About Paddle Australia

Paddle Australia (PA) is entering an exciting period of growth as we deliver our bold new strategy, Paddle Forward 32. Designed to create a true "home of paddlesports", the strategy will unite world-class sport, a vibrant paddling lifestyle and an inclusive community where everyone belongs.

With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, we are focused on building a lasting legacy for paddling through participation growth, exceptional events, athlete success and stronger connections across the paddling ecosystem.

PA is the National Sporting Organisation (NSO) recognised by the Australian Government’s, Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), and Paralympics Australia as the peak governing body for paddling activities nationwide.

We represent over 8,000 members, 115 active clubs, and 6 State Paddle Associations, governing participation and high performance across 11 disciplines – from grassroots community paddling to Olympic and Paralympic gold medal programs.

Our Purpose: To support, inspire, and develop all paddlers; fostering a sense of belonging to our world-class sport and lifestyle.

Our Vision: To create a dynamic and thriving paddling ecosystem.

Our Values: Collaboration, Inclusiveness, Transparency, and Excellence.

The Opportunity

Paddle Australia is seeking to appoint two (2) Non-Executive Directors to join our Board.

Working alongside fellow Board Directors and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), successful appointees will provide independent governance oversight, strategic direction, and leadership to support PA’s growth, culture, and risk management framework. This includes guiding our long-term strategic roadmap, Paddle Forward 32, leading into the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

We are seeking applicants who bring strong capabilities in Human Resources and Legal & Risk Management to complement our existing Board skills profile.

Key Capability Requirements

We are seeking two specific skillsets across these appointments:

1. Human Resources & People Capability

• Strategic HR Leadership: Executive or board-level expertise in organizational development, culture, talent strategy, executive remuneration, and performance management.
• Operational & Workforce Oversight: Experience guiding workforce planning, workplace health and safety (WHS), and change management within a national sports body, non-profit, or corporate environment.
• Culture & Inclusion: A proven ability to shape diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.

2. Legal & Risk Management

• Legal Expertise: High-level corporate legal experience with deep knowledge of statutory compliance, contract law, governance frameworks, and legal liability.
• Integrity & Risk Governance: Strong capability in sports integrity, child safeguarding policies, and the implementation of robust risk management frameworks.
• Risk Mitigation: Proven expertise in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating legal, operational, and reputational risks.

General Key Selection Criteria & Qualifications

Governance Qualifications: Completion of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course or equivalent governance qualification is highly regarded.

Board Experience: Prior experience serving on a National, State, or Not-For-Profit (NFP) Board is desirable.

Legal & Fiduciary Literacy: Strong understanding of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and directors' fiduciary duties.

Compliance & Eligibility:

• Legally eligible to hold office as a company director under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
• Possess (or obtain) a Director Identification Number (Director ID).
• Hold a current Working with Children Check.
• Completion of the ASC Online Director Education course (upon appointment).

Paddle Australia is committed to maintaining a balanced gender and skills-based Board. In line with the ASC Sports Governance Principles, PA strives to maintain at least 40% gender representation at the Board level.

Board Commitment

Meetings: Bi-monthly Board meetings (held in-person and virtually) plus the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Committees: Directors are expected to serve on at least one Board Committee (Audit & Risk, Ethics & Integrity, Nominations, or Growth & Investment).

Term: 3-year term (up to a maximum of 2 terms for Appointed Directors).