Clubs WA Incorporated’s Board is made up of passionate club members from metropolitan and regional clubs across Western Australia. The Board meets every month to discuss Clubs WA’s development and the issues facing our industry.

Board Members

President – Wayne Barrett

Wayne has been a member of Thornlie Football & Sports Club for over 40 years and previously ran his own business for nearly two decades after a career in sales management with BOC Gases. He brings a practical, no-nonsense approach to the Board and is a passionate advocate for the Kickstarter program and the difference it makes for regional clubs across WA. Wayne believes the secret to a great club is simple: listen to your members, back your community, and take pride in what you build together.

Metro Vice-President – Geof Irvin

Geof served with the 9th Squadron in Vietnam, an experience that has shaped his extensive charity and volunteer work ever since, including regular visits to education support schools to teach young people about veterans and their service. He has worked with clubs across WA in various capacities and understands the pressures the industry faces from both a hands-on and strategic perspective. His priority on the Board is bringing clubs closer together, particularly through regional hubs that give smaller clubs the chance to grow and connect.

Regional Vice-President – Lesley Wiles

Lesley is a member of Denmark Country Club and brings more than 30 years of professional experience to the Board, including 23 years as Managing Director of her own WA-based recruitment firm and 12 years with Perth Rotary Club. She is a strong advocate for treating clubs like the businesses they are, with proper succession planning, sound governance and processes that outlast any individual committee. Lesley sees governance training and compliance support as some of the most valuable things Clubs WA can deliver, particularly for regional clubs.

Treasurer – Chris Richardson

Chris has been involved with licensed club committees since the 1980s, currently holding roles with Katanning Club Inc and Broomehill Bowling Club after 17 years with Dalkeith Nedlands Bowling Club. His background spans agricultural business, company directorships and WA Government bodies including the Agriculture Protection Board and the WA Biosecurity Council. He believes every committee member needs to know their responsibilities, stay across the financials and never be afraid to ask questions.

Metro Board Member – David Whitby

David’s involvement with club committees stretches back to the early 1970s, most recently serving eight years on the board of Lakelands Country Club including four as President. His 40-year career in banking, with senior executive roles across WA, interstate and overseas, gives him a strong financial and governance foundation. David believes board members should keep their focus on the long game and sees membership growth, retention and engagement as the defining challenge for clubs today.

Metro Board Member – Matt Stiller

Matt grew up in WA, attended Hale School and studied Finance and Economics before building a career that took him from the Department of Housing to sports and club management roles in Hong Kong and Singapore. He returned to Perth in 2022 to join the Western Force commercially and has been General Manager of North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club since March 2025. He lives in Perth with his partner Liana and their two daughters, Natasha and Emily.

 

Regional Board Member – Rob O’Connell

Rob has been involved with clubs and volunteer organisations for over 20 years and is currently a member of Halls Head Bowling Club in Mandurah. His 40-year career spans senior roles across multiple industries, underpinned by a background in accounting, business and sales. He’s a firm believer that clubs are businesses and need strong membership plans, clear succession strategies and proper governance to thrive long-term.