Chair of Sydney University Sport & Fitness (SUSF), David Mortimer AO, has handed over the reins after four years at the helm. David made the announcement at the recent Blues Dinner in the Great Hall when he welcomed his successor, Jane Spring AM, as the new SUSF Chair.
“I can leave very satisfied with the direction that we are heading and I’m pleased to be handing over the reins to the very capable Jane Spring, who I thank for her ongoing efforts through the first four years as the Chair of the Sports Foundation and fellow Finance Committee member,” David said. “I wish you the very best of luck as we embark on what I hope to be a golden decade of infrastructure for Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness.”
David said SUSF has been working very hard with the University’s infrastructure team on developing a sports infrastructure roadmap for the next 10 years. “This road map includes minor and major capital works that are intended to absorb the needs of our growing student population across the disparate sporting passions of our student cohort,” he said.
“As our student population continues to grow, so too does our need to continue to invest in sports infrastructure to maintain and then improve our University’s competitive advantage in student experience.
“I am also pleased to advise that we have been progressing two large infrastructure projects, notably the development of a synthetic field at The Square and the development of a new sports precinct at the Cumberland campus. While both these projects will take some time to masterplan and raise the requisite funds, in the short term we will be resurfacing Sydney University Football Ground with a hybrid field, installing a brand new electronic scoreboard at the swimming pool, and developing a new retail and gym entry via the boardwalk at SUSAC.”
The retiring Chair said if the plan is to genuinely improve the campus experience for the student cohort, it will require not just the vision and plan of SUSF and its clubs, but also the commitment and funding of the University and its alumni.
“To that end, we will be working hard with the University capital team and the advancement office on our philanthropic efforts to ensure the building program over the next 10 years will enhance the future of sport on the campus,” he said.
David concluded saying he had taken great satisfaction steering the organisation throughout the first four years of its incorporation. “Having first been involved with SUSF through the Rugby Club as a supporter and as a volunteer since the 1990s, SUSF and its wonderful community have meant a great deal to me over 30 years,” he said. “I can leave very satisfied with the direction that we are heading and happy to welcome Jane as the new Chair.”
