Olympic rowing gold medallist Duncan Free OAM will join the Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) Board of Directors after an exhaustive ballot at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday saw him successful alongside Grant Harrison.
A four-time Olympian and Commonwealth Rowing Championships gold medallist, Free currently serves as the Director of Sport Engagement at Griffith University.
He was nominated for the position by Rowing Australia and joins the Board of Directors for an initial four-year term to expire in 2028.
“Although I never competed at a Commonwealth Games as an athlete, I’ve always had a very close association and interest in the Games, and look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead,” Free said.
Harrison returns to the Board of Directors for another four-year term after securing the second available position today.
He was subsequently elevated to the role of Vice President after being endorsed by his fellow board members at the conclusion of the AGM.
Harrison is a Life Member of Gymnastics Australia and their former President, as well as the Investment Committee Chair for the Australian Commonwealth Games Foundation.
He first joined the Australian Commonwealth Games Association Board of Management in 2011 and has extensive experience in business management and finance, having been the General Manager of SA TAB for more than ten years.
CGA acknowledges Darryl Clout, who did not secure enough votes to maintain his position as a board member.
Clout is the President of World Bowls and former President of Bowls Australia. His work as Director included involvement in the Heritage and Awards Committee and concurrent service on the Australian Commonwealth Games Foundation Board.
CGA President, Ben Houston, acknowledged Clout, while welcoming Free to the table for the first time.
“Darryl has been part of the team since CGA was restructured in 2018 and he has played a valuable role. I thank him for his wise counsel and ongoing support,” Houston said.
“To Duncan, I say welcome aboard. We look forward to your contribution as we pursue a new host for 2026 and the ongoing success of the Commonwealth Sport Movement in Australia.”
The CGA Board of Directors is now comprised of President, Ben Houston, Vice President, Grant Harrison, and Directors Leeanne Grantham, Marlene Elliott, Jayne Ferguson, David Mandel, Duncan Free OAM and Steve Moneghetti AM.
To view and download the 2023 CGA Annual Report, please click here.
