Oceania Group Visits Queensland for Sport Leadership Program
QSport was proud to support Griffith University in hosting PNG Sport Sector including their National Olympic Committee as part of a DFAT supported Sport Short Course delivered in Queensland earlier this month. The visit brought together university expertise, peak body leadership, and professional sporting organisations ahead of Brisbane 2032.
Delegates received a sector overview from the CEO of QSport, covering participation trends, the structure of Queensland’s sports system, and the role QSport plays in supporting State Sporting Organisations. The session also included a high-energy and immersive discussions about the Papua New Guinea sporting community, highlighting shared challenges and opportunities for leadership development across the Pacific.
Participants engaging with QSport’s sector overview during the leadership program.
As a part of the program, the group attended a presentation delivered by Adam Vanzanten from Queensland Rugby League, who spoke about community football and the players he supports across Queensland.
A short tour of Queensland Rugby League Headquarters followed – offered when staff realised the group were enthusiastic NRL fans. The visit allowed the group to view the QRL’s heritage spaces and meet CEO Ben Ikin for a brief leadership discussion. This was an informal addition to the day and not a standard part of the program.
The visit formed part of the Griffith Universities Sport Leadership Program, giving delegates a practical look at Queensland’s sport system and strengthening connections across the region.
Read more below from Dr Caroline Riot, Director of Games Engagement and Partnerships at Griffith University:
As part of Griffith University’s PNG Sport Leaders Short Course, funded through the Australian Government’s DFAT Australia Awards program, participants recently had the opportunity to engage with leading Queensland sport organisations during their July visit to Australia. The short course forms part of a broader three-year leadership and capacity-building program designed to strengthen sport development and leadership across Papua New Guinea.
A highlight of the program was the generous support provided by QSport, which hosted the delegation and shared insights into its role as the peak body for sport in Queensland. Participants gained valuable perspectives on sector leadership, advocacy, community engagement, and regional sport development initiatives, offering practical ideas that can be adapted and applied within the PNG sporting landscape.
For many in the group, who are passionate supporters of rugby league in Papua New Guinea, the opportunity to meet Ben Ikin, CEO of QRL, ahead of his retirement was particularly memorable. The chance to hear directly from one of the sport’s most respected leaders, ask questions, and gain insights into the future of the game was described by participants as a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The program is led by Dr Caroline Riot, Director of Games Engagement and Partnerships, and Professor Kevin Filo, who are key contributors to its design, delivery, and strategic partnerships.
