Delahunty has been appointed by the Australian Government to the Sport Australia board. He hoped to provide a unique perspective as one of the only members from a regional background.

The former Member for Lowan grew up in Murtoa, and played for Essendon in the Victorian Football League in the 1970s before entering politics.

Delahunty served as Minister for Sport and Recreation during the Ballieu and Napthine governments from 2010-2014.

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"I'm excited to be there - sports governance is something that I've had an interest in for a long time throughout my sporting life," Delahunty said.

"As someone who has worked with sport from the grass roots right through to a ministerial level, I hope I can add value to the board and provide a rural and country point of view."

Delahunty said playing sport was a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle. He said providing pathways for talented young athletes in rural areas would help ensure sport remains a popular activity.

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"One way to address obesity and mental health issues is through sport and getting people active," Delahunty said.

"I want to encourage people, and especially young people from country areas to get involved.

"There is a lot of young talent from country levels that have gone on to be superstars in sport. You look at Mitch Creek at the moment - they're the type of people the younger generation are inspired by.

"They encourage people to play sport, so we want to keep those pathways open for the younger generation."

Delahunty said sport was an essential part of rural communities, and that he was determined to ensure sport's prosperity in regional Australia.

Delahunty also said he was determined to promote and uphold sport as a positive force in the community.

"I am also concerned about the integrity of sport, whether that be drugs in sport, gambling in sport - these things are a worry," he said.

"It is a massive part of our culture... We need to protect the integrity of sport.

"From a community point of view it can play a leading role in peoples lives."