WAFC announces Board changes Wednesday, March 31, 2021 - 5:34 PM

After five years of quality service to WA Football, Hon. Cheryl Edwardes AM has stepped down from the Board of the West Australian Football Commission due to new work commitments.
 
Mrs Edwardes joined the Board in 2016 becoming just the third female Commissioner to be appointed, bringing a wealth of experience to all areas of the organisation.
 
Whilst on the Board, the former Attorney General was involved in recruiting two CEO’s to the organisation, relinquishing Subiaco Oval and moving to Tuart College, the Boston Consulting Group Review resulting in a five-year Strategic Plan and establishing the Women in Football Advisory Committee.
 
Mrs Edwardes was endorsed as Vice Chairman of the WAFC Board in 2020 and has chaired the Risk and Governance Committee as well being a member of the Finance Committee.
 
Under the organisation’s Constitution, the WAFC Board resolved to appoint Carolyn Hills to fill the casual vacancy until 1 January, 2022.
 
Ms Hills brings considerable football experience to the role of WAFC Commissioner, having served as WA Women’s Football League President for the past decade and led the transformation from a community competition to a League catering for AFLW players.
 
Carolyn has been the longest serving president in WAWFL history.
 
For the past 23 years, Carolyn has been involved in WA’s water industry specialising in water resource management, highlighted by a two-year appointment as the Principal Policy Advisor to the State Water Minister. These roles have allowed for a strong background in Governance, Strategy, Planning and Policy.
 
Ms Hills defined her appointment as a privilege, adding she was motivated to support the continued growth of football at all levels.
 
“I am delighted with my appointment to the WAFC Board,” Hills said.
 
“I want to use this exciting opportunity to continue to drive female, community and grassroots football.”
 
“I hope my experience will help to deliver great outcomes in the various aspects of our game, including participation and talent, volunteering, facilities and umpiring.”
 
“The WAFC has a great story to tell and I’m looking forward to being involved in the next chapter of WA football.”
 
WAFC Chairman Hon. Wayne Martin described Mrs Edwardes as a highly successful leader that will leave a lasting impact on football in Western Australia.
 
“Cheryl has made a wonderful contribution to the West Australian Football Commission,” Martin said.
 
“While we are disappointed to lose a person of Cheryl’s calibre, the Board respects and understands her decision to step down and we wish her well.”
 
“Carolyn is well known to people within football for her passion and support of the women’s game and more broadly will continue to grow community football at all levels.”
 
Mrs Edwardes said she could unfortunately no longer devote the necessary time and energy required to be a Board Director at the West Australian Football Commission.
 
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the WAFC and while I am no longer able to serve in an official capacity, I will continue to be a passionate supporter of WA Football,” Edwardes said.
 
“I thank the Commissioners past and present for their support over my journey and wish all the best to Chairman Wayne Martin and the Board for 2021."
 
WAFC’s Board Directors are Hon. Wayne Martin AC QC (Chairman), Amber Banfield, Dixie Marshall, Ian Callahan, Stuart Love, Brian O’Donnell, Phil Lamb and Carolyn Hills.