Our Team
Sport Matters has a network of volunteers and consultants that bring a strong passion for the role of sport to create lasting social change and a diverse range of professional backgrounds and qualifications. From time to time we create opportunities for our volunteers to join in-country projects to contribute to our international development activities.
Sport Matters Volunteer Network
Jill Scanlon
Jill is a journalist, lecturer (International Development & Journalism), strong supporter of all things S4D especially around Women in Sport. Having worked with Sport Matters as Media Adviser since 2014, she is a Media and Communications consultant in the Development field with a particular interest and strength in S4D advocacy and Development Partnerships. She lived and worked (volunteer) in Vanuatu in 2017 with VASANOC – developing media capacity building strategies and guidelines – then again in 2019-2020 with the Vanuatu Volleyball Federation supporting VVF management with all things governance strategies, S4D initiatives and Media Comms strategies and output. Jill is now based back in Australia taking on teaching roles in both International Development Studies and Journalism. She has a BA Media, a Post Grad Dip in Journalism and a Masters Degree in International and Community Development.Her love of sport also has her writing as a freelance sports journalist, following more than two decades with ABC International (Radio Australia).
In a nutshell — loves development work and sport!
Madan Bhandari
Madan Bhandari hails from Nepal and is a Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) graduate from Charles Sturt University, Australia. His adventurous soul and his love for exploring new cultures and meeting new people, has brought him to one of the most diverse countries in the world, Australia. Through his passion and professional experience, Madan has always been inclined towards sports, particularly Basketball. In Nepal, he volunteered with the Engage Towards an Inclusive Society for two years, taking up multiple roles and responsibilities, in an attempt to give back to his local community. His primary responsibility was as a Wheelchair Basketball coach where he trained many players, encouraging and motivating them to dream big. He not only encouraged others but also pushed himself and grew beyond his coaching responsibilities. He played a major role in successfully organising a wheelchair basketball league where he not only demonstrated his managerial and leadership skills, but also took care of the promotion and advocacy elements for the organization as the Marketing Outreach Coordinator. Apart from his volunteering and sporting achievements, he has also gained experience in the private sector, working as a Sales Supervisor for Suyash International, one of the leading companies in the field of FMCG businesses. On a personal note, Madan enjoys travelling, helping people in need and spending quality time with his family and loved ones. In a nutshell, he is a free spirit who aspires to give back to his community.
Laura Macintosh
Laura is a sports communications professional, who has been involved in sport in various capacities for most of her life. A former elite rhythmic gymnast turned coach, she has worked for a range of sports and events over the past decade, including the 2015 Netball World Cup, Gymnastics Australia, Commonwealth Games Australia, the Melbourne Renegades, the Rolex Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Basketball Victoria, Netball Victoria and the Melbourne Vixens. Laura has always been passionate about the role sport can play in social and community development, but this really grew during the time she spent in Fiji as an Australian Volunteer for International Development (AVID) working with Cricket Fiji.
About Us
Sport Matters uses the power of sport to change the world. We work in Australia and many developing nations around the world and we believe that everyone should have the choice and opportunity to participate in sport, for life!
Our Board
Sport Matters is governed by a Board of Directors. Our Board brings a wealth of experience in the corporate, public service and not for profit sectors in Sport, Governance, International Development, Gender, Disability Inclusive Development and Advocacy.
Our Team
Sport Matters has a network of volunteers and consultants that bring a strong passion for the role of sport to create lasting social change and a diverse range of professional backgrounds and qualifications.
Our Policies
Sport Matters aims to make a positive and long-lasting impact on development in Australia and developing countries with a focus on the Pacific, Asia and Africa.
Media
Sport Matters have been seen in many Australian and international publications. For more on Sport Matters and to view some of our most recent news articles:
Sport Matters Annual Report 2022-2023
Publications
To view our current publications, including our annual report - which captures a true and accurate record of our activities and full financial statements:
Sport Matters designs tailor-made development strategies in response to identified community needs in Australia, the Pacific, Asia and Africa.
