Elevate Strategic

On the eve of the Commonwealth Games, and following Shayna Jack’s announcement that she will retire after the Games, it’s an appropriate time to reflect on the future of Australian sport and the athletes who proudly represent our country.

This week’s AFR article on Swimming Australia’s proposal to place elite swimmers on contracts has the potential to reshape the future of Olympic and Commonwealth sports in Australia.

The contrast with other professional sports is stark. Average annual player earnings are approximately:

AFL: ~$505,000 with 58 players earning >$1.0m

AFLW~$82,000

NRL: ~$400,000 with 19 players earning >$1.0m

NRLW: ~$60,000

Cricket Australia: Top Australian Men and Women ~$1.0m before match fees and commercial income

Rugby: ~$225,000–$400,000

A-League Men: ~$140,000

Super Netball: ~$90,000–$120,000

For many elite swimmers, however, annual earnings from the sport alone are often less than $50,000, meaning they must rely on a combination of grants, value in kind sponsorships and the financial support of family and friends to support them while training and competing for Australia.

This challenge is reflected more broadly across Australia's high-performance sporting system with an ABC report in 2023 showing that 46% of elite athletes aged over 18 earn less than $23,000 per year, placing them below the poverty line.

As we celebrate our Commonwealth Games team, we should also ask whether our high-performance system is sustainable. Australia’s Olympic and Commonwealth athletes dedicate years to pursuing excellence, yet many face financial uncertainty throughout their careers.

Swimming Australia’s proposal is about more than contracts. It’s about recognising athletes as professionals, providing financial security, and creating an environment where talent can flourish without financial hardship.

With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, perhaps this is the moment to redefine how Australia values those who wear the green and gold.

BTW, congratulations Shayna on your retirement announcement post Comm Games. Your journey has been inspiring, resilient and courageous right to the very end. Wishing you the best in your next chapter - be bold and brave, you’ve got this 💚💛

Dolphin #402
Australian Dolphins Swim Team
Swimming Australia

Swimmers could be given contracts to fight lure of Enhanced Games The Enhanced Games was derided as an athletic flop, but it showed juiced-up competitors could rake in big dollars, while clean athletes struggled for support.

A brilliant column piece by in The West Australian, capturing the heart of community football. “Take Me Home to the place I belong” says it all—especially seeing Claire Pieters and Ben Pieters and the North Beach Integrated (all abilities)Team featured in this powerful story. How good is footy. My cup is full. ❤️💛🖤
WA All Abilities Football North Beach Football Club

A remarkable man who I had the privilege of working alongside. The impact Neale has had on both MND and football is truly immeasurable. A fighter in every sense and an absolute legend ❤️❤️

Thank you for making 2025 an incredible year with Elevate Strategic.

As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the journey Elevate Strategic has shared with its valued clients - a year marked by growth, opportunity, and meaningful impact.

This moment offers an opportunity to pause and look back with gratitude. I’m sincerely thankful for the trust, support, and collaboration of my clients, partners, and community. It has been a year of continued growth and progress, made possible by working closely together to support shared goals and creating meaningful impact.

One of the projects I’m incredibly proud to highlight this year is the Real Stakes program, which Elevate Strategic had the privilege of developing and partnering with the Perth Football League, Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) and Adelaide Footy League in 2025.

At a time when Australians collectively gamble $31.5 billion each year — the highest per-capita spend in the world — Real Stakes has focused on addressing the real harm caused by online sports gambling in communities.

Beyond my professional work, 2025 has also been a year of giving back with significant progress on the Coastal Boardwalk project connecting Scarborough and Trigg Beach. Some may ask, “Why get involved?”

For me, the answer is simple. This project is strongly supported by the community, and it delivers clear benefits by improving pedestrian safety while enhancing community wellbeing and supporting local businesses and tourism.

On a personal note, I’m looking forward to taking on some big swim challenges in the year ahead, including the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim (Feb 21), Mader Port to Pub (Mar 21), and the Lake Argyle Swim in Kununurra (May 2).

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of the journey this year. Here’s to continued growth, strong partnerships and positive impact in the year ahead.

Here’s to 2026 and beyond.

Visit Elevate Strategic HERE: https://lnkd.in/g-NATx_Z

I’m incredibly proud to highlight one of the many projects that Elevate Strategic has had the privilege of working on - including the Real Stakes program as the program developer in 2025.

Unfortunately, Australians collectively gambling $31.5 billion each year — the highest per-capita gambling spend in the world. Through The Real Stakes program, I’ve been incredibly honoured to have partnered with the Perth Football League, VAFA HQ, and Adelaide Footy League to empower clubs to lead this cultural shift.

I’m pleased to say that Australian footy clubs are shifting the culture of online sports gambling in community football, with new research revealing a significant change in attitudes – and actions – among players, coaches, and volunteers.

📊 93% of community footballers believe online gambling is harming lives
📺 74% support banning gambling ads during sports broadcasts
💬 70% now feel empowered to address gambling-related harm — up from less than half before the campaign.

Learn more about the Real Stakes HERE: https://realstakes.com.au/

Since its launch across 208 clubs and more than 40,000 players, coaches and volunteers, the impact has been profound — showing that community sport can be a powerful, protective force for change.
📄 Media Release: https://lnkd.in/gk_by6Re

Together, we’re playing a new game — one that protects people, relationships and communities.