Category: History
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Australian Prime Ministers and Sport Series – Joseph Lyons
By Greg Blood JOSEPH ALOYSIUS LYONS CH – AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY / UNITED AUSTRALIA PARTY 10th Prime Minister: 1932-1939 Joseph ‘Joe’ Lyons was prime minister during a significant period of the Great Depression where sport played a role in distracting the Australian community from the day-to-day cost of living pressures and high levels of unemployment. The…
australiansportreflections
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Australian Prime Ministers and Sport Series – Gough Whitlam
by Greg Blood EDWARD “GOUGH” WHITLAM AC QC – AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY 21st Prime Minister: 1972-1975 Gough Whitlam had a limited interest in sport as a participant and spectator but he understood the role that sport could play in Australian society at a time where there was increasing leisure time. His government can be considered…
australiansportreflections
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Stocktake of Australian sport Presidents/Chairs 2000-2023 – Updated 20 December 2023
By Greg Blood National Sports Organisation (NSO) Presidents/Chairs these days frequently have to manage crises in their sport. Following on from my recent stocktake of NSO CEO’s, I have drawn up a list of NSO Presidents/Chairs since 2000 to recognise their service to the Australian sport system. The complexity of the role of the modern day…
australiansportreflections
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Why does the Australian Government invest in sport ? One answer is national pride.
By Greg Blood Why does the Australian Government invest in sport? There are many reasons but the Maltidas performances at the home FIFA Women’s World Cup is an example of sport and its impact on nationalism or national pride. I’m currently researching Australian prime ministers and sport and found that most of them understood that…
australiansportreflections
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It’s Time for National Sports Organisations to Invest in Their History – Before It’s Too Late
By Greg Blood National sports organisations (NSOs) need to lift their game in managing their information and other resources that tell the story of their sport and athletes in Australia. In recent years, NSOs have established virtual halls of fame and promoted significant historical events to recognise their development in Australia. These initiatives help to…
australiansportreflections
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History of Leadership – Chairs, CEOs, Head Coaches and Captains in Eighteen AFL Clubs : Examining Stability and Diversity -Updated 6 February 2024
By Greg Blood This article documents the leadership timeline of the 18 clubs in the Australian Football League (AFL) that was established in 1990. Leadership is documented in terms of – presidents/chairs, CEOs, head coaches and captains to examine issues such as stability and diversity in relation to success . I have previously documented national…
australiansportreflections
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Long-term Plan for Major Sports Facilities in Canberra – Time to Stop the Band-aid Approach
By Greg Blood Canberra is at a critical time in relation to the future planning and investment in major sports facilities. A great deal of media and public discussion and several reports have been narrowly focussed on an outdoor stadium in the city. But there is also lobbying for housing at Thoroughbred Park, possible development…
australiansportreflections
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It’s Time for Participation to Receive its Fair Share of the Sports Funding Pie
Greg Blood The cost-of-living crisis in Australia has the likelihood of decreasing participation in sport and fitness activities. This follows on from the impact of COVID on sport participation. Traditionally Federal Government funding has been directed more heavily towards high performance i.e., success of Australian athletes and teams on the international sporting arena. Is it…
australiansportreflections
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Australian Prime Ministers and Sport Series
By Greg Blood This series profiles every Australian prime minister and their interest in and contribution to the development of sport in Australia. It is often stated that politics and politics don’t or should not mix. This series will highlight how they do mix and interact particularly since 1970 when the Australian Government established a…
australiansportreflections
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Australian Sports Commission Historical Budget Information
By Greg Blood The Australian Government’s funding to sport since 1985/86 has primarily been through allocations to the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). This compilation will assist those interested the Australian Government’s investment in sport. The Australian Government also allocates funding to Sport Integrity Australia and the Office of Sport located in the Federal Dept responsible…
australiansportreflections