The Hon. Steve Bracks AC Appointed as New Chair
The Hon. Steve Bracks AC was today announced as the new Chair of national employment and education company, AFL SportsReady.
The former Premier of Victoria, Mr Bracks is currently the Chairman of the Industry Super Fund, cbus Super, Special Adviser on governance issues to the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste and Chair of Deakin University’s Foundation Board. Mr Bracks was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for his services to the community and the Parliament of Victoria in 2010.
AFL SportsReady CEO James Montgomery said that the appointment of Mr Bracks was a great endorsement of the direction of the organisation, which has delivered employment, education and training to thousands of young Australians since 1994.
“Mr Bracks will be an outstanding addition to AFL SportsReady, bringing a wealth of experience, knowledge and a lifelong commitment to education, training and employment,” said Mr Montgomery.
Mr Bracks said he was looking forward to leading the organisation into the next chapter of growth and development.
“AFL SportsReady plays a crucial role within both the Indigenous and wider community in providing young people an entry into the workforce through meaningful on-the-job traineeships, backed by strong education qualifications and pathways to University and employment,” Mr Bracks said.
“I look forward to working with AFL SportsReady as we assist employers to build skilled and qualified workforces and provide Australia’s young people with the kick-start they need to launch their careers,” Mr Bracks added.
The appointment of Mr Bracks comes at an exciting time for the organisation with the recent announcement of ArtsReady, an Australian Government-funded program to create hundreds of career opportunities for young Australians in the arts and creative sector.
“Over the past two years we have enjoyed significant growth and development. Through vocational training, young people can gain valuable, hands-on experience in the industry of their choice whilst at the same time acquiring the formal qualifications that will assist them on their career path.” Mr Montgomery said.
AFL SportsReady delivers education, and employment solutions in a wide range of areas – from banking to horticulture, administration, business, sport and recreation and the arts and creative industries The organisation also has a key focus on closing the gap in employment and educational outcomes for Indigenous young people and in the delivery of education and training for the AFL industry.
“As a national not-for-profit company we are driven to give all our trainees and students the best kick start to their career possible, delivering real opportunities for young Australians. We are proud that the vast majority of our graduates go onto full time employment or tertiary study,” said Mr Montgomery.
Mr Bracks will take over from outgoing Interim Chair the Hon. Linda Dessau AM, who did an outstanding job following former Chair Mr Peter Jackson’s appointment as CEO of Melbourne Football Club. Ms. Dessau was recently appointed President of the Melbourne Festival and will remain on the Board of AFL SportsReady.
“We have been very fortunate at AFL SportsReady to have a succession of truly exceptional Chairs and I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr Jackson and Ms. Dessau for their remarkable contribution to AFL SportsReady,” Mr Montgomery said.
Mr Bracks commenced his role as AFL SportsReady Chair as of June 11, 2014.
DATE: Wednesday 11 June, 2014
IMAGE: The Hon. Steve Bracks AC, James Montgomery and the Hon. Linda Dessau AM
