Surfing NSW welcome New Chair and Deputy Chair

Surfing NSW today announced the election of Ben Rolleston as its new Chair, and Lyndel Gray as Deputy Chair. This follows the resignation of John O’Neill and Harry Hodge from the Board of Directors after almost 15 years of esteemed service.

Ben is currently Country Manager for Audible Australia (an Amazon company) and joined the Surfing NSW Board in July 2022. He brings a wealth of experience in member engagement, tech/media and strategic thinking, along with a deep passion for surfing. He said, “I am excited to work with my fellow Board Directors, our member organisations across NSW, and our executive team to build a better community through surfing. We are focused on ensuring we grow the sport through participation in our Boardrider clubs, high performance support for our talented athletes and continuing to grow our programmes in partnership with the NSW government and our commercial sponsors.”

“We are deeply indebted to outgoing Chair John O’Neill and Deputy Chair Harry Hodge for their tireless support of surfing in NSW, having served the organisation in a voluntary capacity for almost 15 years”. – Ben Rolleston.

Surfing NSW is the peak body for surfing in NSW and has the highest percentage of surfers in the country.  Surfing NSW represents more than 130 boardrider clubs along the NSW coastline, and is committed to supporting and growing participation of surfers in all those communities. The organization has broadened its vision over recent years to include the delivery of programs to make our beaches safer by training surfers to save lives through Surfers Rescue 247 program, and continues to run events for surfers looking to compete on the world stage.

Lyndel Gray is currently CEO of NSW Caravan and Camping Industry Association, Chair of Destination Sydney Surrounds South, and has been on the Surfing NSW Board since 2018. She has significant government and commercial partnership expertise and has driven the growth of the caravan and camping industry which closely aligns with the active outdoor lifestyle interests of the surfing community. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Board to support our dynamic CEO Lucas Townsend in our exciting plans for the growth and development of surfing in NSW”.

Surfing NSW CEO Lucas Townsend added, “I am excited to work more closely with both Ben and Lyndel as we continue to grow surfing throughout NSW and will draw on their valuable skills and expertise. We have big ambitions and will be working in tandem with our key stakeholders. Many thanks to John and Harry for their incredible dedication to the organisation over almost 15 years”.

Rolleston and Gray will continue to work alongside the existing directors Mark Windon OAM, the former CEO of Surfing NSW, Francis Coady, CEO Grand Pacific Entertainment & Advisory, and Felicity Conlan, former GM Finance of Network Ten.

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