Trevor Robertson appointed Director of Centre of Excellence

Cricket Australia today announced the appointment of Trevor Robertson to the position of Director of the Cricket Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.

Robertson will relocate from Adelaide to take up the position based at Allan Border Field on 5 January 2004.

The appointment means Robertson will, from 1 December 2003, stand down from his position as a Director of the South Australian Cricket Association, and subsequently as a member of Cricket Australia's 14-man board.

Robertson, a former South Australian first-class player and school teacher for more than 30 years, will also relinquish several of his other duties including team manager of Australia A.

He will also stand down as chairman of various committees including Cricket Australia's Game Development Committee, and the National Indigenous Cricket Advisory Committee. However, he will remain as Chairman of Selectors for the Australian Under-19 selection panel.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said Robertson's experience and expertise in the area of coaching and development made him an ideal selection to lead Australian cricket's new multi-facet institution.

"Trevor's appointment is a major coup for the Cricket Centre of Excellence as we seek to build its foundations for developing our future players and officials," said Mr Sutherland.

"Trevor has an outstanding cricket background and an intimate knowledge of the game from a management, player and development perspective.

"He takes on a vitally important role for developing and strengthening Australian cricket across a range of programs including players, umpires, coaches and administrators.

"Cricket Australia commissioned Sport Employment Australia, an independent recruiting company, to secure the best person to lead the Cricket Centre of Excellence. Following a comprehensive recruitment process, Trevor was identified as the most credentialed applicant."

Cricket Australia Chairman Mr Bob Merriman congratulated Trevor Robertson on his contribution as a Cricket Australia Board member over the past eight years.

"He has made a valuable contribution to the game through his various roles, including as a Director of Cricket Australia, as well as his dedicated service to numerous Cricket Australia committees and we now look forward to inducting him as a Cricket Australia employee," said Mr Merriman.

"His impact at both the domestic and international level has been significant, and I'm confident his positive influence will extend into his next role."

Robertson will manage a team of eight full-time staff, and report to Cricket Australia's General Manager of Game Development, Mr Ross Turner.

In the new role, Mr Robertson will be responsible for managing the Cricket Centre of Excellence in Brisbane, with particular focus on developing Australia's premier junior cricketers at the centre, as well as hosting international squads who will also be able to use the facility.

He will also be responsible for the management of Australia's High Performance cricket system, which involves the various state-based institutes and academies, such as the Victorian Institute of Sport, Queensland Academy of Sport, New South Wales Institute of Sport, South Australian Institute of Sport, Northern Territory Institute of Sport, and the Tasmanian Institute of Sport.

Robertson said the new position offered an exciting challenge to help develop the future of the game.

"I am delighted to have been offered the role and continuing my involvement in cricket in a new and exciting capacity," said Mr Robertson.

"I view the appointment as an outstanding opportunity to guide and manage a whole new chapter in the growth and development of Australia's young elite cricketers.

"The brief is also to work to develop other aspects of cricket including coaches, umpires, administrators and curators, and the role is a challenge I welcome with great enthusiasm."

Robertson played 32 first-class matches for South Australia as a wicket-keeper and right-hand batsman, later becoming a state selector and senior coach.

Sport Employment Australia undertook a thorough selection process which involved interviewing more than 60 applicants for the position.