Gary Ella’s journey from a celebrated athlete to a dedicated community advocate showcases his commitment to leveraging his platform for the betterment of society, particularly in supporting Indigenous and multicultural communities. His multifaceted career reflects a legacy of leadership, both on the rugby field and in his extensive work within the community.
Rugby Achievements
- Wallabies Representation: Gary’s illustrious rugby career began with his debut for the Australian Wallabies in 1981, marking the start of a series of national representations until 1988.
- Coaching Career: With a passion for nurturing talent, Gary has coached at multiple levels, including the NSW Waratahs, Leinster in Ireland, Parramatta, Randwick, and the Australian U19 Rugby team.
- Rugby World Cup 2027 Committee: Gary lends his expertise to the Australian Rugby World Cup 2027 Committee, contributing to the shaping of this future landmark event.
Gary’s lifelong philosophy has been to encourage respect and inclusivity, and to educate and advocate for Indigenous youth.
Public Service and Community Development
- Management Roles: Gary’s commitment to Indigenous affairs and community development is evident through his roles with ATSIC, the NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs, and Randwick City Council.
- Sydney Olympic Games: As the Program Manager for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Relations for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, Gary oversaw projects that highlighted Aboriginal culture, including the torch relay and the opening and closing ceremonies.
- Community Development Coordinator: Since 2015, Gary has been pivotal in identifying gaps in community services for Randwick Council, serving seniors, youth, Aboriginal, and multicultural communities.
Cultural Contributions
- Director of Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team: Through this role, Gary supports the development of rugby among Indigenous youths, promoting sports as a pathway to success.
- IT Newcom Foundation: Gary is involved with the IT Newcom Foundation, furthering his impact on community support and development.
Personal Journey
A proud Yuin and Bidjigal man, Gary grew up in La Perouse, Sydney, with eleven siblings. His family’s strong ties to their heritage and community have deeply influenced his career and advocacy work.
Along with his twin brothers, Mark and Glen, Gary was part of the undefeated 1977–1978 Australian Schools side, showcasing early on his exceptional talent and leadership on the rugby field.
