HIGH-PROFILE APPOINTEES TAKE SEATS ON GRAND PRIX BOARD

Linda Dessau AC CVO and Dr Gillian Sparkes AM will help steer the direction of two of Victoria’s premier motorsports events following their appointment to the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) Board.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced Ms Dessau and Dr Sparkes will serve three-year terms on the Board, with Ms Dessau also taking on the role as the Board’s Deputy Chair.

Both appointees have had esteemed careers within the public and private sectors and will provide a wealth of relevant skills and experience to the AGPC Board.

Ms Dessau was the Governor of Victoria for eight years and has held various roles in the legal profession including as a Judge in the Family Court of Australia for 18 years. She has also served as a Commissioner of the AFL, President of the Melbourne International Arts Festival and a Trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria.

Dr Sparkes was a Victorian Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability from 2014 to 30 June 2024. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a non-executive Chair and Director across Government and non-Government Boards, and currently holds the position of Deputy Chair and Trustee of The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.

With their appointments, Ms Dessau and Dr Sparkes will support the AGPC’s work in delivering the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island – two annual events that showcase Victoria to the world and make significant contributions to Victoria’s $3.3 billion major events sector.

This year's Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix was bigger than ever before – attracting an estimated record crowd of more than 450,000 people to Albert Park over the four-day race weekend in March, thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.

Thousands of fans are also set to flock to Phillip Island for the 2024 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, with excitement revving up for regional Victoria’s largest international sporting event which will be held from 18-20 October this year.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos

“Both Linda and Gillian have made significant contributions to Victoria throughout their careers and these roles will see them further that work and support the AGPC continue to stage the best motor racing events anywhere in the world.”

“I would like to thank and commend Kate Lundy and Tal Karp for their contributions to the AGPC Board supporting Grand Prix events that reinforced Victoria’s position as Australia’s sports and major events capital.”

Quotes attributable to Australian Grand Prix Corporation Board Chair Martin Pakula

“The wealth of experience that both Linda and Gillian will bring to AGPC’s Board will help to support the ongoing growth of both the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix as we continue to promote Victoria to the world.”

“I would also like to thank Tal and Kate for their significant contribution to the AGPC Board over a number of years. Their insights and support have been crucial to the success of both events.”