Diving Australia has today announced changes to its staffing structure for 2017.

These changes affect both our high performance staffing but also our sport development functions.

We are very pleased to have a close working relationship with the Organising Committee for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games (GOLDOC) and as part of that relationship, Barbi Donnet will be seconded to GOLDOC in the role of Diving Manager, on a full time basis.

For the past 12 months, Barbi has been performing the GOLDOC Diving Manager role on a part time basis, dividing her time between GOLDOC and DA’s offices but from 1 January, this becomes a full time GOLDOC arrangement through until the conclusion of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

DA wants to continue the good work that has started on a new coach education and accreditation system and Valerie Beddoe will be moving into an acting role, part time, to continue to work on, and finalise, this important project. The role of National Technical Manager will cease to exist early in the new year, with the duties of that position being assumed by Steve Foley, General Manager, Performance and Pathways.

Regarding the other main part of Barbi Donnet’s DA role, the National Elite Pathway Program, with Steve not landing down under until late January, the carriage of the National Elite Pathway Program will be held by David Bell until then.

Michael Hetherington’s role as Sport Science Sports Manager will shift focus in 2017 and will be redesignated as Manager, Performance Services and Logistics. Michael will report to, and work closely with, Steve Foley in the high performance sphere.

These changes have been designed to enhance DA’s efficiency and ensure clear responsibilities across roles.