2023 AGM (Held May 28, 2024)

Simone Hayes • May 31, 2024

may, 2024

On Tuesday 28 May, 2024 we held our Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The new Committee is pleased to announce that the following elections for positions took place, with the results as follows:

President - Simone Hayes
Vice President - Corrina Black
Secretary - Stephen Redfern
Treasurer - Annabel Hepworth
Governance Officer - Myron (Zed) Zlotnick
Director of Events - Lisa Sherman

The two latter positions are newly created, propsed by the 2023 Committee and were voted on by the members at the AGM. Congratulations to all those voted in for the next 12 months!

In more exciting news, members voted to go ahead with the landmark name change from AURA to AUTRA - a powerful move that will bring cohesion to our sport, bringing unprecedented benefits to the grassroots of the sport and to elites alike. In due course, when the paperwork is complete, the organisation will be officially known as the Australian Ultra and Trail Runners Association.

Members also voted in favour of the changes to the incorporated association’s Rules to include the word ‘trail’ with ultra. This will formally recognise that trail running of all distances will be under the AUTRA umbrella and we will be a united and undivided sport. Ultra and Trail – Together as One.

Passionate trail runner Simone Brick summed it up well at the AGM: “As an athlete, I could not be more excited for the future of trail running, ultra running and just running in general in the country if we have this governing body and a voice to be heard and governed cohesively. Let’s put cohesive as the main word there.”

Also at the AGM, other Rules pertaining to changes (as shown in the draft mark up of the Rules that were communicated to members) were all passed by member majority vote.

The association was also lucky enough to have IAU President Nadeem Khan address the meeting. The good news is that AURA’s constant communication with the IAU has hopefully brought a resolution to the track certification issue and its looking like it will be resolved in the very near future. “We have been working with Aura for quite some time on finding solutions,” he told the meeting. Please be patient while the association works with them to finalise this.

There was also a special announcement as the association inducted ultra runner Dipali Cunningham in the AURA Hall Of Fame. She dialled in from the USA and was clearly very emotional and ecstatic.

All in all, it was a very successful AGM and the Committee thanks all of its members for their ongoing support and for entrusting the association with each Committee member for another year. You have the Committee's promise that it will continue to strive to make now-AUTRA a cohesive, strong and thriving association.

Special thanks to Alexis Oosterhoff for managing the unprecedented turnout to the online meeting and ensuring that all of the votes were collected seamlessly and transparently.

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Team Manager 2025 IAU Asian and Oceania 100K Championships

By Gary Mullins • September 8, 2025

Location : Bangkok, Thailand Dates : November 21 - 24 2025 Role Type : Volunteer Position Time Commitment : Pre event planning + Travel Application Deadline : 17th September 2025 Thank you for your interest in supporting the Australian team for the 2025 IAU Asian 100k Championships. This role goes far beyond logistics. It’s about leadership, inclusion, and creating a positive, empowering environment for athletes competing on the world stage. AUTRA is committed to opening doors for those outside traditional pathways. We strongly encourage applications from coaches, former athletes, club leaders, volunteers, and passionate community members. You don’t need to have served on a board or managed a team before as we’re looking for people who genuinely care, are highly organised, and can proudly represent our athletes and country. Role Overview As Team Manager, you’ll work closely with AUTRA President Gary Mullins and Vice President Geoff Russell to prepare and support the national team before and during the championship. Pre-Departure Australia Act as the main contact for selected athletes and crew Assist with final entry forms and travel planning Prepare a Championships Agenda in alliance with the Team Managers Agreement Document Coordinate flights, uniforms, and team communications Help identify and organise crew support Attend online team planning meetings On the Ground in Thailand Be present and ready as athletes arrive Ensure all athlete needs are met so they can focus fully on their race Attend all technical meetings and represent the team professionally Coordinate team attendance at the opening and closing ceremonies Ensure the team and crew are prepared, organised, and calm Address any issues that arise with efficiency and discretion Provide hands on leadership and moral support throughout the race Support Provided Accommodation in Bangkok for 3 - 4 nights will be provided by AUTRA An official team uniform will be supplied A volunteer allowance of $1500 will be provided to acknowledge your time and service during the championship period. What You’ll Need Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Strong organisational ability under pressure A calm, inclusive, and athlete first mindset Commitment to AUTRA’s Code of Conduct Member of AUTRA Applying To apply for the role of Team Manager please CLICK HERE and fill out the Application Form. Applications Close at 5pm 17th September 2025. Selection Process Following the application deadline, the AUTRA Committee will review all submissions and select the most suitable candidate. All applicants will be contacted by Gary Mullins within 7 days of applications closing. Gary Mullins AUTRA President