The 2025 Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) Coaching Conference, held on Saturday, 31st May, once again united coaches and sports professionals from across New South Wales for a day of learning, collaboration and inspiration. Building on the momentum of previous years, the 2025 edition elevated the standard for coach development and recognition in regional sport.
Over 130 regional coaches, administrators, and staff gathered at Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi, for a dynamic and impactful event. The conference not only provided a platform for upskilling but also served as a heartfelt acknowledgment of the dedicated volunteer coaches who play a vital role in the pre-elite athlete pathway across NSW.
Hosted by the Central Coast Academy of Sport (CCAS) on behalf of the RAS network, the one-day conference brought together top coaching talent from all 11 RAS; Central Coast, Far West, Illawarra, Hunter, North Coast, Northern Inland, South East, South West Sydney, Southern, Western Region, and Western Sydney.
The 2025 agenda featured an impressive lineup of guest speakers and industry leaders, including:
- Josh Katz – Judo Olympian
- Nathan Katz – Former Judo Olympian and Coach
- Ricky Dumigan – Professional High Performance Coach
- Lisa Beehag OAM – Professional Netball Coach
- Rodney Eade – Former Aussie Rules Football Head Coach
- Oliver Janzac – Chef de la Maison de la Performance, CREPS de Toulouse
- Alan McConnell – NSWIS High Performance Coach Development
- Sarah Skidmore – Paralympics Australia, Pathways Specialist
- James Tatham – AIS Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Brad McGee OAM – NSWIS High Performance Coach Advisor
- Holly Edstein – NSWIS Head of Nutrition
- Rob Mullard – NSWIS Sports Physiotherapist
- Marianne Loh – NSWIS Head of Para Unit
- Sean Cooney – NSWIS Performance Health Manager
- Kelly-Anne Redman – NSWIS Strength and Conditioning Practitioner
- Adam Kable – NSWIS Swimming Head Coach
- Marni Hietbrink – Performance Psychologist
Brett O’Farrell, Chair of RAS, reflected on the event, “The 2025 RAS Coaches Conference was another resounding success, featuring a world-class agenda and elite coaching minds. It was a day of education, innovation and strategic thinking, empowering our coaches to continue shaping the future of sport in NSW.”
“We’re also proud to celebrate and thank the many volunteer coaches who dedicate their time and passion to developing young athletes across the state. Our sincere thanks to NSWIS, the Office of Sport, UAA, Steadfast and Mingara Recreation Club for their continued support in making this event possible.”
Following the conference, attendees gathered at the Crowne Plaza Terrigal for the Sportsperson Dinner, a relaxed and celebratory evening that honoured the contributions of coaches and support staff in a more informal setting. The dinner featured a lively panel discussion with Rodney Eade, Lisa Beehag OAM, and Olivier Janzac, who shared stories, insights and reflections from their careers in elite sport. The evening provided a valuable opportunity for connection, storytelling and recognition among peers.
The 2025 RAS Coaching Conference reaffirmed the network’s commitment to advancing coaching excellence and athlete development across regional NSW.
The RAS network extends its sincere thanks to the event sponsors: NSW Office of Sport, NSWIS, Steadfast, UAA.
