The Diving Australia (DA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Saturday, where changes to the Board were announced, the 2022/23 Annual Report was handed down and two new Life Members were welcomed.

Life Membership is the highest honour within DA and is presented to the sport’s most dedicated members. As well as recognising individuals who have made a lasting and significant contribution, the award pays tribute to members who have positively enhanced the sport’s reputation and made an enduring impact.

This year, DA and its Member States awarded Life Membership to Olympian and former DA Chair, Michael Murphy, and outgoing DA Director, Eric Brooker, bringing the total number of DA Life Members to 25.

Mike’s involvement in the sport dates back to 1985. He represented Australia at two Olympic Games (1992 and 1996) and two Commonwealth Games (1990 and 1994), where he won two Commonwealth Games gold medals and one Commonwealth Games silver medal.

Following his diving career, Mike displayed a continued commitment to the sport by actively participating in volunteer roles. His willingness to stay involved saw him join the DA Selection Committee, where his expertise and insights were invaluable.

Furthermore, Mike served on the DA Board for just over 10 years (eight of those as Chair), where his leadership and dedication significantly contributed to the growth and success of diving in Australia. Notably, in 2017, Mike was elected to the Australian Olympic Committee Executive, a position he still holds today.

Eric Booker is a diving stalwart, having dedicated more than 50 years of his life to the sport. Starting out as an athlete, Eric later made his mark as a coach, volunteer, and administrator. He has served the sport as President and Vice President of Diving NSW and has been part of the DA Board since 2012.

As a coach, Eric was instrumental in the establishment of the Hunter United Diving Academy and played a pivotal role in nurturing the talents of a host of divers, most notably Olympic medallist Mathew Helm and High Diving World Champion Rhiannan Iffland. 

In 2013, Eric was the first Australian in more than two decades to be appointed to the World Aquatics Diving Technical Committee. As well as serving as a Delegate/Referee at major events, including the Olympic Games and World Aquatics Championships, Eric has mentored the next generation of Australian judges and officials by taking an active role in officials’ education and development.  

Outgoing DA Board member, Maggie Roberts, was also acknowledged for her service to the sport as both a Director and former elite athlete. The Board positions held by Eric and Maggie were vacated due to the pair having served their maximum term in accordance with the DA constitution. As a result, DA now welcomes two new directors, Marlene Elliott and Matthew Barnard to the Board. 

Marlene is an experienced non-executive director, consultant and business coach with experience spanning large and small business, State Government and not-for-profit organisations. As a Director of Solutions by ME, Marlene works with organisations to help them achieve their strategic objectives and drive performance improvement. Marlene boasts an extensive Board portfolio career, including Director roles with Commonwealth Games Australia and Triathlon Australia. 

Former elite level diver, Matthew Barnard, is a communications professional currently working as a Media Advisor within the Department of the Prime Minister. The former Media and Communications Manager at Diving Australia, Matthew’s experience spans various Media Liaison roles, including with the Australian Olympic Team and Commonwealth Games Australia. Matthew is currently serving as Treasurer of Diving Queensland and is completing a PhD in Cultural Studies.

At the conclusion of the DA AGM, a Board Meeting was held to appoint the positions of Chair and Deputy Chair. DA is pleased to announce that Liz Jack and David Lyons will continue on in their roles and Chair and Deputy Chair respectively.

Speaking at the conclusion of the AGM, Liz Jack acknowledged the contribution of outgoing directors Maggie Roberts and Eric Brooker.

“The sport of diving is indebted to Maggie and Eric for their many years of service, which started long before their time on the DA Board," Jack said.

“Today, we recognise their commitment to our sport as long-serving Directors of this organisation.

“On behalf of all our members, I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Maggie and Eric for their expertise and advice over many years. 

“I also congratulate Eric and Mike Murphy, our newest Life Members.

“I cannot think of two more deserving individuals to receive Life Membership with Diving Australia, which is our sport’s highest honour.

“It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to celebrate their significant commitment and contributions, which - through this honour - will ensure their legacy remains a part of our organisation’s history.

“On behalf of the Board, I also welcome new directors, Marlene Elliott and Matthew Barnard, and look forward to their future contributions.

“Finally, and importantly, thank you to the representatives of our Member States who attended the AGM.

“My fellow directors and I look forward to working with you over the coming 12 months," Jack concluded. 

View the Diving Australia 2022-23 Annual Report.