Following his playing career, Henke was the Chef de Mission for Australia's Winter Olympic Games delegations from Innsbruck 1976 to Lillehammer 1994 and is credited with playing a part in ending the neglect of winter sports in the country.

Chesterman claims that Henke's dedication, passion and energy transformed Australian sport, helped by the creation of the OWIA.

"Geoff has always had a vision for the advancement of winter sport in the Olympic Movement and the OWIA's very existence is testament to his capacity for bringing people with him and overcoming hurdles along the way," said Chesterman.

"He identified the opportunity for Australia's transformation from a smaller player at Winter Games to a significant presence.

"Geoff made sure we took that opportunity.

"As chair of the Olympic Winter Institute since 1998 he has always championed the athlete, supported the coaches and been single handedly responsible for the two pieces of infrastructure that will be a legacy for generations – the O'Brien Ice House in Melbourne and the Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre in Brisbane."

Australia made its debut in the Winter Olympics at Garmisch-Partenkirchen 1936 but did not win its first medal until Lillehammer 1994 when claimed a bronze in the men's 5,000 metres relay in short track speed skating.

They won their first gold medals at Salt Lake City 2002 thanks to Steven Bradbury in the men's 1,000m in short track and freestyle skier Alisa Camplin in women's aerials.

Australia has now won a total of 19 medals at the Winter Olympics, including six gold.

At this year's Games in Beijing, Australia won four medals, including a gold for freestyle skier Jakara Anthony in the women's moguls.

It is unlikely Australia would have enjoyed such success without Henke's vision.

"His wisdom and loyalty has seen him gather friends from all circles and gather around him a group of next-generation administrators who have benefitted from his leadership, wisdom and friendship," Chesterman said.

"Geoff is a life member of Snow Australia, the Australian Olympic Committee, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation and Ice Hockey Australia.

"He was Chef de Mission of the Australian Team at six winter Games.

"This year Australia recorded it greatest winter Olympic performance in Beijing.

"It's fitting that he's chosen this moment to call time on what has been a storied career as a sports administrator."

Henke was also a member of the AOC from 1984 to 2001 and served for a period as vice-president.

Chesterman took the opportunity to welcome incoming chair Dean Gosper as Henke's replacement and said that the future of Australian winter sport was in safe hands.

"Dean brings vast experience to the role with his own outstanding record of achievement in winter sports administration," said Chesterman.

"He has had a transformative impact through his previous roles as President of Snow Australia and as Deputy Chair of the OWIA."