Softball Australia - Australian Sports Commission

4 Softball Australia
I would like to thank all of the Board Members for their
support, commitment and passion in what has been an
extremely active year for the Board and I look forward
to their ongoing commitment to steer Softball Australia
through such an important time in its’ history.
The role of our Member States and Territories in
developing softball cannot be overstated. The states
and territories play a vital role in administering our sport,
not only impacting on the grassroots level directly, but
also coordinating the pathway for our talented athletes.
Softball Australia makes policy and conducts programs
and competition at the National Level, but it is the
Member states and territories who do the ‘work on the
ground’ which is vital for the success of all National
initiatives. The collaboration between Softball Australia
and the state and territory associations is essential
for Softball to take the necessary steps forward in the
coming years and I look ahead with confidence that this
will be the case.
On a sad note we learnt of the passing in January of
Softball Australia Life Member Merle Short. Merle was a
long time Honorary Secretary of the Australian Women’s
Softball Council and is probably best known for being
the Manager of the 1965 World Championship Australian
Team. Merle Short is a true legend of the game of
softball and will be sorely missed by all in the Softball
Community.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our
principle partners the Australian Sports Commission, the
Australian Institute of Sport and also, our commercial
partners and sponsors for their excellent support of
Softball in 2007-08. Your ongoing support is crucial
for softball to continue heading in the right direction
in the years ahead.The staff at Softball Australia is
acknowledged, both in the National Office in Melbourne
and the High Performance Office in Brisbane. The
enthusiasm with which you undertake your roles is
recognised and your efforts appreciated.
I am pleased to say that Softball Australia has taken the
first steps on a challenging but exciting road ahead and
I look forward to the entire softball community taking
charge of the future.
Phil Matthewson
President