WACA Board announces transition of Chair Leadership

After a decade of dedicated service on the WACA Board, with the past two years as WACA Chair, Avril Fahey is passing the baton to the capable hands of current Board Director Gail McGowan PSM.

Ms Fahey’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding the WACA Board and WA Cricket through several pivotal milestones, highlighted by the ongoing construction of the WACA Ground Improvement Project. 

Ms Fahey’s tenure as Chair also included the NRMA Insurance West Test at Perth Stadium securing its position as the first Men’s Test of the summer until 2026-27, Perth Scorchers Weber Women’s Big Bash League matches returning to the iconic WACA Ground and the appointment of current WA Cricket Chief Executive Officer John Stephenson. 

The period also saw unprecedented success on-field including the culmination of WA’s historic run of three consecutive Sheffield Shield titles and domestic One-Day Cup titles and the Perth Scorchers’ fifth KFC Big Bash League title. 

A former Australian cricketer, Ms Fahey joined the WACA Board in September 2014 as a Statewide Game Development Committee Representative. Ms Fahey played for Western Australia from 1992 to 2012, where she also held the role of Captain of the Western Fury for five seasons. 

Ms Fahey made her Australian debut in 1995, representing the country over seven years in 42 One Day Internationals, six Tests and was part of the 50-over World Cup winning team in 1997. At the time of her retirement she was Western Australia’s games record holder, male or female.   

Ms Fahey remains influential to the game as a member of Cricket Australia’s Women's National Selection Panel. She is also a Director of Diabetes WA, and a member of the Edith Cowan University School of Business and Law Advisory Board. 

The WACA Board and WA Cricket thank Ms Fahey for her contribution, leadership and tireless work to help cricket and the iconic institution thrive. Her last day on the WACA Board will be Saturday 5 April. 

Ms Fahey said it has been an immense privilege to serve on the WACA Board.

"I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together to strengthen cricket in Western Australia," she said.

"I leave knowing the future is in capable hands, with a strong foundation to continue growing our great game. 

"I want to thank my fellow board members, staff, players, and the community for their unwavering support and passion, it has been an honour to be part of such an extraordinary journey." 

In Ms Fahey's stead, the WACA Board has resolved to appoint Gail McGowan PSM as WACA Chair, effective Sunday 6 April. 

One of Western Australia’s most distinguished public sector leaders, Ms McGowan was appointed to the Board in November 2023. 

Ms McGowan served as Director General of the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage until her retirement in 2021 and is currently the Chancellor of Murdoch University and Chair of the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority. In addition, she is a Director of Foundation Housing and the Mid West Ports Authority.  

Ms McGowan was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2019 for her contribution to industry development and land use planning. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration, a Member of Chief Executive Women of Australia and an Associate Member of CEOs for Gender Equity. 

Ms McGowan said she's honoured to lead the WACA Board into its next chapter.

"As the incoming Chair, I will focus on growing cricket’s legacy and inspiring players and fans across Western Australia," she said.

"I want to thank Avril Fahey for her exceptional leadership and dedication, which has positioned the organisation for continued success both on and off the field. 

"Working with my fellow directors and our very capable leadership team, I am focused on strengthening WA Cricket, embracing innovation and opportunity, and championing the spirit of cricket for generations to come." 

The WACA Board and WA Cricket welcome Ms McGowan’s appointment as WACA Chair and look forward to her leadership, expertise and continuing contribution.