The Paralympics Australia chief executive officer will depart the role at the end of the year after a tremendous period of success for the organisation including supporting Para-sport athletes at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

After a remarkable period of success in leading Paralympics Australia for the past six years, chief executive officer Lynne Anderson is departing from her role at the end of this year.

Commonwealth Games Australia chief executive officer Craig Phillips AM congratulated Anderson on her time with Paralympics Australia and shares his well wishes to her for the next chapter in her storied career and life.

“On behalf of Commonwealth Games Australia, our board, our team members and our staff, we congratulate Lynne Anderson on her time with Paralympics Australia,” Phillips said.

“She has been a passionate advocate for her beloved PA mob, most recently at the Tokyo Paralympics, where she guided the team and organisation through unforeseen challenges and setbacks even before getting to Tokyo, but displayed resilience and leadership culminating in outstanding results for the team.

“Lynne has been a champion for the Para-sport community, evident with her tireless work at Paralympics Australia but also in the support of the Para-sport team members in the Commonwealth Sport movement.

“For me, I am privileged to have known Lynne for many years through my time in Australian sport.

“From all at Commonwealth Games Australia, we wish Lynne well for the next stage in her career and her life and know she will always be a fervent supporter of the green and gold at any Games.”

Announcing her decision in July, Anderson spoke of the delight the role with Paralympics Australia has had on her life.

“This role has been the most amazing privilege,” Anderson said. 

“It’s truly left its mark on me and given me so much more than I could ever have imagined.

“I’ve always said that once you witness our amazing Para-athletes live at an event you are hooked on the sport for life. I will always remain a passionate Paralympic supporter and advocate.”

Anderson oversaw a rebrand of Paralympics Australia from the Australian Paralympic Committee, and successfully lobbied the Australian Government for investment towards the Tokyo Paralympics and a new community, education, and events centre at the organisation’s base in Tullamarine in Victoria.

In 2019, Anderson won the Award for Leadership at the Australian Institute of Sport Sport Performance Awards.

Commonwealth Games Australia thanks Anderson for her passion and dedication to Para-sport and wishes her well for the future.