Australian Olympians Association | Australian Olympic Committee

The Australian Olympians Association (AOA) provides a connection for all Olympians through functions and events, support for fellow Olympians in need and support for the current and upcoming Olympians and the ideals of the Olympic movement.

Following an extensive consultation process with the then Presidents of the Olympians Clubs in 2020-21, the Australian Olympians Club/s changed their names to now be known as the Australian Olympians Association (AOA) to better align with the World Olympians Association (WOA).

The AOA was endorsed by the AOC Executive in 2021, replacing a previous network of state-based Olympians Clubs which started into being after the Tokyo 1964 Games and subsequent Games.

The creation of the national body has enabled greater collaboration through quarterly meetings of State Delegates. The AOA operates under an Association Terms of Reference.

The AOA sits under the direction of the Australian Olympic Committee and is a member of the World Olympians Association (WOA) the independent, international, non-governmental organisation, governed by the Swiss Civil Code, whose mission is to unite, represent and, serve Olympians and to promote Olympism.

With an AOA chapter in each State & Territory, the objective of the AOA is:

To unite Olympians and recognise the contribution of Olympians to Australian sport and Olympic Teams, providing genuine and meaningful opportunities to connect.

The AOA also plays a significant role, supporting the delivery of AOC programming across the areas of career development and wellbeing.

History of the Association

The concept and formation of the group, first known as the Australian Olympians Club, was initiated in Victoria after the Tokyo 1964 Games. The first events/functions being held in 1965.

These were modest events held at the Olympic Park greyhound track and the Carlton Bowling Club, both venues no longer exist.

The main organisers were, among others, Charlie Morley (Coach of the Hockey team in 64), Edgar Tanner and Geoff Henke. A new group took responsibility in the 70s with Bill and Betty Hoffmann, Ralph Doubell, John Konrads and Leon Wiegard.

Olympians came and went but some of those who made significant contributions from the 70s up to the current time include; Bob Lay, Margot Foster (President), Peter Doak, Jenny Holliday, Shirley Harris, Wendy Grant and Ray Weinberg. Geoff Henke from the original committee is still an active committee member.