Elevate Strategic

11/02/2026

With the support of WA Football, Perth Football League, the AFL’s disability inclusion pathways, and in line with our shared commitment to football for all, WA All Abilities Football is launching the AFL Origin – All Abilities Virtual Seat initiative to support Western Australia’s All Abilities teams to participate at the AFL Open in October 2026. We will also be activating our Telethon7 Perth Sensory Container at the AFL - Australian Football League Origin Football Festival 13/14 Feb 2026.

Western Australia will once again be represented at the AFL Open – Inclusion and Wheelchair Carnival, with players with disabilities travelling from across the state to wear the black and gold with pride. For many of these players with disabilities, this is the highest honour they will ever experience in football, and in some cases, the first time they’ve travelled interstate as part of a team.

We’ve launched a simple but powerful initiative: the $5 Virtual Seat.

Each virtual seat helps cover the very real costs of getting a WA player to AFL Open: flights, accommodation, and the support that makes participation possible.

The short video captures what this opportunity means to our players far better than words ever could.

👉 [Purchase a $5 Virtual Seat] https://lnkd.in/g4cs4-cs

This isn’t about fundraising for fundraising’s sake. It’s about ensuring that when WA takes the field, every player with disability who has earned their place gets there.

Same game.
Different seats.
One Origin.

Thank you for supporting inclusive footy in WA. Whether by sharing this message, purchasing a virtual seat, or simply cheering our players on, it all matters.

01/01/2026

Thank you for making 2025 an incredible year with Elevate Strategic.

As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the journey Elevate Strategic has shared with its valued clients - a year marked by growth, opportunity, and meaningful impact.

This moment offers an opportunity to pause and look back with gratitude. I’m sincerely thankful for the trust, support, and collaboration of my clients, partners, and community. It has been a year of continued growth and progress, made possible by working closely together to support shared goals and creating meaningful impact.

One of the projects I’m incredibly proud to highlight this year is the Real Stakes program, which Elevate Strategic had the privilege of developing and partnering with the Perth Football League, Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) and Adelaide Footy League in 2025.

At a time when Australians collectively gamble $31.5 billion each year — the highest per-capita spend in the world — Real Stakes has focused on addressing the real harm caused by online sports gambling in communities.

Beyond my professional work, 2025 has also been a year of giving back with significant progress on the Coastal Boardwalk project connecting Scarborough and Trigg Beach. Some may ask, “Why get involved?”

For me, the answer is simple. This project is strongly supported by the community, and it delivers clear benefits by improving pedestrian safety while enhancing community wellbeing and supporting local businesses and tourism.

On a personal note, I’m looking forward to taking on some big swim challenges in the year ahead, including the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim (Feb 21), Mader Port to Pub (Mar 21), and the Lake Argyle Swim in Kununurra (May 2).

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of the journey this year. Here’s to continued growth, strong partnerships and positive impact in the year ahead.

Here’s to 2026 and beyond.

Visit Elevate Strategic HERE: https://lnkd.in/g-NATx_Z

22/12/2025

I’m incredibly proud to highlight one of the many projects that Elevate Strategic has had the privilege of working on - including the Real Stakes program as the program developer in 2025.

Unfortunately, Australians collectively gambling $31.5 billion each year — the highest per-capita gambling spend in the world. Through The Real Stakes program, I’ve been incredibly honoured to have partnered with the Perth Football League, VAFA HQ, and Adelaide Footy League to empower clubs to lead this cultural shift.

I’m pleased to say that Australian footy clubs are shifting the culture of online sports gambling in community football, with new research revealing a significant change in attitudes – and actions – among players, coaches, and volunteers.

📊 93% of community footballers believe online gambling is harming lives
📺 74% support banning gambling ads during sports broadcasts
💬 70% now feel empowered to address gambling-related harm — up from less than half before the campaign.

Learn more about the Real Stakes HERE: https://realstakes.com.au/

Since its launch across 208 clubs and more than 40,000 players, coaches and volunteers, the impact has been profound — showing that community sport can be a powerful, protective force for change.
📄 Media Release: https://lnkd.in/gk_by6Re

Together, we’re playing a new game — one that protects people, relationships and communities.

22/06/2025

Super proud to be sponsoring the North Beach Football Club Integrated Team this season. Even more rewarding, the team remains undefeated after Round 8 with sevens wins and sitting on top of their division.
Sometimes you can leave a real impact on the community more than you would never know by giving back.
Congratulations to everyone involved in particular the players who inspire us every day. All the best for the balance of the season.
Elevate Strategic proud partner of the NBFC I Team.

26/05/2025

Brianna Throssell’s story is a powerful reminder of the pressures athletes face—often in silence. This is exactly why the Sports Futures Foundation was established - to empower athletes by providing support systems that prioritise mental health, career development, and lifelong success, both during and after their sporting careers.
Read her story: https://amp-nine-com-au.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.nine.com.au/article/8219dec0-a7b9-481e-84fd-79ecb21ae5cd

Sports Futures is a collaboration with Elevate Strategic, a specialised agency focused on sports-based management, athlete advisory, commercial marketing, strategy and business improvement. Visit: https://www.elevatestrategic.com.au/

16/03/2025

I am super excited to launch The Real Stakes – a dedicated program designed to address the impact of online sports gambling-related harm in community football. This collaboration between Australia’s three largest community football leagues - VAFA HQ, Adelaide Footy League and Perth Football League- aims to raise awareness of the real harm that online sports gambling-related harm can cause in our communities.

The Real Stakes provides community football clubs with practical tools and support to raise awareness of online sports gambling-related harm, learn prevention strategies, and understand how to support those affected. The Real Stakes is supported by lived experience experts through community engagement and research to provide practical education and support.

The program targets players, coaches, volunteers and supporters across 208 affiliated clubs, with a particular focus on people aged 18-49 – the demographic most at risk of experiencing online sports gambling-related harm.

We're thrilled to have six high-profile ambassadors supporting the Real Stakes program including Jacob Weitering, Monique Conti, Travis Boak, Ebony Marinoff, Matthew Owies and Emma Swanson

Developed with the amazing input of Purple led by Mel Newcombe, the Real Stakes website https://realstakes.com.au/ offers a comprehensive list of resources, from highly respected sources from around Australia, designed to help understand and reduce the harm associated with online sports gambling.

The Real Stakes program is being delivered through a Strong and Resilient Communities (SARC) Activity Grant. This grant is an Australian Government Initiative.

If you or someone you know needs support with online sports gambling, contact the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858. Free, professional counselling is available through online chat, SMS, email, or in-person services.

In a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

21/02/2025

It’s that time again – my favourite day of the year: the Rottnest Channel Swim! 🏊‍♂️🌊

If you’re hitting the water tomorrow (Saturday, Feb 22), here’s what you need to know:

🌊 Conditions: Wave heights up to 1.6m from the 10km mark, with a strong south-to-north push.

Sea temp is a comfy 24°C—however SSE breeze turning SSW is fresh so keep warm in between intervals if competing as a Duo or Team.

⚡ Strategy:
✅ Hold back in the first 10km
✅ Build your effort between 10km to 13km and press hard with current strongest as you approach the island.
✅ Stick south of the rhumb line—getting caught north of the fleet past 12km could spell trouble.
✅ Don’t let the surface current and chop dictate your course—skate surfing will push you north, and that’s a one-way ticket to disappointment.

See link here for sea surface currents: https://myocean.mywire.org/UWA/events.php

While it’s looking better than last year, it’s not going to be easy. Trust your skipper and paddler to push you onto the island.

Good luck, legends! See you on the other side. 🏝️🚀

08/02/2025

Breaking the Cycle: Supporting Athletes Beyond the Game
Thank you, Justin Langer, for shedding light on a critical gap in the sports industry with your article, RETIREMENT fears rattle best of us. The tragic deaths of high-profile former athletes over the past week serve as a stark reminder of the emotional and mental toll that retirement can take. The insecurity and void left behind when a career ends is a reality we must tackle head-on to break the cycle.
As Justin puts it, “For some, retirement and new fields are paradise. For others, it can be like swimming in an ocean of rolling, dumping waves.”
This is exactly why the Sports Futures Foundation was created—to prioritise the health and wellbeing of athletes, both during their careers and beyond the sports arena.
We must break the cycle of neglect and provide systems that focus on mental health, career development, and lifelong success.
🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gP97rWg9

07/02/2025

I had the pleasure of attending the CEO Institute, Leaders Creating Leaders Summit yesterday, and one insight that truly resonated with me came from Prof. Mayowa Babalola:

“Great leaders don’t just lead – they multiply.”

Leadership isn’t just about making decisions or driving results. The most impactful leaders empower others, creating a ripple effect of growth, innovation, and success. They don’t just build teams—they build leaders.

31/12/2024

THANK YOU ALL FOR MAKING THIS ANOTHER EPIC YEAR FOR ELEVATE STRATEGIC!

As we close the chapter on 2024, I find myself reflecting on the many things achieved and the incredible journey that this year has been for Elevate Strategic - one filled with growth, opportunities and meaningful impact.

On a professional level, one of the standout projects I’ve had the pleasure of working on has been the REAL STAKES program – a program that tackles the real harm that online sports and race betting can cause within communities in collaboration with the Perth Football League, the VAFA HQ and the Adelaide Footy League.

https://realstakes.com.au/

In 2024, we also celebrated the launch of the Sports Futures Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting athletes as they transition from high performance sport to the workplace and beyond.

On a personal note, 2024 was a year of reflection and resilience. The loss of my father ❤️ reminded me of the importance of cherishing every moment and the strength found in community and purpose.

The success of any business is built on the foundation of strong partnerships, and the ongoing support of my client partners in 2024 has been incredible, for which I am truly grateful.

As we step into 2025, I remain grateful for the support of my team, my clients, and everyone who’s been a part of this journey. Here’s to continued growth, meaningful partnerships, and creating a future full of opportunity.

To all those who have been part of this year’s journey—thank you. May the new year bring you peace, happiness, and continued success. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and prosperous 2025!

Visit: https://www.elevatestrategic.com.au/

Cheers to 2025 and beyond!

Sports-based management, commercial marketing, strategy and business improvement.

10/12/2024

🚨 Taking Action on Gambling Harm and Domestic Violence 🚨

I’m proud to be involved in the 16 Days in WA campaign, driving change in culture, behaviour, and attitudes that lead to violence against women and children.

Through my work with Australia’s largest community-based football leagues, we’re seeking to combat domestic violence by addressing one of the key drivers of physical and financial abuse — problem gambling.

Next year, the gambling harm reduction program will be delivered through the Perth Football League, led by Andrew Dawe, alongside Jason Reddick at the VAFA HQ, and the Adelaide Footy League, led by John Kernahan

This initiative leverages the unique influence of football coaches on young men — often stronger than that of friends, teachers, or even family — to foster positive change.

Here are some confronting realities:
💰 Australians spend more per capita on gambling — $1,555 annually — than any other country.
💔 Gambling harm costs Australia $7 billion annually.
🛑 Problem gambling is a societal epidemic, just like domestic violence. It targets the vulnerable and thrives as a lucrative industry.

Let’s all play our part in stopping family and domestic violence. Together, we can create safer communities for everyone.

hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag .

24/11/2024

It was an absolute pleasure to contribute to the Perth OLYmni Careers and Connect Event yesterday alongside Victoria Brown OLY. Congratulations, Daniel Kowalski OLY on leading such an impactful initiative with the support of Catriona Dixon and Jesse Phillips OLY. The Australian Olympic Committee’s commitment to supporting athletes as they transition from high performance sport to the workplace and beyond is an essential and timely priority, underpinning the green and gold decade of international sport culminating in
Brisbane 2032. Thank you for creating a space for meaningful connections and inclusive conversations!