(Cricket news) WA Cricket wishes to thank WA Aboriginal Cricket & Cultural Advisory Committee (WAACCAC) Co-Chair Professor Colleen Hayward AM, who has stepped down from the position.

An invaluable member of WAACCAC for the past nine years, Professor Hayward has made an incredible contribution to WA Cricket and the cricketing community through her role.

During her tenure, Professor Hayward has provided extensive and valuable advice and guidance on engagement with Aboriginal people and communities, and consideration of Aboriginal culture and heritage within all programs and initiatives delivered by WA Cricket.

Professor Hayward has also made an impact through her leadership and advocacy for Aboriginal Reconciliation helping to educate WA Cricket staff and players through genuine and meaningful discussions. She also played a key role in the development of WA Cricket’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), another crucial step in WA Cricket’s commitment to reconciliation across the organisation and community.

In her position as WAACCAC Co-Chair, Professor Hayward also sat on the Cricket Australia National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee representing the interests of WA Aboriginal Cricket and Communities.

Established in 2015 to facilitate a partnership between Aboriginal peoples and WA Cricket, the WA Aboriginal Cricket Advisory Committee aims to enhance the involvement of Aboriginal peoples at all levels of Australia’s favourite sport.

Renamed to the WA Aboriginal Cricket & Cultural Advisory Committee in early 2024, WAACCAC is an officially sanctioned Advisory Committee of the WACA Board and has the responsibility and scope to offer advice to management and the WACA Board on matters relating to Aboriginal involvement within the game of cricket.

Current WAACCAC Deputy Chair Steven Goodall has been appointed interim Co-Chair, alongside WACA Board Chair Avril Fahey. A permanent Co-Chair will be selected in due course.

Comments attributable to outgoing WA Aboriginal Cricket & Cultural Advisory Committee Co-Chair, Professor Colleen Hayward AM:

“I have truly loved my involvement with WA Cricket through the WA Aboriginal Cricket & Cultural Advisory Committee, where I have had the pleasure to meet and work with so many fantastic people in the staff and playing group.

“The culture at WA Cricket is exceptional, and it has been a pleasure to be associated with an organisation always looking toward and implementing improvements in the equity and diversity space.

“I see my decision to step down as an opportunity for others to step up, to continue the important work towards creating a more inclusive sport.”

Comments attributable to WACA Chair, Avril Fahey:

“Professor Colleen Hayward AM has provided inspiring leadership and a moral compass for WA Cricket as we work to make ours a sport for all.

“Professor Hayward is a champion of her community and culture, always pushing for fairer and more equitable outcomes for Aboriginal people, and we are grateful for her dedication.

“The WACA Board thanks Professor Hayward for her valuable contribution to the WA Aboriginal Cricket & Cultural Advisory Committee and WA Cricket at large, and wishes her well in her future endeavours.”

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