The Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) Chair and Board have announced the appointment of Dawn Fraser AC MBE as Co-Patron, joining current Patron, The Hon John Howard OM AC.
One of Australia’s most decorated and beloved athletes, Fraser, a Noosa resident, is a foundation Member of SAHOF and was an inaugural inductee in 1985 alongside Sir Don Bradman. Her long service to Australian sport and to SAHOF includes elevation to Legend status (1993) and the establishment of The Dawn Award, which recognises courage, character and leadership that create impact beyond the sporting arena. Above all, like Dawn, the award winner has been a courageous ground-breaker who made achievements against the odds and challenged the status quo.
Dawn has also served as a mentor three times within SAHOF’s highly successful Scholarship & Mentoring Program, sharing her wisdom and inspiration with Australia’s emerging sporting stars. “It has been a privilege to serve on the SAHOF Board and to help champion the stories and values of Australian sport,” Fraser said.
“I’m honoured to accept the role of Co-Patron and continue supporting SAHOF’s mission, especially through The Dawn Award, which celebrates the spirit of Australians who make a difference well beyond competition. I look forward to celebrating the 40th Anniversary Gala and the remarkable people who make our sporting nation what it is.”
Both Mr Howard and Dawn Fraser will attend SAHOF’s 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner on Monday, 17 November 2025, at Crown Palladium, Melbourne, and will walk the red carpet together.
The announcement coincides with Fraser’s resignation from the SAHOF Board, effective immediately.
Sport Australia Hall of Fame Chair and Legend of Australian Sport, John Bertrand AO, said: “Dawn has given extraordinary service to SAHOF as a Board Director and as a guiding voice for our organisation. Her elevation to Co-Patron is a natural progression that honours her legacy and her ongoing contribution to Australian sport. The Dawn Award, inspired by her values, has become a powerful beacon for courage and character beyond the arena. We thank Dawn for her Board service and look forward to her leadership as Co-Patron.”
Sport Australia Hall of Fame Patron The Hon John Howard OM AC said: “I have long admired Dawn for her achievements and her indomitable spirit, both in and out of the pool. She embodies the best of what Australian sport represents. It is a privilege to welcome her as Co-Patron, and I look forward to standing alongside her at the 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner.”
