Our Board

The Lyrebird Foundation is guided by a diverse and dedicated board of directors, each bringing a wealth of experience and passion to our mission of empowering women in cricket globally. Our board members come from varied backgrounds including sports management, business leadership, community advocacy, and professional cricket. United by their commitment to advancing equality and creating opportunities for women in cricket, they provide strategic direction and oversight to our foundation’s initiatives.

From former cricket champions to corporate visionaries, each board member contributes unique insights and expertise to drive our foundation forward. Their collective wisdom ensures that the Lyrebird Foundation remains at the forefront of promoting inclusivity, fostering talent, and breaking down barriers in women’s cricket. As you’ll discover in their individual profiles, our board members are not just leaders in their respective fields, but also passionate advocates for the transformative power of sport in women’s lives.

Shaun Martyn

Chair of the Board, Lyrebird Foundation

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Shaun Martyn serves as the Chair of the Board for the Lyrebird Foundation, bringing his visionary leadership and dedication to revolutionizing women’s cricket globally. With over two decades of experience, he offers invaluable expertise in education, business, sport, marketing, and event management to guide the Foundation’s mission.

Key Achievements:
  • Founder of FairBreak, a movement creating career pathways for female cricketers.
  • Organized ICC-sanctioned T20 cricket tournaments in Dubai and Hong Kong, showcasing 90 leading women cricketers.
  •  Pioneered research into breast protection for female cricketers
  • Advocated for sustainability in major sporting events
  • Implemented corporate social responsibility initiatives, including providing solar-powered lighting to impoverished communities

Shaun’s unique perspective on cultural nuances and interpersonal dynamics, gained through his global professional journey, drives his passion for high-performance cultures and team leadership. His commitment to equality, opportunity, diversity, and inclusion extends beyond cricket, making him a changemaker in women’s sports and beyond.

As Chair of the Lyrebird Foundation, Shaun continues to inspire and lead teams at the highest levels while working tirelessly to transform the landscape of women’s cricket worldwide.

“…I believe that if you have the capacity to provide opportunity for people, then that is what you must do…” – Shaun Martyn

Meg Lanning AM

Cricket Icon and Trailblazer

meg
Meg Lanning brings unparalleled leadership experience and a legacy of success to the Lyrebird Foundation board. As one of the most accomplished cricketers in history, Meg’s journey from prodigy to captain of the Australian women’s team embodies the spirit of breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of women in cricket.
Career Highlights:
  • Captained the Australian women’s cricket team from 2014 to 2023
  • Led Australia to five ICC Women’s World Twenty20 titles and two Women’s Cricket World Cup victories
  •  Holds the record for most Women’s One Day International centuries
  •  First Australian to score 2,000 Twenty20 International runs Youngest Australian (male or female) to score an international century at 18 years and 288 days
PioneeringAchievements:
  • At 14, became the first girl to play First XI cricket for an Associated Public Schools team
  • Youngest-ever captain of the Australian cricket team at 21 years old
  • Set records for highest individual totals in women’s T20Is (126 and later 133*)
  • Led Australia to a gold medal in cricket’s debut at the 2022 Commonwealth Games
Leadership and Impact:
  • Captained Australia in 150 women’s international matches across all formats
  •  Instrumental in raising the profile of women’s cricket globally
  •  Known for her tactical acumen and ability to perform under pressure
  • Advocate for equal opportunities and recognition in women’s sports
Awards andRecognition:
  • Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to women’s cricket
  • Multiple Belinda Clark Award winner (Australian Women’s International Cricketer of the Year)
  •  Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World (2015)
Meg’s extraordinary career and leadership have been pivotal in elevating women’s cricket to new heights. Her experience and vision align perfectly with the Lyrebird Foundation’s mission to empower women in cricket globally.

“Cricket has given me so much, and I’m passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation of women cricketers. Through the Lyrebird Foundation, we can open doors and inspire girls worldwide to pursue their dreams in cricket.” – Meg Lanning

Geoff "Henry" Lawson oam

Geoff photo

Geoff “Henry” Lawson brings a wealth of cricket expertise and a passion for equality to the Lyrebird Foundation board. A legendary Australian fast bowler and respected coach, Geoff’s journey from the Riverina town of Wagga Wagga to international cricket stardom embodies the spirit of breaking barriers and creating opportunities.

Career Highlights:
  • Played 46 Test matches and 80 One-Day Internationals for Australia
  • Took 180 Test wickets, ranking 7th on Australia’s all-time list upon retirement
  • Key player in Australia’s 1989 Ashes triumph
  • Captained NSW to Sheffield Shield victory, known for his innovative leadership
  • Head coach of the Pakistan National team, leading them to the final of the inaugural T20 World Cup
  • Coached in the Indian Premier League and various international tournaments
  • Mentored coaches in the NSW system
  • Level III qualified coach, specialising in fast bowling, captaincy, tactics, and leadership
Championing Women’s Cricket

Geoff has been heavily involved with the Fairbreak Global Initiative for women’s equality, development, and opportunity through cricket. His roles have included:

  • Management and coaching responsibilities for major tournaments
  • Coaching the Fairbreak tour of UK and Netherlands in 2022
  • Coaching the Hong Kong women’s team on their tour of Namibia in 2023
Awards and Recognition:
  • Order of Australia Medal (1990) for services to cricket
  • Australian Sports Medal (2002)
  • Centenary Medal for services to the community through sport
  • Declared “A Legend of New South Wales Cricket” in 2014
 

Geoff’s commitment to advancing women’s cricket aligns perfectly with the Lyrebird Foundation’s mission. His experience in coaching diverse teams and promoting equality in cricket brings invaluable insights to our work of empowering women in the sport globally.

“Cricket has the power to break down barriers and create opportunities for all. I’m excited to be part of the Lyrebird Foundation’s mission to elevate women’s cricket to new heights.” – Geoff Lawson

Sari - Elle kraemer

Sari-Elle Kraemer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in strategic communications,
advocacy and leadership to the Lyrebird Board as well as a passion for making a positive
difference in the community. 
Sari-Elle has a proven track record in helping individuals, organisations and corporates communicate strategically with stakeholders and navigate the most complex of challenges. 

 

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sari-Elle is a runner who doesn’t just go
the distance; she goes the extra mile to raise awareness and funds for important causes.
In May 2024, Sari-Elle participated in the Everest Base Camp Marathon – the World’s Highest
Marathon. She placed 3rd foreign female and 7th overall. She also raised over $126,000 for
the life changing work of the Australian Lions Foundation.

 

Professional Expertise:

  • Managing Director of Alpha Consult, a leading reputation management consultancy
  • Over 13 years experience in strategic PR profiling campaigns, stakeholder
    engagement, reputation and risk management, strategy development and
    implementation, government relations and media relations
 
Community Service and Leadership:
  • President of Coogee Lions Club (4+ Years)
  • Director of Australian Lions Hearing Dogs
  • Ambassador of the Australian Lions Foundation
  • Former President and Director of the Bondi Waverley Squash Club
 
Awards and Recognition:
  • Finalist in Mediaweek Australia’s 2023 “Next of the Best” Under 40 Awards – PR Category 
  • Melvin Jones Fellow, Lions Clubs International 
  • Recipient of the William R Tressie Award, the highest honour of the Australian Lions Foundation

“Sport has been a driving force in my life as a platform to challenge limits and advocate for important causes. The Lyrebird Foundation is not only empowering female cricketers but also creating change that paves the way for a brighter and more equitable future.”

Ian Neil

Ian Niel

Ian Neil is one of Australia’s leading barristers, with particular expertise in the governance of charities. He is active in promoting the welfare of disadvantaged and excluded women, having for many years worked in the worldwide Grameen movement, which empowers women using microfinance. He is the Chair of Grameen Australia, which conducted a pilot of the Grameen project in Victoria. He is also on the board of the Marrickville Legal Centre, a not-for-profit community legal centre in Sydney. He has played cricket, enthusiastically but without appreciable skill, for more than 50 years. But has loved the game immoderately all his life.”

Lindsay Brown

Executive Officer

excecutive offer

Lindsay brings a wealth of leadership experience and a passion for community service to the Lyrebird Foundation board. His diverse background in business, governance, and local government enriches our mission to empower women in cricket globally. 

Professional Highlights:
  • Over two decades of business experience
  • Extensive board experience, including:
    – Superannuation fund
    – Industry work health and safety board
    – Aboriginal medical service
    – Various industry and voluntary organisations
Public Service and Leadership:
  •  Served as a Councilor and Mayor for 13 years until 2021 on the south coast of NSW
  • Contributed to audit and risk committees, demonstrating strong governance skills
Community Engagement:
  •  Recognised with the National Emergency Medal by the Governor General of Australia
  • Awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary Australia for his volunteerism
Passion for Social Impact:
  • Keen interest in supporting disadvantaged members of society
  • Advocates for practical and innovative initiatives to create positive change

Lindsay’s expertise in governance, combined with his commitment to community service, aligns perfectly with the Lyrebird Foundation’s goals. His experience in developing practical solutions for societal challenges will be invaluable in our efforts to create opportunities for women in cricket, especially in underserved communities.

I believe in the power of sport to transform lives, irrespective of race, gender, lifestyle choices or abilities. Through the Lyrebird Foundation, we have a unique opportunity to use cricket as a vehicle for empowering women and girls globally, creating lasting positive impact in communities.” -Lindsay Brown