Difference-maker rewarded for health, sport, community work

WHEN asked whether there are any tertiary education, health and sport science, or community initiatives he’s most proud of, Emeritus Professor Warren Payne remembers many projects.

“I just like to make a difference,” he said. “I like to take on projects where… I can set up systems and address a need.”

Formerly the deputy-Vice Chancellor at Victoria University, Professor Payne is Western Alliance Academic Health Science Centre’s executive director of seven years, helping hospitals to develop their research, including Grampians Health.

“The Western Alliance is now accredited by the National Medical Research Council, which is a big achievement. We’re the only rural centre in Victoria,” he said.

Formerly Federation University’s Physical Activity and Health Research Centre director, deputy head of school of Human Movement and Sport Science, and head of school of Human Movement and Sport Science, Professor Payne said being part of the establishment of the FedUni WestVic Academy of Sport was an exciting career moment.

For significant service to sport and health medical research, and to the community, Professor Payne has been named a Member of the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Committed to backing young sportspeople, Professor Payne also takes great pride in his roles as a swimming coach, and Ballarat High School rowing coach.

He is also a dedicated Rotarian.

“I’ve loved supporting and mentoring kids for 30 years, interacting with them and their families, and continuing to interact with them even once they move on,” he said.

“Seeing the kids grow, mature, and the lessons they take from the challenges of sport… that’s been very rewarding.

“I’ve been heavily involved with the Rotary Club of Ballarat, and on the local project front, I’m on the board of the Community Care Centre, and helped set that up particularly with the Ballarat Foundation and Community Bank Buninyong.

“The Rotary Club of Ballarat has its centenary this year, and so a major project is to refurbish a second SoupBus. I’ve been heavily involved with raising funds for that.”

At Victoria University, Professor Payne had roles including vice-president of research and research training, Pro Vice-Chancellor for research, chair of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Committee, and was an executive member of the Universities Australia Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Committee.

He’s served with Sports Medicine Australia in roles including Victorian branch president and national board vice-president of science, and with Exercise and Sports Science Australia in roles including national secretary and vice-president exercise science.

Professor Payne has co-authored over 150 peer reviewed publications, has served the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority on the VCE Physical Education Examination Board, as a vetter, and curriculum reviewer, and has advised the Victorian Minister of Sport and Recreation on boards for sports science and sports Medicine, andstrategy.