The Canberra Raiders can announce Dennis Richardson AC, as the newly appointed Chairman of the Canberra Raiders Board of Directors.
Mr Richardson succeeds Dr Allan Hawke AC as Club Chairman, after Dr Hawke passed away in September.
After initially joining the Canberra Raiders Board of Directors in 2005, Mr Richardson has been a full time Director of the club since 2010, following his five-year appointment as Ambassador to the United States of America.
Mr Richardson said he was honoured to have the opportunity to become the club’s Chairman and he looked forward to continuing the wonderful work of his predecessors.
“First of all, I would like to acknowledge the previous two Chairmen I have worked alongside, Dr Allan Hawke AC and John McIntyre,” Mr Richardson said. “Both Allan and John leave a long-standing legacy and I look forward to continuing on their work and building on their outstanding achievements.”
“In terms of my immediate priorities as Chairman, I along with the rest of the Board are looking forward to the launch of the Raiders NRLW program and ensuring that the club is resourced and ready for their inaugural season and future success,” he said. “We’re also fully committed to the club’s already established men’s and junior development programs under the guidance of CEO Don Furner, Coach Ricky Stuart and senior club officials.”
Mr Richardson said the Raiders would also continue to work with all levels of Government and other sporting organisations for a National Stadium in Canberra.
“Our Board is dedicated to working with the ACT and Federal Governments, surrounding local shires and municipalities and fellow sporting organisations to seek funding for a National Stadium in Canberra,” he said. “A National Stadium was part of Walter Burley-Griffin’s plan for Canberra, and we’d like to see that come to fruition.”
Mr Richardson currently serves on a number of boards, including Linfox Australia Pty Ltd and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.
Previously, he worked in Australia’s public service heading up ASIO and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence.
