A career break at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame

Chris Little says VU’s placements and industry connections helped him gain the experience necessary to becoming heritage coordinator at Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

“I first pursued studies in science at VU. But my partner – seeing me enjoy managing the VU football team – suggested I change to a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management.

I completed my first placement with the Western Bulldogs, as a Heritage Cadet, in collaboration with Victoria University researcher Rob Hess. We researched the Bulldogs’ contribution to Women's AFL during the 1950s, conducting interviews with women who had played the game during that time.

My placement with Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) was during the annual induction and awards gala dinner. I got to work with Australian sporting greats, including Kieren Perkins, Dawn Fraser and Kevin Sheedy.

These placements were vital to my studies, as they gave me insights into how national sport organisations operate.

In my current role as SAHOF’s Heritage Coordinator, I work on selections for inductees and awards. This involves working with the likes of Robert de Castella (AO*), who is the committee’s chair; Bruce McAvaney (OAM*), Louise Sauvage (OAM), Debbie Watson (OAM) and Raelene Boyle (AM).

I also sit on the selection committee for SAHOF’s scholarship and mentoring program for young athletes, which is chaired by World Sports Aerobics Champion Sue Stanley (OAM) and former international cricketer Belinda Clark (AO) and Olympic Gold medallist Lauren Burns (OAM).

I gained a deep understanding of my own ability through my VU coursework, and the industry placements on offer provided the experience and networks that have led me to my exciting career path at SAHOF."

*AO = Order of Australia - Officer of the Order

*OAM = Order of Australia - Medal of the Order

Course studied

Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management