As the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) embarks on the exciting journey towards Los Angeles 2028 and a home Olympics and Paralympics in Brisbane in 2032, an Athlete Advisory has been established so athletes can share their insights and advice with VIS Leadership.
The VIS Athlete Advisory (VAA), a first for the organisation, aims to ensure that athletes have a meaningful voice in shaping the Institute's athlete-related policies, standards, and educational materials.
The group will also provide suggestions regarding the possible betterment of the VIS daily training environment and ways to foster a collaborative environment between athletes, coaches, and administrative staff.
Essentially, the purpose of the VAA is to make recommendations on matters of importance to VIS senior leadership and the Board, therefore helping to shape the VIS’ and broader high-performance sporting environment in our sport-obsessed state for the better.
VIS CEO Nicole Livingstone OAM commented, “The VIS Athlete Advisory is an opportunity to further elevate the athlete voice and keep athletes at the centre of the organisation’s decision-making, fostering stronger connections between athletes and leadership.”
“The VAA group is important for us to be able to hear from our athletes in terms of the way we shape our future – their experience, knowledge and input is vital to ensure high-performance sport in Victoria continues to progress,” added Livingstone OAM.
The VAA group will be comprised of a diverse mix of up to eight current or recently retired VIS athletes representing various sports and disciplines, ensuring inclusivity across gender, Para-athletes, and cultural backgrounds.
The VAA will meet twice a year, with additional meetings convened as necessary with the chair elected by the VAA members.
VAA members will play a crucial role in representing the interests and perspectives of VIS athletes, helping to further cultivate an athlete-centric environment within high-performance sport in our state.
We strongly encourage current and recently retired (within the last two years) VIS athletes to apply.
Why should you get involved?
- By being a member of the VAA, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to how the VIS operates, improving the services we offer and impacting the experience for current and future athletes.
- Involvement provides excellent collaboration, networking and development opportunities, providing a chance to build valuable experience for life beyond sport.
Term and responsibilities:
Members will serve a two-year term, with the possibility of renewal for an additional term (with a maximum of two consecutive terms to be served). Staggered appointments will ensure continuity.
The VAA will meet twice a year and report into the VIS CEO and VIS High Performance Committee, with additional meetings convened as necessary.
The VAA is a voluntary advisory group. Administration support will be provided by the VIS. Reasonable expenses will be covered with prior agreement from the CEO.
Application process and eligibility:
Nominations are now open to current and recently retired (within the last two years) VIS athletes.
Nominations will be reviewed by a selection panel comprising VIS Performance Committee chair, CEO, Director High Performance and Performance Lifestyle Manager.
Nominations can be submitted via our online form.
Expressions of interest close at 5:00pm on Sunday 4 May.
If you would like more information about the operations of the VAA or if you would like to review the VAA Terms of Reference, please contact Alice Neill – alice.neill@vis.org.au
