Softball NSW held their Annual General Meeting on Sunday November 28th, and can advise that Chris Hall, Donna Shaw and Selwyn Williams were all returned to the Softball NSW Board for two more years (2021-2023). The current Softball NSW Board are as follows: 

• Chris Hall
• Donna Shaw
• Selwyn Williams
• Jamie Barrington
• Doug Freeman
• Paige Hyslop
• Craig Oberg

Softball NSW spoke with Chris, Donna and Selwyn about their return to the board to learn more about their vision for the future. 

What made you rejoin the board?

Chris: The last 2 years have been so challenging on the sport at every level. There have been exciting new initiatives introduced but unfortunately, the Covid road ahead is still not overly clear. We need to be brave and look at every opportunity to grow our sport, to look at and review the game products we offer and really face the challenges head-on. I am excited to continue to promote our sport at every opportunity both internally and externally to new members and organisations. We need to keep working hard to ensure we have clear pathways and opportunities right from the grassroots to help take us into the future.

Donna: I have enjoyed the last two years on the Board and I wanted to re-join as I believe I have a lot more to offer to support the softball community. We have been through some challenging times and a lot of change and I am keen to work with the other board members to drive positive innovation and initiatives with a key focus on participation, member experience and governance structures.

Selwyn: As an experienced, successful, effective coach and administrator, I bring a deep understanding and knowledge of the game. I am able to make a significant contribution to the future of our sport.

What are some of the valuable lessons and insights you've learnt so far as being a part of the board?

Chris: The Board roles have evolved so much over the past 12 months and these roles now have links to our Associations and Clubs. Having that direct input from all levels of the sport allows the Board to grow with the sport, to be across the concerns and to act on the future directions. There are challenges but we are working tirelessly to better our position in sport overall with a key goal to grow participation.

Donna: Consultation and communication is key to the work we do. Engaging all key stakeholders is so important to ensure positive outcomes and a quality experience for our members. We have so much experience and knowledge in our softball community and tapping into this will ensure positive change and ensure continuous improvement.

Selwyn: I bring a targeted consultative approach to activate a strong voice and appreciation of the role of volunteers, highlighting the importance of listening to the insights and suggestions of the leaders and drivers of softball, who are responsible for the implementation and operation of our sport.

What are you looking forward to, as you continue your term as a board member?

Chris: I am looking forward to the challenge of increasing participation at all levels of our sport. It is also super important to have the policies and the back-end processes of what we do right to allow real forward momentum. Looking for and establishing firm commercial links to what we do is also a priority to ensure we have the all-important resources and financial stability.

Donna: I look forward to continuing to engage with our members, ensuring we drive opportunities in participation, pathways and high performance. I am keen to ensure we have strong governance structures in place which are clear and transparent and supports our members in all the work they do and when playing the game of softball.

Selwyn: Having an authentic input into the governance of softball, I look forward to strengthening engagement and implementation into schools. As an experienced school principal, I understand the enormous benefit of sport in the wellbeing and learning outcomes of children.