Yvonne Mullins AM appointed a Member of the Order of Australia
Yvonne Mullins, Oceania Athletics Association’s (OAA) Executive Director has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to international sports administration and athletics.
This prestigious honour recognises more than four decades of exceptional leadership, volunteer service, and professional contribution to athletics.
Through her work with the Oceania Athletics Association, Queensland Athletics, Athletics North Queensland, Oceania Sport (formerly known as the Organisation of Sports Federations of Oceania), Kirra Surf Life Saving Club, and numerous international sporting organisations, Yvonne has dedicated her life to creating opportunities for athletes, officials, volunteers, and communities throughout the region.
A lifelong advocate for sport as a vehicle for inclusion, health, education, and social connection, Yvonne has made an extraordinary impact at every level of athletics. Her journey has encompassed roles as an athlete, coach, technical official, administrator, competition director, team manager, board member, mentor, and leader. Whether working at local club competitions or on the world stage, she has consistently demonstrated excellence, integrity, and a commitment to service.
Yvonne’s influence extends well beyond competition management. She has been a driving force in developing athletics throughout Oceania, strengthening sporting governance, mentoring emerging leaders, and fostering pathways for athletes and officials from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Her expertise has been sought internationally through appointments as a Technical Delegate, Team Leader, Competition Director, and member of numerous global working groups and commissions, including World Athletics and the Pacific Games Council.
A passionate champion of gender equity and inclusion, Yvonne has played a leading role in increasing participation and leadership opportunities for women and girls in sport. Through mentoring programs, governance advocacy, educational initiatives, and leadership development across Oceania, she has worked tirelessly to ensure women have a strong voice in decision making and are supported to progress into senior administrative and governance roles. Her commitment to equality has helped shape a more inclusive and representative sporting environment across the region.
Throughout her distinguished career, Yvonne has remained a proud advocate for volunteering and community engagement. She has consistently acknowledged that the success of sport is built on the dedication of volunteers and has devoted countless hours to supporting and empowering others. She credits the many athletes, officials, colleagues, and community members she has worked alongside, and acknowledges the influence of respected Australian sporting leader Kevan Gosper in shaping her values of service, integrity, teamwork, and leadership.
Her contribution has been recognised through numerous honours, including Life Memberships of Townsville North Star Athletics Club, Athletics North Queensland, and Athletics Australia (now known as Australian Athletics); the Australian Sports Award; the IAAF Centenary Award; the Oceania Athletics Association Merit Award; the McPherson Community Achiever Award; and the Most Outstanding Technical Official of the Pacific Mini Games.
As the first female President of Athletics North Queensland and now the first female President of Queensland Athletics, Yvonne has broken barriers and created lasting pathways for future generations of women in sport. Her leadership has helped transform athletics across Queensland, Oceania, and the wider international sporting community.
Yvonne Mullins’ appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia is a fitting recognition of a lifetime devoted to service, leadership, and the advancement of athletics. Her legacy is reflected not only in the competitions she has helped deliver and the organisations she has strengthened, but also in the countless people she has inspired, mentored, and empowered.
Through her unwavering commitment, Yvonne has demonstrated the powerful role sport plays in building stronger, healthier, more inclusive, and more connected communities. Her contribution to athletics and the people of Oceania and Australia is both profound and enduring.
“I could never have imagined when I first became involved in sports administration at Kirra Surf Life Saving Club in the early 1980s, and later took my two children, Chris and Natasha, to Townsville North Star in the early 1990s, that I would be here today receiving this honour. I am both humbled and deeply honoured.” Mullins said
“Sport has given me lifelong friendships and a strong sense of purpose, and my journey has always been about people, athletes, officials, volunteers, and communities. I often feel I am the luckiest person in the world to have had these experiences. I acknowledge the support and sacrifices of my family, and the opportunities we have shared, along with the mentors who have guided me and the many individuals whose contributions continue to strengthen sport across our local communities and the wider Oceania family. I am privileged to share this recognition with all who have been part of the journey.”
Yvonne Mullins’ appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia is a fitting recognition of a lifetime devoted to service, leadership, and the advancement of athletics. Her legacy is reflected not only in the competitions she has helped deliver and the organisations she has strengthened, but also in the countless people she has inspired, mentored, and empowered.
Through her unwavering commitment, Yvonne has demonstrated the powerful role sport plays in building stronger, healthier, more inclusive, and more connected communities. Her contribution to athletics and the people of Oceania and Australia is both profound and enduring.
–ENDS–