Elevate Strategic

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.

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.

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.

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. 🏝️🚀

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.

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!

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

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!