The Board of New South Wales Touch Association (NSWTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Duncan Tweed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), commencing Monday, 3 November 2025.
This appointment follows an extensive recruitment process which commenced in July and attracted more than 200 applicants from across the sporting and corporate sectors. Over an eight-week period, candidates progressed through a comprehensive six-stage assessment, including pre-screening, interviews, stakeholder engagement, and detailed reference and capability checks.
The process was overseen by NSWTA Independent Director Liz Jackson, with professional support from our People and Culture Manager Mary Massih, ensuring a rigorous and well-governed approach. The Board is grateful for the efforts of all who contributed and extends its thanks to the many high-quality candidates who expressed interest in the role.
The Board also extends its sincere thanks to our dedicated staff for their patience, professionalism, and continued commitment to our sport throughout this period of change and transition.
About Duncan Tweed
Duncan brings over 20 years of leadership experience across sport, law, education, and governance. He has held senior executive roles at the national, state, and community levels, including Chief Executive and senior management positions with Paddle Australia, Athletics NSW, Northern Suburbs Football Association, and the Australian College of Physical Education.
His career highlights include leading membership and participation growth, strengthening financial sustainability, developing commercial partnerships, and guiding organisations through periods of significant transformation. Duncan has also contributed to governance roles within football and other sporting bodies, reflecting his commitment to strong and effective administration.
Academically, Duncan holds degrees in law and management, including the internationally recognised FIFA Master, and is currently completing a PhD in sport stakeholder management. He is also a passionate touch football participant, with more than a decade of involvement in the game.
Priorities – What’s Next
The Governance and Operating Model Review highlighted the need to better align NSWTA’s structure with both current operational demands and long-term strategic goals. A key finding was that NSWTA does not have the staff capacity required to fully deliver on the objectives of the Strategic Plan.
To address this, the Board has mandated a period of rapid transformation over the next 12–18 months to implement the critical McLaughlin Sports Consultancy (MSC) Review recommendations, with a strong focus on operational excellence.
The immediate priority for Duncan and the Board will be to review the organisational structure and implement the changes necessary to position NSWTA for sustained success. Existing staff will be transitioned into new roles where appropriate, ensuring retention of organisational knowledge and continuity of operations. Additional positions may
also be created, aligned with the NSWTA Strategic Plan and evolving member needs, to strengthen support for Affiliates and Regions.
In parallel, the NSWTA Strategic Plan 2026–2032 will be developed over the coming months, closely aligned with the forthcoming Touch Football Australia plan. MSC will again facilitate this process, which will set clear priorities, embed governance and structural improvements, and provide the roadmap for long-term growth and evolution.
Importantly, Duncan is eager to connect directly with members, Affiliates, and Regions over the coming months to listen, learn, and foster strong and collaborative relationships across the touch football community. A critical element of this engagement will also be working closely with the Touch Football Australia leadership team to solidify and continue to strengthen partnerships for the future.
Closing
The Board is confident that Duncan will provide the leadership, vision, and collaborative approach required to guide NSWTA through this period of change and beyond. With the governance review, organisational structure, and new strategic plan in focus, the next 12–18 months will be a defining phase in positioning NSWTA for future success.
On behalf of the Board, I invite all members, Affiliates, Regions, and stakeholders to join us in congratulating Duncan and welcoming him to the NSW Touch Football community. Duncan looks forward to meeting with you directly through a series of engagement sessions in the months ahead.
Anthony Dudeck
Chair,
for and on behalf of the NSWTA Board
for and on behalf of the NSWTA Board