The Confederation of Australian Sport (CAS) is mourning the loss of Life Member Garry Daly AM, who passed away on 12 February 2026 at the age of 89.

Garry Daly was an early architect and founding Honorary Secretary of CAS, playing a pivotal role in the establishment of a unified national voice for Australian sport. In 1975, following a Federal Government decision to remove funding from Australian sport, he moved a motion at a meeting of representatives of national sporting bodies to form the Confederation of Australian Sport. That decisive action marked the beginning of a new era of coordinated sport advocacy in Australia.

In October 1978, Garry became the full-time Executive Director of CAS. During his tenure, he proposed and oversaw the establishment of the annual national sport award system, now known as the Sport Australia Awards, creating an enduring platform to celebrate excellence and achievement across the sporting landscape.

In 1980, Garry coordinated a national program of seminars and led the publication of The Master Plan for Sport, a landmark strategic document that significantly influenced the establishment of the Australian Institute of Sport and helped shape the future direction of high-performance sport in Australia.

He was made a Life Member of CAS in 1985 in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the organisation and the broader sporting sector.

Garry was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1988 as a General Member for his outstanding contribution to sports administration. He was also the Founder and inaugural Chairman of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, helping establish one of the nation’s most prestigious sporting institutions.

In 1989, Garry was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his services to sport and to the community; national recognition of a lifetime dedicated to strengthening Australian sport. His service extended well beyond CAS. Garry served as:

• Secretary of the Australia Sports Media Association from 1989 to 2000
• A member of the International Olympic Committee Sport for All Coordination Group from 1995 to 2002
• Chairman of the Asia Pacific and Oceania Masters Games Board of Management, elected in 2004

Garry was also instrumental in the growth of the Masters sport movement in Australia. He proposed the concept of the Masters Games to the Northern Territory Government, leading to the establishment of the Central Australian Masters Games in 1986. He subsequently proposed the Australian Masters Games to Tasmania, with the first event conducted in 1987 — initiatives that created lasting opportunities for lifelong participation in sport.

Among his many additional accomplishments, Garry served as:

• Secretary of the Organising Committee for the inaugural General Assembly of the International Assembly of Confederations of Sport in March 1981, chaired by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh
• Secretary of the Australian Games Foundation from 1981 to 1986
• Secretary of the Confederation of Australian Sport Coaches Assembly for eight years
• A founding member of the Australian Coaching Council from 1980 to 1986

Garry Daly AM’s vision, leadership and tireless advocacy laid critical foundations for the modern Australian sporting system. His influence can be seen across sport governance, high performance, community participation and the recognition of sporting excellence.

The Confederation of Australian Sport extends its deepest condolences to Garry’s family, friends and colleagues. His legacy will endure across the Australian sporting community for generations to come.

Top image shared courtesy of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.