Workshop 1.4: Future Funding - The Reality

Tracks
Managing Sport
Thursday, July 2, 2026
1:50 PM - 2:50 PM

Details

Exploring what alternative funding is available and how can sport prepare themselves to procure it.


Speaker

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Robert Donaghue
Chief Executive Officer
Squash Australia

Redefining and Repositioning Squash Commercially for The Next Generation of Clubs and Participants

Biography

Robert Donaghue is the CEO of Squash Australia and an experienced senior executive with over 20 years across the sport, technology, and government sectors. His previous roles include Deputy CEO of the Brisbane Bullets , CEO of Water Polo Queensland and COO of Queensland Rugby Union. Robert has led major organisational initiatives and brings a broad understanding of governance and executive management in both commercial and sporting environments.
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Izania Downie
CEO
Table Tennis New Zealand

Commercialising Sport - From Betting to Investment Portfolio, Ethics and Opportunities

Biography

Izania Downie leads with passion, empathy and clarity. She brings a diverse and rich background to her role as CEO of Table Tennis NZ. Her people first leadership philosophy and strategic foresight is shaped by vast experience across multiple sectors including events, technology and tourism. She is a Chartered Director with strengths in brand reputation and digital transformation. She is dedicated to the not-for-profit sector with a desire to combine sharp commercial acumen and digital savvy ‘for purpose’. Beyond her professional life, Izania is passionate about wellbeing and is a lifelong learner, she approaches all things with curiosity and an open heart. She practices yoga, meditation, qi gong and strength training and can be found cycling or hiking most weekends.
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Myles Foreman
CEO
Little Athletics Australia

Chair

Biography

Myles Foreman is the CEO of Little Athletics Australia and Managing Partner of Foreman Strategic Partners consultancy, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience across the sports, racing, entertainment, and hospitality sectors. He has held senior roles with organisations including Rydges Hotels as General Manager IT, Ticketmaster as CIO, Operations Manager and General Manager of ticketmaster7.com, and Racing Australia as CEO. Myles has extensive expertise in board governance, including six years as President of Baseball Victoria, and currently serves as President of his local baseball club. He is recognised for his strategic leadership, strong financial oversight, and ability to build effective stakeholder relationships. His career reflects a consistent focus on driving organisational performance, leading transformational technology and operational initiatives, and supporting sustainable growth as a trusted executive leader.
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Ryan Holloway
Chief Partnerships Officer
Australian Sports Foundation

State of Sports Fundraising - What Does 2026-2032 Bring?

Biography

Ryan has built his career in Australian sport, specialising in commercial and strategic partnerships. Since joining the Australian Sports Foundation in 2016, he has held senior leadership roles and, as Chief Partnerships Officer, has driven major growth in fundraising and strengthened ties with athletes, clubs, donors and sporting bodies nationwide. Previously, Ryan held commercial and partnership roles with leading professional clubs, including the Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and Sydney Kings. His deep knowledge of Australian sport and proven ability to build strategic partnerships now underpin his leadership of the ASF as Interim CEO.
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