The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is pleased to confirm former high-profile Australian sports person, activist and actor Ian Roberts will be the closing speaker at the 2025 Australian Sports Turf Management Conference and Trade Exhibition on Thursday June 26.

The 59-year-old (pictured right) played for New South Wales in State of Origin and won 13 caps for the Australian national team, while also plying his trade for South Sydney, Wigan, Manly Sea Eagles and North Queensland Cowboys in the 1980s and 1990s at club level. 

In 1995, Roberts became the first high profile Australian sports person and first rugby footballer in the world to come out publicly as gay.

Outside of the sporting arena, Roberts studied at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, graduating in 2003. In 2006, he relocated to the US to pursue an acting career. He has since appeared in over thirty films and numerous television series.

Roberts will close out the 2025 conference and is a highly credentialed motivational speaker and will share with his life in hope to motivate people to be their best while facing their fears. He has a specialisation in elite athlete wellbeing management and works across sectors promoting wellbeing, positive masculinity and inclusion.

Now residing in Sydney, he champions the need for homelessness services, LGBTIQ rights, and raises awareness of mental health issues.

•    To register for the 2025 Australian Sports Turf Management Conference: www.astma.com.au/_events.registration/step1/eventid/29042

Images: Supplied