Message from the CEO

Dear members, colleagues, and volunteers,

As I wrap up my first week at Skate Australia, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and begin what I hope will be an ongoing conversation with our community.

While the first week in any new role can be a whirlwind, I’ve felt incredibly energised and inspired by what lies ahead for all our disciplines. It will take me some time to learn the unique characteristics, challenges, and strengths of each, but already it's clear to me that each discipline contributes something special to the vibrant fabric of our organisation. Each deserves its own plan, focus, and support to truly thrive.

Over the coming weeks and months, I’ll be listening and learning from people across all disciplines. I’m keen to understand what matters most to you, what makes your communities special, and—most importantly—what you need from Skate Australia to support the amazing work you do.

I’m looking forward to having these conversations with you. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can support you in any way.

There are tremendous opportunities ahead for Skate Australia. With such diverse membership and activities—ranging from grassroots participation to performances on the world stage—I believe we’re uniquely placed to lead the way in showing how sport and lifestyle are deeply connected. Just today, the latest AusPlay data confirms how much Australians love to skate and offers valuable insights to guide our future work.

I’m deeply passionate about the power of sport and physical activity to change lives. You’ll see that passion reflected in the direction we take and the decisions we make together. At the heart of my vision is a simple goal: to ensure that people across the country can engage in our disciplines—however they want to, and for as long as they want to—in as many places as possible. That’s what will drive me every day with purpose, passion, and pride.

I also want to acknowledge the incredible workforce—both paid and volunteer—who give so much to this organisation. I haven’t had the chance to connect with everyone just yet, but I’ve already seen the depth of talent, dedication, and pride that exists within our community. To those who’ve welcomed and supported me this past week: thank you. I’ve appreciated the space to find my rhythm and begin to chart our course together.

I’m deeply grateful to Ali Campbell, who has led the organisation over the past few months as Interim CEO. Ali will now transition into the role of Interim General Manager, High Performance until further notice. In a short time, she has made an indelible impact on Skate Australia, and her leadership has laid strong foundations for our future success.

I’d also like to thank Andrew Collins, who stepped in to provide support to the High-Performance team, during this period. Andrew will now return to his voluntary role as Chair of the High-Performance System Review Working Group. Thank you, Andrew, for your leadership and guidance during this important time.

This week and next, we are thrilled to support our Australian team of athletes, staff, and coaches as they prepare for the upcoming World Skateboarding Tour in Italy. From 1–8 June, our Park athletes will compete in Ostia, followed by our Street athletes who will take to the course in Rome from 8–15 June.

Looking further ahead, from 9 June we have Andrew Beattie competing in the Men’s Solo Dance at the Artistic International Series World Cup Final in Reggio Emilia and in July we have skaters competing across range of disciplines at the 20th Asian Roller-Skating Championships in Jecheon City, South Korea, thanks to the invitation and support of World Skate Asia.

We wish everyone the very best and know they will represent us with pride.

I’m truly excited for what’s ahead, and I look forward to meeting many more of you soon.

Warm regards,

Alex Anasson

Chief Executive Officer Skate Australia