Athletics Victoria has confirmed its Executive and Committee for the forthcoming year, with Clare Burton elected as President.
Burton takes on the leadership of Athletics Victoria having served as Vice President for the past seven years.
Rob Wendel and Amy Hessell will serve as Vice Presidents, while Dom Drenen will continue in the role of Treasurer, rounding out the Executive team.
The Committee also confirmed the appointment of Scott Trickett as a ninth member of the Committee for the forthcoming year. Trickett has played an instrumental role in recent work surrounding recreational running, and his appointment reflects the need to ensure continuity of this work.
Burton said she was honoured to be appointed President for the coming year.
“I am honoured to become President of Athletics Victoria and look forward to serving our members as we continue our positive trajectory. With my fellow Directors and Executive team, I am determined to see Athletics Victoria be a leader within Australian Athletics, from community through to the Olympic and Paralympic podium.
I thank outgoing President Rob Wendel and our team, led by Matthew Duck, for building our strong position. Sport needs more women in leadership, and I look forward to encouraging future leaders, particularly women to aspire to hold executive roles in our sport.
Athletics in Victoria has a bright future, and I am grateful for our members’ support.”
Having served the past four years as President, Rob Wendel thanked the broader Committee while adding his support to Burton’s appointment.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed serving as Athletics Victoria President these past four years, and am immensely proud of all we have collectively achieved. With just one year left before my term expires, now is the right time for Clare to step into the role, and I pass the baton knowing the leadership is in very good hands.”
Held on Wednesday 29 July, the 2026 AGM also saw Ben Buckingham elected to the AV Committee, bringing with him both legal and high-performance sport experience. Buckingham was one of three elected directors, alongside Burton and Anna Devonish.
The AGM highlighted a raft of achievements over the 2025-26 year, punctuated by another strong financial result. The annual report can be viewed here.
2026-27 Athletics Victoria Committee
| Role | Name |
| President | Clare Burton |
| Vice President | Amy Hessell |
| Vice President | Rob Wendel |
| Treasurer | Dom Drenen |
| Committee Member | Ben Buckingham |
| Committee Member | Anna Devonish |
| Committee Member | Ruby Holten |
| Committee Member | Tony Stubbs |
| Committee Member | Scott Trickett |