Former Cricketer Steve Waugh Appointed To Centre For Australia-India Relations Advisory Board

The Centre works across government, industry, academia and the community to strengthen the Australia-India relationship and encourage businesses to capitalise on opportunities regarding economic partnership.

Former Australian cricketer Steve Waugh has been appointed to the Centre For Australia-India Relations Advisory Board.

Source : X@YeshiSeli

Australian cricketing legend Steve Waugh has been appointed to the Centre for Australia-India Relations Advisory Board, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said in a statement.

The Centre works across all levels of government, industry, academia, and community to build an improved understanding of the Australia-India relationship and encourage businesses to capitalise on opportunities regarding economic partnership.

The Advisory Board guides the strategic priorities for the Centre’s programs and activities, improving partnerships in business, the arts, education, health, science, technology and sport.

Waugh is a former Australian men’s cricket captain and has played a crucial role in strengthening ties between Australia and India. Over the past 20 years, he has made significant philanthropic contributions through the Steve Waugh Foundation. Waugh recently published a photography book on India titled, ‘The Spirit of Cricket: India’. 

"I would like to thank outgoing board member Adam Gilchrist AM for his valuable contribution to the Centre since its establishment, and to the broader relationship with India," a statement by Australia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The Centre for Australia-India Relations is a national platform established by the Australian Government in 2023 to support and facilitate greater collaboration and engagement with India.

It focuses on four key areas including promotion of dialogue, building India business literacy and links, engaging Indian diaspora communities to support the bilateral relationship, and deepening cultural connections and mutual understanding.

In the past, Steve Waugh has also served as Australia's 'Tourism Ambassador' to India, a role aimed at boosting awareness of Australia as a holiday destination. This appointment was announced by Australia's Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Joe Hockey, at the Sydney Cricket Ground on September 29, 2003.

At the official launch, Waugh expressed his pleasure to be working with the Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) to raise the profile of Australia as a holiday destination in India.