Who Are We
Founded in 1955, ACHPER is an independent, self-funded, not for profit organisation dedicated to advancing movement, health, and physical education across Australia. Our work is powered by a dedicated team and strengthened by an extraordinary network of volunteers who contribute through advisory groups, working groups, and boards — bringing expertise, energy, and heart to everything we do.
1. We Believe Movement is Fundamental to Thriving
Our people are united by the conviction that movement is not an optional extra — it’s fundamental to health, belonging, and thriving.
2. We Champion Education with Impact
We’re educators, researchers, and practitioners who value evidence, equity, and inclusive pedagogy. We help people learn better, live better, and lead better through active, engaging education.
3. We Apply Evidence with Creativity
We don’t just know the research — we bring it to life. Our people apply evidence in bold, innovative ways, adapting it to classrooms, communities, and real-world challenges.
4. We Lead Through Collaboration
We work across systems, sectors, and states. Whether in schools, universities, communities, or government, we connect people who care and help them do great work — together.
5. We Live What We Teach
From lesson plans to policy, we model what we believe. We’re not observers of movement — we’re in it, every day. In classrooms, on sports fields, in boardrooms, on bikes, in bathers, on surf boards and across every game type you know.
ACHPER Leadership
Russell Brown
Russell is the President of ACHPER Australia, now leading the organisation following the outstanding tenure of Dr. Sue Whatman. Russell has been a member of ACHPER since 1975 and was awarded Life Membership in 2006.
He has been a lecturer in Physical Education and Health at Flinders University since 1990.
Sue Whatman
Associate Professor Sue Whatman is the immediate past President of ACHPER Incorporated. Sue has been a teacher-educator for more than 30 years, currently convening Higher Degree Research (HDR) in education and the HPE Double Major at Griffith University.
Adrian Fisher
Adrian is an experienced sport and recreation leader with over 25 years’ experience in community development, facility management, and strategic sector advocacy, driving inclusive, active, and connected communities across Australia.
Sam Rossi
Sam Rossi is a passionate education leader with a strong track record in delivering innovative health and wellbeing programs that empower students to thrive through active, engaging learning experiences.
Kristen Skinner
Kristen is a marketing, business development consultant with an extensive background in stakeholder management to drive growth. Kristen has sourced and secured mutually beneficial business partnerships for over 25 years spanning education, corporate, sport and professional associations.
Melanie Syron
Melanie spent 15 years working in the university sector and has taught in Aboriginal studies, specifically in cultural safety and community engagement.
Melisa Chong
Melisa is a health and physical education (HPE) academic within the University of Southern Queensland and research on health-related work of teachers.
Mark Tonner-Joyce
As CEO of ACHPER, Mark sees movement as a national priority. He’s committed to transforming health through education, sport, and recreation—driving innovation so every Australian can move more, live well, and thrive. No one left behind. Greater national impact ahead.
