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Intro

The Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport is excited to present the Aspiring Chairs education program, delivered by expert facilitator Diane Smith-Gander AO.

The Aspiring Chairs governance program will provide a series of learning experiences to enhance the governance and organisational leadership skills for aspiring chairs of state sporting association (SSA), state active recreation organisation (SARO) and peak body. 

Details 

This is a 3 part face-to-face series. You must be able to attend all session to participate in the program.

Date and time

Session 1: How to prepare for a Chair position

Thursday, 21 May 2026, 7:00 to 8:30 am

Session 2: Developing effective Chairs/CEO relationships

Thursday, 18 June 2026, 7:00 to 8:30 am

Session 3: Running effective meetings

Thursday, 23 July 2026, 7:00 to 8:30 am 

Who should attend?

This program is for aspiring Chairs of SSAs, SAROs and peak bodies.

Participants who identify as female or gender diverse are encouraged to apply.

Express your interest now

Submit your expression of interest by Thursday 30 April. Advice on acceptance will be provided by Thursday 7 May.

Meet the presenter — Diane Smith-Gander

Diane Smith-Gander AO is well known as a professional company director with an accomplished business career 40 years in the making.

A former WA state representative in basketball, Diane completed an economics degree at UWA part time whilst pouring all her energy into the game.  She then went onto complete an MBA from the University of Sydney whilst working full time.  

Now she is the 16th and first female chancellor of UWA.   Pursues a portfolio career with diverse directorships including as Chair of Zip Co, HBF Health and Perenti.  She has also been active in sports administration and currently chairs the inaugural Nominations Committee for the World Anti-Doping Agency. 

Contact

Sector Performance
Email sectorperformance@cits.wa.gov.au
Register

Registration close
5:00pm 30 April 2026

When

Who

This program is for aspiring Chairs of state sporting associations, state active recreation organisations and peak bodies.

Cost

Free

Where

Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport
246 Vincent Street
Leederville WA
Page reviewed 01 July 2025