Call for Nominations - Elected Directors

Shape the Future of Australian Equestrian Sport

Equestrian Australia calls for nominations from Voting Members for two Elected Director positions on our Board of Directors.

Election Details

Annual General Meeting: Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM

Positions Available: 2 Elected Director positions

• Position 1: 3 years (full term until 2028 AGM)
• Position 2: 2 years (remainder of existing term until 2027 AGM)

Nomination Deadline: October 8, 2025, 5:00 PM AEDT

Governance Renewal - Significant Board Refresh

As notified on September 3, 2025, EA has confirmed that five Board positions will be declared vacant at, or prior to, the 2025 EA Annual General Meeting, delivering a significant refresh of the EA Board.

Board Positions Becoming Vacant:

Elected Directors:

• The term of Chair Zac Miles will conclude
• The casual vacancy created by Christie Freeman's resignation will be filled through this formal election

Appointed Directors:

The terms of Chris Benecke and Jane Ballantyne will conclude at the AGM. Following the AGM the Board will call for nominations in line with the Board's skill matrix.

Athletes' Director:

Nominations have already been called for the vacant Athletes' Representative position

Independent Oversight

These positions will be filled through a process overseen by a newly re-formed and independently chaired EA Nominations Committee, ensuring that candidates reflect the skills and breadth of the equestrian community across Australia.

Lead EA's Strategic Direction

As an Elected Director, you'll represent member interests while providing strategic leadership across our four key priorities:

Strategic Responsibilities

• Safety and Horse Welfare - Upholding the highest standards as fundamental pillars of our sport
• Sustainable Growth - Driving engagement and collaboration across all participation levels
• Strong Governance - Ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical practices
• Financial Sustainability - Building diversified revenue streams and effective resource management

Board Responsibilities

• Strategic planning and organisational direction
• Financial oversight and commercial development
• Policy development affecting the equestrian community
• Member representation at governance level
• Stakeholder engagement with state bodies and clubs

Ideal Candidates

We seek experienced leaders passionate about advancing Australian equestrian sport with:

Essential Requirements

• Current Participating Member of Equestrian Australia
• High integrity and strong leadership capabilities
• Available for bi-monthly Board meetings
• No disqualifying positions under EA Constitution

Valued Experience

• Governance expertise - Board or committee experience in sporting, business, or community organizations
• Professional qualifications - Law, governance, finance, business, or sports management credentials
• Equestrian leadership - Leadership roles within the equestrian community
• Strategic capability - Understanding of sport governance and strategic planning
• Member connection - Strong ties to EA's diverse membership base

Skills We're Seeking

Based on our Board Skills Matrix, we particularly value candidates with experience in:

Core Governance Skills

• Board and governance experience
• Strategic planning and decision-making
• Financial management and commercial awareness
• Risk management and compliance
• Stakeholder engagement and member relations

Sport-Specific Skills

• Equestrian sport knowledge across disciplines
• High performance and community sport understanding
• Safety and welfare in sport
• Policy development and implementation

Professional Skills

• Commercial and business development
• Communications and media management
• Legal and regulatory expertise
• Change management and innovation

How to Nominate

Nomination Requirements

Nominations must be:

• In writing and signed by a Voting Member
• On the prescribed form (download below)
• Certified by the nominee accepting the nomination
• Include supporting documents: 
   - Current CV/Resume (maximum 3 pages)
  - Cover letter (maximum 2 pages)
  - Two referee contacts

Submission Process

Email: [email protected]
Subject: "Elected Director Nomination - [Nominee Full Name]"
Format: PDF documents only
Deadline: October 8, 2025, 5:00 PM AEDT

Download Forms

Nomination form - Elected Director.pdf

Assessment and Election Process

Assessment Timeline

• October 8: Nominations close
• October 9-12: Eligibility review and assessment preparation
• October 13-17: Candidate interviews conducted by Nominations Committee
• October 22 - November 5: Member voting (if ballot required)
• November 19: Results announced at AGM

Assessment Process

In accordance with rule 22.2(c) of the Constitution, all nominations will be reviewed by the Nominations Committee who will conduct candidate interviews between October 13 and 17, 2025 to determine suitability.

If a ballot is required due to more than two suitable nominations received, member voting will take place from October 22 to November 5, 2025 in accordance with rule 18 of the Constitution. The final results will be announced at the Annual General Meeting.

Why Serve as an Elected Director?

Make a Strategic Impact

• Influence EA's long-term direction and priorities
• Shape policies affecting the entire equestrian community
• Drive innovation and growth across all disciplines
• Ensure sustainable development of Australian equestrian sport

Represent Members

• Voice member interests at the highest governance level
• Bridge grassroots participation with elite performance
• Advocate for diverse needs across all equestrian disciplines
• Ensure accountability and transparency in EA operations

Personal Development

• Enhance governance and leadership skills
• Expand professional networks within sport and business
• Contribute expertise to meaningful organizational change
• Gain experience in high-level strategic decision-making

Contact Information

Questions about nominations?

Company Secretary
Holly Fulker
[email protected]
+61 2 8762 7719
Tuesday-Thursday, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM AEDT

About EA Governance

Equestrian Australia is led by a skills-based Board comprising elected and appointed Directors who provide strategic leadership across:

• Vision and direction for growth across all equestrian disciplines
• Financial sustainability and commercial development
• Coordination and collaboration across state bodies and clubs
• Promotion of EA's strategic plan throughout the equestrian community
• Advancement of equestrian sport's reputation nationally and internationally

Equestrian Australia is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage nominations from members of all backgrounds who can contribute to effective Board governance and represent our vibrant equestrian community.

Ready to lead Australian equestrian sport?
Submit your nomination today.