A call for nominations was circulated Friday 30 August, more than 45 days prior to the AGM, as per the Triathlon WA constitution. Seven (7) candidates submitted valid nominations, for three (3) positions, therefore a vote by the members at the Annual General Meeting was required.
Following the Triathlon Western Australia (TWA) Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 16 October 2024, we are pleased to announce the election of two (2) new Board Members, and the re-election of one (1) existing Board Member.
RESULTS OF BOARD ELECTION
Members of the Association had the opportunity to vote to fill three (3) elected Board vacancies. The three candidates elected were Henrietta Farrell (Exceed Triathlon Club), Richard Burnell (EFS Triathlon Club), and Leighton Cook.
Thank you to our other nominees Kelly Dewar-Matusik, Mel Newcome, and Greg Hire. The Board greatly appreciates the interest from all candidates, demonstrating their support of triathlon in Western Australia.
The Board would like to thank outgoing Board Members Bruce McCully and Emma Ridley for their dedication and expertise over the past two (2) years. Both members have added significant value across several key priorities of Triathlon WA. We wish them both well and look forward to seeing their continued involvement in the sport.
Henrietta Farrell – Re-Elected Board Member
Henrietta is a returning Board Member, recently having served as Vice President of Triathlon WA. Her previous years of board experience have prepared her to provide ongoing governance and strategic leadership.
Henrietta is currently Chief Customer Officer at the Department of Finance, leading a multidiscipline team of 65 to deliver whole-of-government programs valued at over $30 million. Prior to that, she was Head of Communications and Marketing at VenuesLive, setting the media strategy for Optus Stadium, after leading all media facing activity during construction of the stadium. Her well-developed relationships with local, national and international media helped establish an excellent reputation. Henrietta also has over 16 years experience with major international events, working in senior marketing and partnership roles at Telstra Rally Australia, Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games and London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games. She managed contracts, relationships and rights delivery for brands including adidas, Panasonic, Telstra, Optus, Qantas and Rio Tinto.
Henrietta joined the Triathlon Board in 2022 as an appointed member, before being elected by the membership at the 2022 AGM and becoming Vice President. She undertook the 2022 Constitution Review and was a panel member for recruiting for the Executive Director position. This experience gives her a solid understanding of the issues and opportunities currently facing Triathlon WA. She is passionate about being part of Board that understands and practices outstanding governance and consistently undertakes additional training and development opportunities to complement her AICD qualifications.
Henrietta joined the triathlon community in 2014 and remains an active competitor.
Richard Burnell – Newly Elected Board Member
Richard has a broad and deep experience and skill set developed in a variety of commercial positions with organisations in Australia and overseas. His most recent role was Executive Director of Fire and Emergency Services WA (DFES) where his responsibility covered all corporate functions (Finance, Media and Communications, Procurement and Contract Management, ICT, Fleet and Property Management, Human Resource Management and Cadet and Volunteer services) for 1,200 staff and 28,000 volunteers.
He is currently a Board Member of both the Fire & Emergency Services Superannuation Fund and Yourtoolkit.com, a not-for-profit organisation which provides support to women experiencing family and domestic violence. He also sits on the Audit and Risk Committees for both these organisations and chairs the IT and Communications Committee for Yourtoolkit.com.
Richard’s triathlon experience is extensive, having competed since 2000, and representing Australia at 14 age group World Championships. He is a current Technical Official and Assistant Age Group Manager for AusTriathlon (supporting athletes at Townsville, Pontevedra and Wollongong World Championships). He was a committee member of Fremantle Triathlon Club and EFS Triathlon Club and has served on the ITU/World Triathlon Age Group Commission.
Leighton Cook – Newly Elected Board Member
Leighton has a strong blend of academic, professional, and sporting skills to bring to the TWA Board. He has a degree in economics and business law and is a provisional member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, currently working at PriceWaterhouseCoopers. He has experience in tax advisory, consulting and compliance, working with a range of clients across different industries and sectors. He has a strong understanding of financial management, risk assessment and reporting. As a swimming coach at the Western Australian Institute of Sport, he has first-hand experience in highperformance sport, helping three athletes onto the Australian Olympic team for Tokyo in 2021.
Leighton has been involved in triathlon for over 10 years, competing in various events from sprint to half-ironman distances and was a member of the Triathlon Excellence Program in 2013/14, racing the junior ITU triathlon series in Australia. He has a keen interest in promoting the sport of triathlon to a wider and more diverse audience, as well as supporting the development and retention of talent within the state. He can also contribute to strategic, financial, and operational aspects, fostering collaboration and pursuing partnerships and sponsorships.
For more information about all TWA Board members, please visit the Board Page here.
CONFIRMATION OF BOARD LEADERSHIP TEAM
Following the Board Meeting on 30 October 2024, Triathlon WA will confirm the Board Members in the leadership roles of President, Vice President and Treasurer respectively.