Snow Australia thanks outgoing NSTC General Manager Cathy Lambert

After three and a half years serving as the National Snowsport Training Centre (NSTC) General Manager, Cathy Lambert is stepping away from her role at Snow Australia. 

During her time with Snow Australia, Cathy oversaw a range of major projects and operational programs, including the Grand Opening of the new NSTC John Langley Hancock Building and the coordination and management of athlete and sport programs accessing and utilising the NSTC across multiple disciplines and pathway levels.

In 2012, Cathy commenced with NSW Interschools and NSW Snowsports as Finance Manager, before later expanding into finance and operational management of the Interschools program. They were also a key contributor to the unification process that began in 2016 and culminated in the final unification in 2019, representing both NSW Snowsports and Snowsports ACT throughout the process.

As Cathy reflects on her time with Snow Australia, attending the Milano Cortina Olympic Games in February, stands out as one of the most memorable moments for her.

“While I was there as a parent, it became so much more than that.” Cathy said.

“Having spent time with many of the Olympic athletes at the NSTC, I felt a deep connection to their journeys. I shared in their highs and lows, celebrating their achievements and feeling their disappointments.

“Knowing I had played even a small part in supporting their Olympic preparation made the experience deeply meaningful.”

For Cathy, the grand opening of the new NSTC facility in 2024, stands out as one of her proudest achievements in her role as the General Manager. 

“The event took months of preparation and was a true team effort to bring it all together seamlessly, something I hadn’t undertaken at that scale before,” she said.

The grand opening welcomed a variety of stakeholders, including NSW Premier Chis Minns, key industry and corporate partners and Olympians all in attendance, showcasing the growth and potential of the NSTC. 

“Seeing the genuine amazement from so many people, and their recognition of the NSTC’s  potential and value to winter athletes, made me incredibly proud to have played a role in turning the vision into reality.”

“The NSTC provides these athletes with the tools and opportunities to pursue their goals, and I feel very privileged to have helped create an environment that supports their success.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of Cathy’s role has been developing the NSTC into a facility that supports every stage of the snowsports pathway. Programs introduced during her time included ‘Tiny Tumblers’ for three and four year olds, after-school programs for the local community, and increased community access to the centre’s facilities, like adult programs and the airbag community sessions.

“It’s been just as fulfilling to see athletes progress along the pathway into ETP camps, and for some, ultimately to go into the high-performance level where they go on to achieve success on the world stage.” Cathy said.

“What makes it most meaningful is knowing that the transformation hasn’t just been about the facility itself, but about the people who use it. Watching individuals grow, develop and achieve their goals at every level has been incredibly rewarding.”

As Cathy moves on from her position, she hopes the foundations built during her time at the NSTC continue to grow and support both the snowsports community and the wider Jindabyne region.

“With future projects in the pipeline and the ongoing development of programs, there is a real opportunity to expand what the Centre can offer.

“What makes the NSTC special is its ability to cater to such a broad community. It can be a place where a three-year-old begins their snowsports journey, taking their first bounce towards what could one day become an Olympic dream.

“Equally, it can be a space where community members come together to stay active and have fun with friends.” she said.

Snow Australia CEO Ben Wordsworth has thanked Cathy for her significant contribution to the NSTC and the wider Australian snowsports community.

“Cathy has played an incredibly important role in the growth of the NSTC and the wider Snow Australia pathway through her previous involvement with the Interschools and as the Northern Administration Manager. Her passion for creating opportunities for athletes across all levels of the pathway, has helped shape the Centre into what it is today.” said Ben.

“Her dedication to both the athletes and the Jindabyne community has left a lasting impact, and on behalf of Snow Australia, I want to thank Cathy for her hard work and leadership. We wish her all the very best in her next chapter.”

For many Australian winter athletes, the NSTC has played a role at some point in their development, from rainy day trampoline sessions as a youth to their first strength and conditioning program. The Centre has long been a key part of developing Australian athletes and olympians, and for many of them, Cathy Lambert has been a part of that journey too.