Biathlon in Australia: A New Beginning  

It’s been over 10 years in the making, with various stops and starts, many comments and concerns being raised by members and with the supportive resolve of the International and Australian Sporting Authorities, biathlon in Australia is getting it’s house in order and beginning its unification journey.     

The first step on the unification journey has been the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Australian Biathlon Association and Biathlon East Australia.

This MOU was signed by Paul Cullen President of the Australian Biathlon Association (ABA) and Toni Hulme, Chair of Biathlon East Australia (BEA).

The MOU was also co-signed by Biathlon ACT and NSW Biathlon as the recognised State Sporting Organisations in ACT and NSW.

The MOU lays the groundwork for how these two organisations will work together whilst ABA develops a new Constitution which includes becoming a company limited by guarantee.

“Biathlon in Australia is at a critical juncture. We have been in a pattern of survival for far too long when we should be thriving as a maturing sport in Australia. Unifying the sport of biathlon in Australia is the key! It is the foundation that biathlon will thrive from. Our members, athletes and partners are critical in the process of unification and assuring the future of the biathlon family in Australia. The resolve of ABA and BEA to realise unification and work together as a truly unified team is the new reality. Look forward to a single membership model, improved athlete experience, defined participation pathways, more events, national sporting recognition, increased athlete success. A better biathlon in Australia is our future.”

 - Paul Cullen, President ABA  

The MOU specifies that ABA and BEA will work together to unify and develop one Biathlon organisation in Australia which is recognised by International Biathlon Union (IBU), Sport Australia, Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and can apply for recognition in ACT and NSW.

The key agreements in the MOU are:

• Form a unification and governance sub-committee (with representatives from both organisations) to manage and implement change
• Develop one annual Biathlon calendar of events with joint promotion of upcoming events in all locations by all organisations
• Agree and distribute joint communications in the lead up to unification
• Develop complementary social media posts and website news stories
• Prepare the necessary structures and conditions necessary for unification in addition to setting key milestones and agreeing the terms and conditions as part of unification.

Click here  to read the MOU

“Uniting biathlon organisations across Australia and forming one clear and sport pathway for athletes and participants – including laser, masters, recreational, development and high performance - will help us grow our sport in Australia. Our plans are to achieve international rankings suitable for Olympic qualification and have athletes competing at every IBU level as well as ensuring members who want to participate in biathlon are provided with more opportunities and in more locations. Together, ABA and BEA can make this a reality”

- Toni Hulme, Chair BEA

To follow progress on the unification process as it unfolds follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, visit the Better Biathlon webpage  where regular updates will be posted.