It’s been over 10years in the making, with various stops and starts, comments and concerns being raised by members and non-members, and backed by the 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.

The 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 the ABA and the BEA will work together to unify and develop one Biathlon organisation in Australia which is recognised by the International Biathlon Union, Sport Australia, Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and can apply for recogntion in ACT, VIC 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 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 makes this a reality” – Toni Hulme President BEA

To follow progress on the unification process and what will be involved, visit the Better Biathlon webpage, where regular updates will be provided.

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