TTA Announce New Board Members

Table Tennis Australia Strengthens Leadership Team with Addition of New Board Members

Table Tennis Australia is thrilled to announce new members Dr Sarah Sandley and Maggie Roberts to its esteemed Board of Directors. This strategic move signals Table Tennis Australia’s commitment to fostering innovation, equity and excellence across its leadership team.

Both Sarah and Maggie bring with them a wealth of expertise and experience, representing diverse backgrounds and perspectives that will contribute to the organisation’s growth and success. Their collective knowledge spans a wide range of industries, including media, health, technology and sport and recreation, and with both women having extensive governance experience previously serving as Directors with organisations such as Diving Australia, Sport New Zealand and the Australian Refugee Association.  

“We are delighted to welcome Maggie and Sarah to Table Tennis Australia,” said Mr Graham Symons, Chair.

“Maggie and Sarah each bring unique insights and skills that will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission of being a sport for all, a sport that is fully inclusive, a sport that appeals to different ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, and abilities; a sport that is played by all. We look forward to their contributions and leadership in guiding our organisation towards continued success.”

With a Ph.D in English, as well as being the holder of the Australian GAICD qualification, Sarah brings a unique blend of strategic acumen and operational experience. She is currently leading a health start-up in her role as the Strategy, Innovation and Marketing Director of Care 24-7, as well as the Chair of their Strategy Committee, serves as Deputy President of ITTF-Oceania and is a Director of the Australian Refugee Association.

Not only a highly respected CEO with a successful track record, Sarah also comes from a table tennis playing family, having been a former England and NZ international player, as well as the holder of multiple Australian Veteran’s titles.

“Table tennis has played a profound role in my life as both a teacher and friend, instilling in me valuable leadership lessons, creating lifelong friendships and allowing me to be part of a community. In joining the board of Table Tennis Australia, I am motivated to pay my gratitude forward by contributing to the sport’s growth for the benefit of all future players - no matter their age or ability,” said Dr Sandley

While Maggie holds the Australian Company Directors Course qualification, and comes equipped with a distinct blend of innovation, commercial acumen and governance. For over a decade, Maggie has been the CEO of Creative Factory, one of Australia’s most successful design and development agencies. Maggie has an exceptionally strong background in tech innovation, marketing, communications and media, a great asset for Table Tennis Australia in this Olympic and Paralympic year.

Maggie, a former elite athlete competing for Australia in Trampoline and Diving and a former VIS/AIS Scholarship holder, Maggie’s genuine passion for sport, coupled with her comprehensive understanding of the Australian sports system and not-for-profit industry, promises to be valuable for Table Tennis Australia.  

"I am delighted to join the Table Tennis Australia board.  With nearly one million Australians actively participating, I am excited to work with Table Tennis Australia to enhance the visibility of this outstanding sport. In our diverse nation, Table Tennis serves as a prime example of a sport that fosters inclusivity and community engagement, and this aspect truly energises me,” said Ms Roberts.

Table Tennis Australia are confident their new board members will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the organisation. The new appointments reflect Table Tennis Australia’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation, and the organisation is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

With the addition of its new board members, and potentially more to come after this month’s AGM, Table Tennis Australia is poised to strengthen its position as the leader of table tennis in Australia and to make meaningful contributions to all its associations, clubs and affiliated members.

For more information about Table Tennis Australia and its board of directions, please visit www.tabletennis.org.au

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