Our Board

Shaun Martyn

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.

Geoff "Henry" Lawson oam

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

Coaching Legacy:

• 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.

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

Community Involvement:

• 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

Ian Neil

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

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 vocational training boards

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.

Isabelle duncan

Isabelle Duncan is a cricket writer, broadcaster and commentator who has turned her lifelong passion for the game into a career – interviewing legends such as Mike Brearley and David Gower along the way.

As President of the Cricket Society Trust, Isabelle is dedicated to ensuring cricket creates opportunities for disadvantaged young people, including supporting an Afghan refugee girl cricketer. A long-standing member of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), she has served on its Main Committee and as a trustee of the MCC Foundation.

Author of Skirting the Boundary – A History of Women’s Cricket, Isabelle continues to champion greater female participation in the game and beyond. When she’s not talking cricket, she can be found ski-touring, cycling, or walking her rescue dog, Blu.