increase coverage and support of Paralympic Australia’s Commercial and IPC Paralympic Order, the from the previous reporting period. athletes and emerging Para-sport Marketing division. highest individual honour for talent. The stories which attracted the an administrator, to former • Content delivery for key PA events, Media In addition to videos produced most interest from major media Paralympics Australia President headlined by the Infinite Possibilities Social Media and Website internally by PA’s Communications The division issued 59 media releases outlets related to postponement Gala and the launch of AUS Squad team, more than 40 videos were Greg Hartung; and alerts to metropolitan, suburban After overseeing PA’s website and of the Paralympic Games due released publicly in collaboration - Recognition of Paralympics to support the Commercial and social media platforms for more and regional media nationwide, COVID-19, Dylan Alcott winning the with Good Shout. Australia by the IPC as the Marketing division; than a decade, the Communications and published 288 news stories on quad singles at the US Open and world’s best National Paralympic • Five editions of the Australian division transitioned the overall Paralympics Australia’s website. This Australian Open wheelchair tennis Highlights included: Committee for promoting women. Paralympian magazine, distributed responsibility of PA’s digital presence was a 28 per cent increase in news grand slams, the elevation of Louise • ‘The Dream Hasn’t Changed. Just The announcement was made on to Australian Paralympic alumni, to within the Commercial and stories, underlining PA’s pursuit to Sauvage to Legend Status within The Date’ – a rallying call to the International Women’s Day 2020. PA partners, sponsors, member Marketing Division from 2020. drive more traffic to its own platforms. the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, 2020 Australian Paralympic Team - The launch of the Matthew organisations, donors, supporters, The four per cent decrease in media the devastating passing of former after the postponement of the Tokyo Robinson Scholarship in partnership stakeholders and subscribers; The rationale was in line with PA’s releases can be attributed to a lack of Paralympics Australia President Glenn strategic evolution from being a Paralympic Games. It was narrated with Disabled WinterSport Australia; • The maintenance of more than competitions and access to athletes by Brendan Burkett, 2000 Australian - New partnerships including Tasker (August) and Paralympian content-driven publisher in past years 200 athlete profiles for members of Paralympic Team Flag Bearer and Australian Beef, Speedo, Mizuno during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Kieran Modra (November) and World to a more subscriber-driven approach the Australian Summer and Winter current Head Coach of the Australia and Cadbury. Championships for Para-swimming moving forward, with a greater focus Paralympic Preparation Programs; With the assistance of media Para-Swim Team - The formation of the Alliance for and Para-athletics covered by on marketing and fundraising. • The expansion of Paralympics monitoring service Isentia, PA tracks Sport Recovery to raise crucial PA’s media right partner the Seven • ‘#ReadySetTokyo series’ – these Australia’s photograph and vision the media coverage of Paralympic Video content funds to help get people back on Network, and other Paralympic longer-form profiles delved into archive, particularly for wheelchair sport in Australia. During the reporting the playing field in communities qualification events in Australia and The Communications division the psyche of two Australian rugby. period, Paralympics Australia and impacted by the country’s bushfires. around the world. continued to collaborate with video Paralympians, Daniel Michel (boccia) The Alliance includes Paralympics Australia, the Australian Olympic Australian media coverage by newsfeed Committee and Commonwealth Year Print Radio Television Online Total Games Australia and the Australian Sports Foundation. 2009/10 7,196 1,345 607 607 9,784 2010/11 6,550 856 761 761 8,482 • The growth of Paralympics Australia’s fanbase and brand across Facebook, 2011/12 6,313 1,997 1,434 1,434 12,101 Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and London 2012* 4,178 26,489 30,032 2,284 63,343 YouTube; 2012/13** 5,643 3,559 1,269 1,565 12,036 • Production support for the Netflix 2013/14 5,808 956 428 1,443 8,635 documentary Rising Phoenix, Sochi 2014* 480 3,738 1,770 6,214 12,202 featuring Australian Paralympians 2014/15 7,877 1,292 705 2,541 12,415 Ryley Batt and ; 2015/16 8,320 2,076 1,231 4,234 15,861 • Launch of a new educational video Rio 2016* 1,772 20,337 18,585 8,696 49,390 series for coaches commissioned by 2016/17** 4,567 1,628 1,096 4,485 10,816 Table Tennis Australia and produced 2017/18 4,996 3,264 1,667 5,698 15,625 by PA’s Communication division in PyeongChang 2018* 362 3,304 2,556 1,384 7,336 collaboration with the PA’s Sport 2018/19 4,927 1,925 1,331 7,540 15,075 division. 2019/20 4,460 1,763 1,317 8,599 16,259 Lydia Lassila, Annie Williams, Mark Beretta, Emma Vosti and Ellie Cole Curtis McGrath with Sally Pearson and Chloe Esposito

Source: Isentia * Reporting period was the three-month period surrounding the Paralympic Games ** Reporting period covers the period following the Paralympic Summer Games (1 October to 30 June) 52 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 COMMUNICATIONS 53

and Kate Naess, (Para-triathlon) who announced her retirement following the postponement of Tokyo 2020. Produced before COVID-19, both athletes spoke with passion and brutal honesty about the tumultuous and emotional paths they have taken to reach the pinnacles of their sport. More videos in this series are currently in production. • ‘My Squad presented by Harvey Norman’ – this series takes a light-hearted look into the lives of Paralympic athletes and also speaks to those who are playing important supportive roles to ensure their 'My Squad' and #ReadySetTokyo are leading series produced by Paralympics Australia Games preparations are as seamless Since moving under the management components of the Australian as possible. James Turner (Para- of PA’s Communications division in Paralympic History Project into one athletics) and Tyan Taylor (goalball) 2015, the project has been hugely online resource; featured during the reporting reliant on its contracted lead facilitator • Oral history interviews conducted period with more videos currently in Homepage of Paralympic Stories: paralympichistory.org.au Tony Naar, as well as volunteer with Mike Dow and Robyn Smith in production. contributors and expert institutions to partnership with the National without the extensive contributions discoverable through Trove; • ‘Infinite Possibilities Gala’ – A earn its reputation as one of the best Library of Australia; of volunteers and partnerships with • The National Sports Museum, which behind-the-scenes glimpse of the projects of its kind in the world. expert organisations. Paralympics • Acquisition of additional memorabilia advises Paralympics Australia on glitz and glamour as Australia’s Australia thanks the following Due to necessary cost-saving and audio-visual material through its physical collection and currently Paralympians stepped out of their individuals and organisations for measures as a result of COVID-19, PA loans and donations by athletes and displays items of note to the green and gold uniforms and their their continued support: made the difficult decision in April to administrators. Australian Paralympic movement comfort zones to take ownership of • The Clearinghouse for Sport, which significantly reduce funding for the • Management of Paralympics which have been donated to the catwalk to celebrate the unique manages Paralympics Australia’s project for the foreseeable future. Australia’s historical archive near its Paralympics Australia; ability of Paralympic sport to help audio-visual collection, incorporates However, PA remains committed national office in Sydney; • The National Film and Sound Archive, create social change. Paralympics Australia’s library to working with its contributors and which continues to manage the Don Paralympics Australia has • Ongoing creation and updating holdings into its catalogue, and seeks, whenever possible, to allocate Worley collection of Paralympic films; collaborated with Good Shout for the of Wikipedia articles about the assists Paralympics Australia with any possible resources to enable the Paralympic movement in Australia, digitisation and other preservation • The University of Queensland, a more than five years and is grateful for project to continue to thrive. their ongoing contribution to achieving Australian athletes and classification. tasks; partner of Paralympics Australia in The articles related to the project its written and e-history projects, with the Communication division’s strategic Tony Naar continued to facilitate • The Australian Sports Information have generated more than 13.2 objectives. the project after April on a volunteer Network, which improves access to special thanks to Murray Phillips and million pageviews since 2011. basis with access to PA resources and sport information; Gary Osmond; The Australian Paralympic personnel support. His contribution • Support for PA’s media, social media • The National Library of Australia, • Patricia Ollerenshaw, Greg Blood, History Project was integral to the achievements of and commercial operations through which continues to record and Ross Mallett, Laura Hale and Graham Established in 2010, the Australian the project over the past 12 months, the provision of oral histories, image manage the oral histories of people Pearce, who along with Tony Naar, Paralympic History Project has headlined by: galleries, audio-visual collections of significance to the Paralympic continue to make immense individual continued to capture, manage and • Growth of the Paralympic Stories and memorabilia. movement in Australia and ensures contributions to the Australian preserve the history of the Paralympic website (paralympichistory.org.au). The Australian Paralympic History online assets of the Australian Paralympic History Project which are movement in Australia. The website integrates the diverse Project would not be possible Paralympic History Project are greatly appreciated by PA.

Ben Tudhope 54 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT 55

Stakeholder Engagement

The Stakeholder Engagement division actively engages Paralympics Australia’s core stakeholder groups by developing and maintaining relationships with key individuals and organisations, sharing information about its activities and emerging needs, and remaining aware of potential funding and advocacy opportunities.

Highlights of the reporting period included: • Engagement and support from federal, state and territory governments and their politicians and/or advisors to foster new opportunities and relationships; (From left) PA President Jock O'Callaghan, Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison, IPC President Andrew Parsons and PA Chief Executive Lynne Anderson • Funding for PA’s programs through government and foundation grants; • Active engagement and consultation • Attendance to the IPC conference • Securing of support from state with PA’s member organisations and General Assembly in Bonn in 2019 and territory governments for the (regular meetings, an annual survey and organisation of a Paralympian Australian Paralympic Team Appeal; and organisation of new members nominals motion at this event; • Engagement with the National to join); • Development of a range of new Institute Network (NIN) and • Organisation of cross-party support resources, policy submissions, Australian Institute of Sport to gain for the Australian Paralympic Team briefing papers and research data support for Para-sport pathways; and Para-sport programs; to support PA’s work internally and • Collaboration with the Australian • Provision of expert input to the externally; Olympic Committee, Commonwealth Australian Government’s National • Work to ensure PA met best practice Games Australia and member sports Sports Tribunal Advisory Group in governance, safety, inclusion for greater advocacy to government; and Sport Integrity Australia’s new and integrity requirements, plus • Work with Sport Australia and integrity arrangements; associated education and training National Disability Sporting • Greater visibility and influence for for the Board and staff; Organisations (NSODs) to connect PA internationally, through joint • Development of partnerships the disability sport sector through projects with the Oceania Paralympic with: Outback Academy Australia the Disability Sport Alliance project; Committee and the International to support Aboriginal and Torres • Confirmation of His Excellency, the Paralympic Committee; Strait Islander people with disability Governor-General of Australia, and • Specially organised meetings for the in sport; Welcoming Australia to the Prime Minister, as Patron and IPC President with the Prime Minister encourage migrants and refugees Patron-in-Chief for PA; and Ministers on his visit to Australia; with disability in sport. PA also

Scott Reardon and Eliza Ault-Connell help relaunch the Paralympic Education Program 56 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT 57

Virtual classroom visits conducted by (left)Paralympians Jenny Blow and Dylan Littlehales (and right) Alistair Donohoe

sought funding for women into • Support of the OPC with grant writing In response to COVID-19, face-to- leadership positions in sport, and for partner project applications and face school visits were postponed joined Pride in Sport to support funding; until 2021. Instead PA introduced virtual classroom visits which connect LGBTI matters; • Provision of funding assistance to Australian Paralympians with schools • Inclusion of PA as part of cross- Vanuatu Paralympic Committee using video-conferencing platforms. sector taskforces, forums and with bus fares for Para-athletes; During the reporting period, PA industry events; • Provision of funding contribution conducted 15 virtual classroom • Provision of information, grants support for OPC’s 2019 Agitos sessions across 11 schools with a and support for Para-athletes Foundation grant application. reach of more than 630 students. and PA’s Athlete’s Commission. The schools’ visits are supported by Paralympic Education Program Australian Beef and The John and Oceania support The 2019/20 reporting period saw the Myriam Wylie Foundation. Throughout 2019/20, Paralympics re-establishment of the Paralympic To prepare athletes to present to Australia focused on growing its Education Program (PEP), with schools, both virtually and face-to- strategic engagement with the the official launch of the program face, PA collaborated with the AIS to Oceania Paralympic Committee and new web section in February conduct media and communication (OPC). Aiming to maintain strong 2020. Australian Beef is the official training via the Elite Athlete Business partnerships and relations and share presenting partner of the program. School. Eighteen Para-athletes expertise and knowledge (particularly participated in the training. education and training around The education website includes five classification and coach training with new teacher resources and student In collaboration with Welcoming OPC and Oceania NPCs), PA provided content developed by Paralympics Australia, PA assisted their online access and support to funding Australia, along with the I’mPOSSIBLE Living Room Sports program where Wheelchair Rugby player Andrew opportunities for the OPC and smaller Toolkit developed by the International Edmondson filmed an at-home NPCs in the region during the reporting Paralympic Committee’s Agitos workout which was broadcast live via period. Foundation. All resources are linked social media. Additionally, PA worked to the Australian school curriculum. Highlights included: with Kimberlin Education to produce • Regular engagement with the OPC Since the launch of the education sponsored content for their Expert Classroom Series. CEO connecting to opportunities with website, 111 teachers have registered other domestic and international for the I’mPOSSIBLE Toolkit and over PA also forged relationships with state sport agencies; 500 messages were received from and national professional teaching • Provision of IPC/PA updates/planning students via PA’s online Paralympic associations and conducted several throughout COVID-19 to the OPC; Pen Pal program. Para-sport workshops for teachers.

A Paralympic Education Program participant 58 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 CORPORATE OPERATIONS 59

Corporate Operations

Paralympics Australia Board between Senior Management and PA’s wellbeing programs to ensure staff, as well as PA’s recruitment those involved in PA – primarily The Paralympics Australia Board practices. Our PA Values are: staff and the athletes and programs met seven times during the reporting Tenacious: in PA’s pursuit of they support – remained engaged period. excellence, in innovation, best and connected in this environment. practice and performance. Name No. of meetings Staff diversity attended Proud: in PA’s approach to servicing Paralympics Australia’s staff level Jock O’Callaghan 7/7 our para community, where integrity as at 30 June 2020 was 29. The Helen Nott 7/7 and respect our paramount. workforce mix included: Annabelle Williams 6/7 Limitless: in providing an inclusive • Women – 59 per cent Tim Carmody 1/1 environment where everyone feels Kurt Fearnley 1/3 valued. • Men – 41 per cent Rebecca Frizelle 1/1 • Paralympians – 21 per cent Lachlan Harris 6/7 At the beginning of 2020, the focus • People with a disability 24 per cent John Hartigan 7/7 for Human Resources shifted from Rosie King 7/7 the delivery of a Paralympic Games Annual General Meeting Grant Mizens 1/1 campaign to guiding PA through the Paralympics Australia’s Annual impact of COVID-19. A formulated General Meeting was held on 5 response plan was executed with key December in Sydney, with 14 member Human Resources elements including the transition of the organisations represented. Ernst Federal Sport Minister Senator Richard Colbeck with IPC President Andrew Parsons, PA President Jock O'Callaghan and PA Chief entire workforce to a work-from-home The Human Resources division is & Young was appointed auditor in Executive Lynne Anderson situation, a 30 per cent reduction in responsible for providing operational November 2010 and will continue as staffing and a 20 per cent reduction with Sport Australia’s Mandatory and served as President from 2013 The deepest condolences are also and strategic human resources advice auditor for Paralympics Australia Ltd. to Paralympics Australia. in hours for all remaining employees. Governance Principles, one current until his retirement in 2018. with Kerry Modra, and daughters Holly, These measures, while stressful to PA At the Annual General Meeting, Director, Helen Nott, nominated for Makala and Janae, after the tragic Paralympics Australia is in debt to Mr During the reporting period, the staff, were an appropriate measure to Paralympics Australia’s Annual Report re-election at the AGM and was loss of their beloved husband and Tasker’s contribution to the Australian division provided support across the ensure the overall sustainability of PA. and Finance Report were adopted re-elected unanimously. father Kieran in November 2018. Paralympic movement over many organisation through the introduction unanimously by the membership. of new initiatives into the day-to-day This new paradigm provided As per its Constitution, Paralympics years. He was a wonderful leader, Mr Modra represented Australia at operations with a focus on wellbeing additional challenges and Under Paralympics Australia’s Australia also called for Board colleague and friend to so many eight Paralympic Games between and engagement programs and the reemphasised the pivotal role of Board rotation policy, which is in line nominations from its membership, people around the world. 1988 and 2016.And while he was the rejuvenation of PA values. with no nominations received. fiercest of competitors, away from the His many achievements as President competitive arena Mr Modra was a The values of PA centre on Para- Key management personnel Paralympics Australia also solemnly of Paralympics Australia, and other kind soul with a tremendous character. athletes, Para-sports and the 2020 2019 acknowledged the sad passing of two roles within the sports industry during nurturing and development of PA Total compensation $ $ highly influential and revered members his long and decorated career, have Paralympics Australia records its staff. They were integrated into a $1,487,552 1,376,116 of the Australian Paralympic family – left a legacy for years and decades deepest gratitude to these two number of operational processes Compensation 0-49,999 10 8 Glenn Tasker and Kieran Modra – and to come. incredible contributors, who are sorely in bands the deep grief felt by the Paralympic missed and remembered for their such as the performance review 50,000-149,000 4 4 $ Movement globally. The thoughts of Paralympics Australia outstanding service. process, individual discussions on 150,000+ 4 4 remain with his wife Henny, their deliverables and behaviours Number of staff 18 16 Mr Tasker, who passed away in children Matthew, Natalie and Alex August 2019, joined the Board in 2008 and their grandchildren. 60 Paralympics Australia ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 SPONSOR FAMILY 61

IT Operations Paralympics Australia

Paralympics Australia’s IT Operations platforms and services to provide • Immediate transition from a primarily Sponsor Family division is focused on improving PA with an agile technology stack office-based workforce to a total current systems, services and that is not dependent on any one remote work-from-home capability for all staff in line with COVID-19 processes. physical location; Major Partners restrictions. During the reporting period, the • Planning and design of the Tokyo • Improvement of technology following major projects were 2020 Technology delivery plan services to maintain productivity, achieved: overcoming large challenges in accountability and compliance • Continued investment and space planning, communications while all PA offices were closed and transformation into cloud-based and 100v power delivery; PA staff were working from home.

Official Partners

Official Supporters Official Suppliers

Government Partners

Greg Hartung receives the Paralympic Order from IPC President Andrew Parsons

Photography for Paralympics Additional photography courtesy of: Australia by: Michael Angus, Bence Vekassy, Delly Carr, Con Chronis, Phil Cooper, Casey Gibson, Jeff Crow – Explorer Media Megumi Masuda, Paul McMillan, Alan Spink, , Athletics Australia, AusCycling, Tim Mannion Commonwealth Games Australia, Equestrian Australia, Getty Images, Paddle Australia, Rowing Australia, Seven Network, Swimming Australia, Triathlon Australia. With thanks from Paralympics Australia Address: Building A, 1 Herb Elliott Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, 2127 Postal Address: PO Box 596, Sydney Markets, NSW, 2129 P +61 2 9704 0500 E [email protected] W paralympic.org.au ABN 41810 234 213 | ACN 061 547 957

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