BOARD DIRECTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) was established in 1978 and is driven by a passionate and
dedicated team of volunteers who have recognised that the unique nature of snow sport allows
people with a disability a sense of freedom not normally associated with other sports activities.
DWA’s vision and mission are:
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Vision: The equality of opportunity for people with disabilities to participate at all levels in the
winter sport of their choice.
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Mission: To promote and foster the advancement of participation in winter sports both in
Australia and overseas by people with a disability.
DWA is a small professionally operated organisation governed by a skills based volunteer Board with
up to five elected and two appointed Directors. Two current Directors also sit as Directors on the
Australian Paralympic Committee (APC). The operation of the business is managed by a CEO and a
small number of staff. The Board has a well-developed governance framework with a number of
committees including Finance & Risk and Communications & Commercial Development.
DWA is:
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An incorporated association in accordance with the Associations Incorporation Act (NSW).
Endorsed by the ATO as a deductible gift recipient as provided for in Item 1 of the table in
section 30-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
Endorsed by the ATO for charity tax concessions.
Registered for the Goods and Services Tax.
Recognised by the Australian Sports Commission as the National Sporting Organisation (NSO)
for disabled winter sport.
DWA has over 750 active members who range from recreational skiers and snowboarders to
Australia’s Winter Paralympians. Membership to the organisation entitles membership holders to
concessions on lift passes and private lessons at all ski resorts in Australia. It also gives them access
to an extensive range of adaptive ski equipment, discounted accessible accommodation, and a
range of skill development, sport and recreational programs.
The organisation operates through over 200 trained volunteers who deliver a camps program and a
range of self-help services.
DWA receives grant funding from the Australian Sports Commission, from Communities NSW, and
from the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC). In addition to this revenue, DWA manages its
budget through contributions from camp participants and direct support from the alpine resorts.
Camp fees are maintained to as low a level as possible in order to facilitate camp access for the
many groups with typically limited financial capacities.
Position Description – DWA Director, Sept. 14
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Fundraising activities, special grants, and benefactions play an important role in enabling DWA to
meet the growing demand for its services. DWA has state based representation in Victoria, South
Australia, Tasmania, NSW and Queensland and services disabilities groups drawn from each of these
states. DWA operates from operational centres in the NSW and Victorian snowfields and works
closely with the alpine resorts
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Board of Directors has responsibility for the successful governance of DWA and for supporting
and promoting its strategic development and growth.
Some functions of DWA may be delegated to Board committees and the CEO. The Board does,
however, have final responsibility for the successful governance of the organisation. The key roles
of the Board Directors include:
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Setting the goals and strategic direction of the organisation;
Determining policies relevant to the governance and performance
management of the business;
Establishing and determining the powers of Board committees;
Approving the budget and all major items of capital expenditure;
Ensuring compliance with legal requirements;
Monitoring the implementation of strategic plans and the overall
performance of the organisation.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
DWA is a small organization whose ongoing success requires the election and appointment of
Directors who have the passion, time, capacity and drive to provide hands-on support to the
organization in addition to the standard Director governance and performance management roles.
PRIORITY SKILLS
DWA is seeking to appoint a Director with skills in one or more of the following disciplines:
 Financial management (preferably CPA qualified);
 Corporate sponsorship;
 High net worth philanthropy;
 Regular giving programs.
PREFERRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
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Competency and experience as a Board Director;
Disability Sector experience;
Ski industry experience (desirable)
OTHER INFORMATION
SELECTION
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A nominations Committee comprising three Board Directors will manage the selection process
with the decision to appoint being taken by the full Board. This appointment will be made based
on a candidate who best offers the nominated priority skills.
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CONDITIONS
All DWA Director positions are voluntary. Travel and accommodation expenses incurred in the
course of Director activities are reimbursed at cost.
The DWA Board usually meets on four occasions within the calendar year. Three
meetings are usually held in either Sydney or Melbourne and one meeting is held on
snow in either the NSW or Victorian alps. Committee meetings are usually held at the
same frequency as Board meetings.
All Directors hold office for a term expiring upon the date of the third (3rd) Annual General
Meeting following their last election or appointment.
APPLICATION
Applications should be in writing, with a letter addressing the key selection criteria and
include a resume providing contact details for three referees.
Applications should be directed to Mr. Ross Passalaqua, Director, Disabled Wintersport Australia
and emailed to:
ross@disabledwintersport.com.au
Please direct any enquiries to Ross Passalaqua on 0418 580 514.
Applications close 26 September 2014.
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