Our Team

Our Board

UniSport Australia (UniSport) is a not for profit company limited by guarantee. UniSport is governed by a nine person board comprised of six member elected directors, two independent directors appointed by the board, and one director appointed by Universities Australia.

Each elected Board Director and the Chair serve on the board for an initial two year term, after which they can choose to submit a nomination to be re-elected for a further term.

The board meets a minimum of five times per year and is represented by the following people.

Dr Lisa Gowthorp

Chair - Director - Member elected, 2020-current

Lisa is an Associate Professor of Sport Management at Bond University, and the Associate Dean of External Engagement in the Business School.

Lisa has previously worked in high performance sport for over 12 years, with organisations such as the NSWIS, the AIS, Gymnastics Australia and Australian Canoeing. She has managed sport teams at World Championships and the Olympic Games.

Lisa is passionate about high performance sport, governance and policy and undertakes research in these areas. She is also a Director of Paddle Australia, and Vice-President of SMAANZ (Sport Management Australia and New Zealand).

Lisa continually consults with industry on governance issues and sport policy.

Qualifications

Doctor of Philosophy - Griffith University

Master of International Sport Management - Southern Cross University

Bachelor of Education (PD/H/PE) - Newcastle University

Barry Wallett

Director - Appointed, 2022 - current

Barry Wallett has been working as a senior executive in the education sector for the last 20 years and involved in professional advocacy work in Canberra for the last 35 years. He is a former journalist, has a communications and marketing degree and is currently working as a government and media relations advisor, primarily in the not-for-profit sectors.

Barry has worked on a number of high-profile advocacy campaigns for the
education, health, mining and social welfare sectors. He has won several
communications awards and over many years has had considerable involvement in a range of high-level individual and team sporting activities covering hockey, cricket, swimming, cycling, triathlon and AFLW.

He was previously Executive Director (2018-20) and Deputy Executive Director (from 2009) of the Independent Schools Council of Australia, Chief Executive Officer of the Construction Industry Training and Employment Association (CITEA); General Manager, Australian National University’s ANU College and Divisional Manager for the ANU Education Centre.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Communications - University of Canberra

Ian Fitzpatrick

Director - Appointed, May 2024 - current

Ian is a committed professional with leadership experience across community, not-for-profit, commercial, sports, and university sectors. Currently, as the Director of Student Accommodation and Community at the University of Western Australia, he supports a series of teams and functions that positively impact the student experience through innovative service delivery and impactful social enterprises. Previously, as General Manager of Sport at UWA, he guided the students, volunteers, and staff to enhance the value derived through sport at UWA with a focus on inclusion, community impact, participation, and support for student-athletes. He is most proud of the focus on inclusion and collaboration that has helped sport continue to be a valued part of the UWA culture. Prior to working at UWA, Ian supported the delivery of a series of large-scale mass participation events, including as the General Manager of the Australian Masters Games, which gave him the opportunity to work interstate, in Victoria and South Australia, and overseas.

In addition to his professional roles, Ian has served as Chef de Mission for the Australian delegation at the World Winter University Games on two occasions. He was also part of the FISU ‘Health Campus pilot and criteria establishment group and has recently commenced a 4-year term on the FISU International Control Committee.

Ian holds a Bachelor of Commerce and in his free time, he enjoys endurance sports, reflecting a personal commitment to health and well-being.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Commerce - Edith Cowan University

Darren Boyd

Director - Appointed, July 2024 - current

Darren has 20-years experience as a lawyer, consultant and broadcaster in the sports industry.

Darren has been a legal, risk and integrity advisor to national and state sporting organisations, and Australian-hosted global sporting events. In particular, he has worked for Athletics Australia where he was also Company Secretary and was part of the team engaged in the establishment of a new mass participation event.

Darren is also a sports broadcaster that has worked extensively on television and radio. His career highlights include being part of the Australian television commentary team at four Paralympic Games.

Outside sport, Darren has significant experience in a range of industries, including events, media and transport. He has an MBA from Melbourne Business School and is currently General Counsel of a national transport business.

Qualifications

Master of Business Administration – Melbourne Business School
Bachelor of Laws – La Trobe University
Bachelor of Economics – La Trobe University

Fiona Notley

Director - Appointed, October 2024 - current

Fiona Notley is a Senior Executive and Non-Executive Director with 23’ years’ experience in a diverse range of roles and sectors including education, sport, and health. Fiona is currently RMIT University’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Vice President having joined the University in November 2024. Prior to this Fiona served as Curtin University’s COO for 3 ½ years.

Fiona has led large and complex service areas including, communications, people and culture, finance, digital technologies and information management, risk, audit and compliance, health and safety, property and facilities development, campus community services that include, sport and recreation, early learning centre, health services and accommodation.

She is the current Chair of Universities Australia Deputy Vice Chancellor Corporates, Board Chair of Basketball Western Australia and Non-Executive Director and Chair of Audit and Risk Committee with Therapy Focus.

Qualifications

Master of Business Administration - Murdoch University

Graduate - Australian Institute of Company Directors

Stephanie Taylor

Director - Member elected, 2025 - current

Stephanie Taylor has worked in in the higher education sector for two decades and is currently the Director responsible for Student Success and Wellbeing at Bond University. Throughout this time, Stephanie has undertaken leadership roles in the provision of a broad range of services and initiatives which underpin the student experience including psychological and physical health safety and wellbeing services, student engagement, sport participation and student accommodation.

Stephanie is a passionate advocate of the critical importance of sport in university communities, from the perspective of pathways to tertiary education, building a strong sense of belonging, connection and community pride, and the important role it plays in provision of holistic psychological and physical health and wellbeing which is vital for student academic success.

At a national level, Stephanie has established broad and diverse networks through contributions to several national initiatives related to mental health, wellbeing, and safety, and served for four years as the President of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association (ANZSSA). Originally from Perth, Stephanie has also resided in Melbourne working in not for profits and philanthropic organisations before settling in Tasmania in 2006 to join UTAS where she oversaw the Student Experience portfolio including University Sport. In 2023 Stephanie moved to the Gold Coast to join Bond University where she has remained connected to university sport through the commitment to promoting Healthy Campuses and support of UniSport advocacy initiatives.

Qualifications

Bachelor, Social Work - Curtin University

Master of Business - University of Tasmania

Mario Milanovic

Director - Member elected, 2025 - current

Mario is a Fellow of CPA Australia and a GAICD qualified professional, extensively experienced, skilled and motivated finance executive with over 27 years of finance management experience in the Higher Education industry in Australia, including 7 years in senior finance executive roles. He is a passionate advocate for educational equity and improvement of financial literacy for the young and disadvantaged.

Mario is extremely passionate about sport and the benefits it brings to society and community. He is the President of the AUSCRO Golf Association, with membership across Australia and New Zealand. A member of a variety of Finance and Audit Committee, sits on the Consultative Committee of one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, UniSuper. Mario is the current Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee of UniSport Australia.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Business - Charles Sturt University

Fellow of CPA Australia

Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)

Brett Lavale

Director - Member elected, 2025 - current

Brett Lavale is currently the Director of Sport at Monash University. With extensive leadership and strategic planning experience gained over 25 years in the government, private and tertiary education sectors, Brett has developed a strong reputation for developing and supporting service-focused and high performing teams which deliver exceptional results. This reputation is built on a genuine passion for sport and a commitment to creating competitive advantage through people.

Prior to becoming Director, Monash Sport at Monash University, Brett has a strong background in operational management in the fast-paced sport, fitness and leisure sector, as well as strategic consulting experience in delivering planning solutions to meet a diverse range of client needs.

A recipient of a Dean's Award for his Master of Management degree at Monash University, he also holds a qualification in Human Movement Science from RMIT University with an interest and experiences in sports science. Brett is also an elite level coach in the sport of football (soccer), holding a current B Licence (AFC) accreditation. He has significant experiences in coaching, developing and mentoring high performing junior footballers and leading successful junior football teams.

Specialties: Strategic & Operational Planning, Leadership and Resource Management, Financial Management and Growth, Brand and Service Positioning, Coaching

Qualifications

Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement) - RMIT University

Master of Management - Monash University

Michelle Wilson

Director - Member elected, 2025 - current

Michelle is the CEO at Adelaide University Sport and Fitness. Michelle previously worked in Public Health for 15 years in the areas of physical activity, community development and community engagement before moving into University Sport. Michelle has experience with high performance sport as an elite athlete representing Australia in Karate for over 25 years. She was Chair of the Karate Australia Athlete’s Committee. Michelle is passionate about sport participation, high performance sport and governance. She has been an AIS Share a Yarn Ambassador and is a current Director of Karate Australia and member of the SANFL Juniors Committee.

Qualifications

Bachelor Science (Health Promotion and Nutrition) - Curtin University

Mark Sinderberry

Chief Executive Officer

Mark commenced his role as UniSport Australia's CEO in December 2018.

Mark was the founding chief executive of the ACT Brumbies Rugby in 1995, and spent six years as Group CEO of English premiership club Saracens, and four years as CEO of the Western Force.

"I am delighted to be joining UniSport Australia at this significant time, with the opportunity to build on the work that has commenced under Don Knapp and the UniSport Board to fully develop and implement the divisional and national sports model,” Mark said.

“I am particularly keen to work with the UniSport staff to ensure we are driving value to our members, and supporting them to provide the opportunity for all students to have a healthy, active, engaged, and well-rounded higher education experience”.