Directors

Elected 2023 as a director, Mel has been involved in team sports from a very young age. Mel has been a part of the Western Border Football and Netball League and the Mid SE league in SA as well as the Horsham Football Netball League in Western Victoria playing various roles within AFL and Netball. Moving to WA in 2001, Mel got involved as a RDFA member and various roles for the Southerners Football Club along with being the Vice chair of the Great Southern Regional Board, Junior Football age group coordinator then nominated as president of SDJFA for 6 years. Once her son was drafted to Royals in the GSFL, she took up the volunteers coordinator and U16’s Team manager. Mel was nominated as President of Country Football WA in March 2024.

Greg joined CFWA in 2017 and brings with him a wealth of experience from football in the Mortlock where he was a former President for six years. Greg has experience on the League Committee, and with the Goomalling FC, and has run a successful Agribusiness in the region. He has a passion for grass roots football due to the social impact it can have in regional communities.

Elected in 2023, Curtis was raised in both the Gascoyne and South-West Regions of WA and played 265 senior football games, 190 of these across the SWFL and CWFL country competitions, including playing representative football and WA State Country. This was followed on by Senior coaching, playing and committee roles in the Perth Football League for 7 years. Curtis is the General Manager of a national health and human services organisation, with a keen interest to improve the impact, sustainability and overall health of the Country Football in WA, so that our communities may thrive sustainably into the future.

Coming from being the Chairman of the South West Regional Football Development Council (SWRFDC), Mark has worked collaboratively with the WAFC and Country Football for a number of year. An East Perth Royal League player, Mark has been involved in football for a number of years as not only as a player but a coach as well. Mark has filled a casual vacancy in 2024 and looks forward to developing Country Football on it’s new path it is on.

CEO of Respiratory Care WA Anne Hallam is thrilled to join the Country Football WA Board, bringing her deep commitment to health, community, and regional engagement. Having grown up in Albany and Bunbury, Anne has firsthand experience of the vital role football plays in uniting regional communities. She is eager to contribute her strategic leadership, sports consulting, and advocacy skills to support the growth and sustainability of country football, ensuring it continues to inspire, connect, and create opportunities for players, volunteers, and communities across regional WA.

General Manager, Port Operations, BHP Cindy Dunham has been actively involved in football at many levels for several years and strongly believes in the sport’s ability to provide a creative outlet, instil discipline, and foster teamwork. With a background in finance and law, Cindy has built a successful career in the mining industry and currently serves as General Manager of Port Operations in Port Hedland for BHP. She is committed to nurturing, growing, and developing community engagement through football.

Acting CEO, Great Southern Development Commission Football has played a significant role in Jarrad Gardner’s life, providing him with friendships, lifelong memories, and career development opportunities. By joining the board, Jarrad aims to give back to the game and support its growth across regional WA. He recognizes football clubs as the heartbeat of many towns, fostering social inclusion and a sense of community among players, supporters, and volunteers. Jarrad is excited to contribute to ensuring these opportunities continue for future generations. We look forward to the contributions of our new board members and their impact on the future of country football in WA.

An experienced business and community leader, Sam Alexeeff holds directorships in three companies and serves as President of the West Kimberley Football League. With a strong background in education, he has been Principal of remote schools and a leader at Broome SHS.A lifelong football participant, Sam brings extensive experience as a player, coach, umpire, and administrator. Passionate about the social impact of grassroots football, he is committed to fostering inclusivity, collaboration, and high standards to support the growth and success of CFWA.

An experienced sports professional with 30 years in leadership and operational roles, Cameron Knapton specializes in governance, competition management, and stakeholder relations. He has served on multiple boards and committees, including the WA Sports Federation, Australian Country Football Council, and WAFL.With extensive football administration experience at the WAFC, WA Country Football League, and West Perth Football Club, Cameron now works at Guildford Grammar School, supporting football and sports programs.A dedicated leader with strong regional ties, he is passionate about growing and enhancing accessibility in football and is committed to providing strategic insights and leadership to the CFWA Board.