From the Chair - July 2024

First I would like to thank you for all the feedback and questions raised following our recent video chat on EA's Digital Transformation Project. There was a lot of positive commentary about the need for this project.  We agree – and we are excited to deliver on this much needed initiative. You also raised some questions about the project, and on behalf of the Board, there are couple of themes in the questions we would like to address.

The first is to stress that we are following a process to deliver the best possible outcome. As some of you identified, IT projects can be difficult, but we have taken all necessary steps to ensure our process is robust. As part of this multi-stage project, we have reviewed and analysed our current system and its strengths and weaknesses. There has been consultation from stakeholders and lots of different user types, ranging from event organisers to members, to identify and plan a system that will serve us well for the future.  We are also being assisted by a capable team of professionals who are supporting us with technical expertise. Thank you to all of those across the sport who have provided your input into this process.  

The other question is ‘how do we intend to pay for the new system?’.  We have received early cost estimates based on initial scoping documents and are budgeting for delivery of the new system as part of our operational plan.  We will revise those estimates as updated quotes come in, but ultimately the project is expected to lead to reduced manual efforts and costs savings, so we are also considering these in our decision making.  

As a Board, we would also like to thank all the people who have reached out and offered their help, support and ideas following the update.  We see our volunteers out every week helping with events and clinics, and on committees across the various disciplines and this is another great example of the positive culture in our sport.  Please keep your ideas coming!  

Of course, the other topic on everyone’s mind at the moment is the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. We have now teams selected accross all disciplines and it is wonderful to see a mix of new faces along with some of our most experienced athletes. I want to take this opportunity to thank the amazing team of selectors across all four disciplines, Dressage (Lone Joergensen, Dirk Dijkstra, MaryJane Crabtree), Jumping (Colleen Brooke, Gavin Chester & David Dobson), Eventing (Georgia Widdup, Stephen Bow and Claudia Hodson) and for Para Dressage (Sue Chandler and Gary Lung) and we would like to publicly acknowledge the huge and challenging task you took on - thank you all on behalf of our sport. No doubt you have had sleepless nights in the past few months but we know you will have done an incredible job. 

Finally, to our athletes who have been selected, we congratulate you and salute your bravery and commitment. Australia will be cheering you on and we wish you all the very best for the competition ahead! 

I hope you all have a great month ahead, having fun doing the things you love in the sport and I hope I’ll see you out there soon.

Christie Freeman
Chair and Acting CEO, Equestrian Australia