Providing camps and outdoor experiences for kids, teens, and adults living with disability

This weeks PBA Changemaker is Peter McDougall, who joined the Australian Camps Association (ACA) as CEO in early 2023 after nine years as CEO of the Northern Football Netball League (NFNL).

Prior to working at the NFNL, Peter worked at AFL Victoria for 12 years as the Community Football Manager where he worked closely with all football leagues and clubs across Victoria. During this time, he was instrumental in providing support to all stakeholders, as well as improving the governance and management of many metropolitan football leagues to make them a strong professional organisation.
Peter has also worked closely with and represented all stakeholders to
federal/state/local government departments on key industry issues. Peter is very
much a team focussed CEO who works closely with all staff to help the ACA achieve
its strategic goals.

The Australian Camps Association is the national peak body for camps and outdoor
activity providers. The ACA is also a registered NDIS Service Provider offering
camps for individuals living with disability in Victoria, New South Wales and
Queensland through its People Outdoors Program.

Describe your career trajectory and how you got to your current position.

Early in my working life I was not career focussed, too busy focussing on sport and
life. I credit working in management with McDonalds for laying the foundation of my
career which has assisted me to get where I am today.

Volunteering in sport plus my business management education led me to my first job
working in sport with AFL Victoria. This led to a 21 year career working in football
which was beyond my wildest dreams. During this time, I learnt and experienced so
much, it shaped me into the CEO that I am today.

I never thought I would work in sport but due to my attitude of helping and
volunteering, it led to a paid role in an industry that I loved. It was a dream come true
and this created opportunities to grow my skills and experience which led to greater
career opportunities.

The move to the Australian Camps Association was a great opportunity to join an
organisation that I could utilise my experience and skills to help the organisation and
their members. It has been a very rewarding and positive time working with such
positive people who are committed to supporting the youth of today who will be our
future leaders.

What drives you to do the work that you do?

I am driven by the desire to help and support others. I find it satisfying to see a
positive outcome or solution provided for someone or an entity who were struggling
to solve a problem. To come up with solutions which help others improve their
organisation motivates me to continue to want to help more.

If you could go back in time, what piece of advice would you give yourself
as you first embarked on your career?

I would advise myself to never give up on pursuing your dreams because
opportunities can appear when you least expect it. Work hard, always do a great job at everything you do, and this will help you later on in your career to achieve your goals and dreams.

Any words you live by every day?

Work hard, be professional, lead by example, and always be honest and transparent.

What are you currently watching / reading / listening to?

When I get the time, I like to watch something light hearted like the TV shows Fisk,
Still Game or Traitors. Reading is limited due to time constraints, but I do like to read
about managing and raising horses, and I like listening to podcasts such as the
Howie Games, Life and Crimes with Andrew Rule or Life of Brian.