Since Edwin and forever.
Once an Olympian always an Olympian.
With an AOA chapter in each State & Territory, the AOA’s vision is to unite Olympians to connect, engage and inspire.
In doing so we will ensure Australian Olympians feel a strong, genuine and meaningful connection with their peers and the Olympic movement in Australia to support the objectives of the AOC and the wellbeing and success of Australian Olympians in their lives beyond the Games.
The AOC Alumni Engagement Manager and our State Delegates, as part of the AOC Olympian Support team, co-ordinate a range of Olympian get-togethers including annual dinners, Games anniversary celebrations and event days. They also play a role supporting the delivery of activities across the areas of career development and wellbeing.
The AOA is a member of the World Olympians Association (WOA).
History of the Association
‘Olympians Clubs’ around Australia began forming after the Tokyo 1964 Games.
The concept and formation of the group, first known as the Australian Olympians Club, was initiated in Victoria. 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 all heavily involved.
Victoria led the way as the most active ‘club’ with many Olympians involved in the Olympians Club of Victoria committee. Those who made significant contributions from the 70’s up until the more recent formation of the AOA included; Bob Lay, Margot Foster (President), Peter Doak, Jenny Holliday, Shirley Harris, Wendy Grant, Ray Weinberg and the continued involvement of Geoff Henke.
Olympians Club of Australia
In Sydney a group including canoeists Dennis Green, Phil Coles (an IOC member) and gold medal swimmer Kevin Berry started a similar club soon after the Mexico 1968 Olympics. But, unlike Victoria which was closely associated with the Victorian Olympic Committee from day one, the NSW model was set up to be independent of the ‘official’ Olympic administration and so ‘The Five Circles Club’ was formed. Other states and territories followed with all but NSW opting for ‘The Olympians Club’ as a name.
In 1999, with the Sydney 2000 Games approaching, the AOC began the process of bringing all the Clubs across the nation together into some official structure. This ensured that each Club was being managed in a way to benefit all Olympians and protect the use of the Olympic Rings and emblems.
By early 2000 a common constitution was adopted (in principal) by all Clubs. NSW became the Olympians Club of NSW and the Olympians Club of Australia was formed, with Leon Wiegard as President and Bob Elphinston (Secretary General of the AOC) as secretary.
In 2020, Olympians Clubs changed their names to now be known as the Australian Olympians Association (AOA) to better align with the World Olympians Association (WOA). State Delegates replaced State committees and that structure continues.
In 2022 long serving President of the ACT Olympians Club, Lousie Dobson and Victorian Olympic Council and Olympian Club of Victoria committee member David Culbert became co-chairs of the AOA.
After her long period of service, Louise stepped down in 2024 and Julia Bell (rowing) became Deputy chair and in 2026, the AOC appointed David Culbert as a part-time Alumni Engagement Manager to help State Delegates drive AOA activities around Australia as part of the AOC Olympian Support Team.
AOA Leadership
Chair
David Culbert – Athletics, Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992
david.culbert@olympics.com.au
Deputy Chair
Julia Bell - Rowing, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004
julia.bell@olympics.com.au
Delegates
Australian Capital Territory
Dion Russell - Athletics, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000
aoaact@olympics.com.au
New South Wales
Julia Bell - Rowing, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004
Alison Davies - Rowing, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000
Jo Bridgen-Jones - Canoe Sprint, London 2012, Tokyo 2020
aoansw@olympics.com.au
Queensland
Tom King - Sailing, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000
Brooke Hanson - Swimming, Athens 2004
aoaqld@olympics.com.au
South Australia
Juliet Haslam - Hockey, Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000
Travis Mahoney - Swimming, Rio 2016
Chris McHugh - Beach Volleyball, Tokyo 2020
aoasa@olympics.com.au
Tasmania
Eddie Ockenden - Hockey, Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024
aoatas@olympics.com.au
Victoria
Kerri Tepper - Table Tennis, Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992
Lee Naylor - Athletics, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000
aoavic@olympics.com.au
Western Australia
Allison Slater - Gymnastics, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004
Shane Tonkin - Baseball, Atlanta 1996
Rachael Taylor - Rowing, Sydney 2000
aoawa@olympics.com.au
World Olympians Association (WOA) Executive members
The WOA was formed in 1995 with Australian Peter Montgomery as the inaugural President.
Australians who have served on the WOA executive include Herb Elliott, Kieren Perkins, Natalie Cook and James Tomkins.
Julia Bell currently sits on the WOA executive as an Oceania delegate.
The WOA website has the latest news and opportunities for Olympians, including registering for their OLY post-nominal letters.
