SportWest pays honour to all Western Australians recognised in the Kings Birthday Honour list including:
Edwin Taylor (OAM) – For service to motor sports | Motorsport Australia
Toby Morrell (OAM) – For service to cricket | WA Cricket
Margaret McIlroy (OAM) – For service to the community of Kingsley through sport | WA Football Commission
Mary Day (OAM) – For service to polocrosse| Polocrosse
Jill McIntosh (OAM) – For significant service to netball | Netball WA
Further recognition goes to Mr David Etherton, CEO of VenuesWest, who received the Public Service Medal for ‘outstanding public service in coordination of support for the sporting, entertainment and creative industries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. David played a critical role in navigating the pandemic for the sporting sector and on behalf of the industry we thank him for this and congratulate him on receiving this auspicious recognition.
Background
Mr David Etherton | For outstanding public service in coordination of support for the sporting, entertainment and creative industries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As Chief Executive Officer of VenuesWest, Mr Etherton saw first-hand the economic and community impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and responded promptly and effectively. Recognising the implications of the pandemic for the sporting, creative and entertainment industries, Mr Etherton implemented key policies and flexible funding arrangements to assist with the long term financial viability of artists, clubs and venues. He led the cross government taskforce that established the $159 million Lotterywest COVID-19 Relief Fund to assist the economic and social recovery of the Western Australian community. Working with the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, WA Police, Department of Health and Western Australian Institute of Sport, Mr Etherton facilitated the return of elite athletes to multiple venues during lockdowns with special purpose Directions allowing WA Olympic hopefuls to resume training and remain competitive. Mr Etherton was also involved in securing multiple events of national significance for Western Australia in the midst of the pandemic. As a member of the Steering Committee for the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final, he managed contract negotiations, amendments to COVID-19 Directions, adherence to safety protocols and liaison with key stakeholders in a constantly evolving COVID-19 environment. This led to the successful delivery of an event that would usually require more than 6 months planning with less than a month’s notice. Recognising an opportunity to help the broader community and reduce food waste, Mr Etherton coordinated and led an initiative to take over the kitchens at Optus Stadium with chefs from VenuesWest, VenuesLive (Optus stadium) and ASM Global (RAC Arena) to produce 20,000 packaged meals which were distributed by OzHarvest to people in need across the State. Demonstrating leadership, effective collaboration and quick decision making, Mr Etherton supported WA Police in rapidly establishing a fit for purpose Command Centre for COVID-19 operations at Optus Stadium. In extremely complex and challenging circumstances, he leveraged his role for the benefit of the Western Australian economy, and delivered maximum service to the people of Western Australia.
