MEL FARLEY

Executive Director

Mel is a skilled Events Manager and Executive who has over 20 years of experience working in a diverse range of industries including State Government, not for profit, and membership-based organisations. Mel held the role of Triathlon WA Executive Officer from 2002 – 2005, a period of significant change and growth for triathlon in WA.

Mel strives to create strong strategic and financial outcomes, with a focus on member and stakeholder engagement to see to triathlon and multisport thrive. 

Joined the team: 2 October 2023
Pump Up Song: Take Ova – Shontelle, Pitbull
Coffee Order: Almond Flat White
Outside of work: I am a mum of two, casual runner, sometimes dancer, enthusiastic singer, and regular napper.

JANINE KAYE

Athlete & Coach Development Manager

Janine is a qualified Triathlon Performance Coach with more than 10 years experience. She is passionate about junior participation in triathlon, and is excited to be driving the Athlete Pathway Program and Team WA.

Joined the team: 5 December 2022
Pump Up Song: Good Morning – Max Frost
Coffee Order: Flat White
Outside of work: I pretty much focus on triathlon most of the time between my role at TWA, coaching individual athletes, and also running a swim squad. I’m a wife to an awesome bloke, and a mum to 2 young adults. I love DIY, colour, and online shopping!

TARQUIN BATEMAN

Communications & Marketing Coordinator

Tarquin joined Triathlon Western Australia in November 2020, bringing experience from Masters Swimming WA, Clubs WA, and the food-service industry. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Curtin University with a Professional Writing and Publishing minor. Her favourite part of working in sport and events is seeing everyday people achieving their personal goals and inspiring others on their journey.

Joined the team: 3 November 2020
Pump Up Song: Pink Pony Club – Chappell Roan
Coffee Order: Chai Latte or weak Flat White
Outside of work: I love quilting, gardening, painting and making digital art. Anything hands-on creative!

CATHY HOARE

Technical Coordinator

Cathy was first introduced to triathlon through one of Vicki Delves’ WAT courses and participated for many years enjoying the friendship and healthy lifestyle that goes with the sport. After completing a Technical Officials course in 2009, Cathy joined Triathlon Western Australia in her current role of Sanctioning Officer. She is now an ATO TA Official, and Level 3 World Triathlon Official.

Cathy collaborates with race directors to meet documentation and insurance requirements for event sanctioning. She assists club committee members in lodging documents for club-run events and oversees technical courses and officials’ rosters for sanctioned events in WA. One of Cathy’s favourite aspects of her role is travelling to officiate at interstate and international events. She also enjoys being part of events, talking to athletes and club members and enjoying the events atmosphere.

Joined the team: 23 September 2010
Pump Up Song: Levitating – Dua Lipa
Coffee Order: Flat white
Outside of work: I am a dedicated Cat Haven volunteer, and often foster kittens and cats. I also love racing and helping out at my local Parkrun.

JO BENNETT

Community Engagement Coordinator

Jo is a lifelong triathlon enthusiast whose journey began at age 12 with the Milo Triathlon. She quickly progressed through short course and standard distance racing as part of the Junior Elite squad, eventually moving into Ironman, where she won her age group in Kona, Hawaii.

Her passion for community sport continued through mountain biking, where she championed women in the sport by running regular training courses and MTB sessions.

Jo brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community engagement. Jo has previously worked at Triathlon WA from 2002 to 2004 and she’s excited to work closely with clubs and members to foster participation and connection across WA.

Joined the team: 10 September 2025
Pump Up Song: Blinding Lights – The Weeknd
Coffee Order: Double shot long black
Outside of work: Jo is a mum of twin boys, and she loves Mountain Biking/ Gravel riding, Hiking with the dog, catching up with friends, and a bit of shopping!

Tess Roberts

Events & Partnerships Manager

Tess brings extensive experience delivering large-scale sporting and community events across Australia and Canada. She has led complex multisport festivals and high-volume participation programs, with a strong focus on operational planning, logistics, and on-the-ground delivery.

With experience working across contractors, sponsors, and key stakeholders, Tess understands how strong partnerships support successful event outcomes. She is excited to join Triathlon WA as the organisation prepares to celebrate the 25-year milestone of the Busselton Festival of Triathlon in 2026.

Joined the team: 2 Februrary 2026
Pump Up Song: Midnight Sun – Zara Larsson
Coffee Order: Oat Milk Latte
Outside of work: You’ll find me playing beach volleyball, or just at the beach in general!

Vanessa Bliss

Administration & Membership Officer

Vanessa Bliss is a skilled sports administrator and content professional with extensive experience working with the West Australian Rifle Association, supporting governance, communications, and major sporting events. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Digital and Social Media) and a Diploma of Business, bringing a strong blend of strategic administration, event management, content creation, and social media management across sporting and community organisations.

Joined the team: 2 February 2026
Pump Up Song: Anything by the Piano Guys
Coffee Order: Early Grey Tea
Outside of work: You will find me at the rifle range, enjoying my sport of long range target rifle shooting.

Jacob Buckland

Partnerships Coordinator

Jacob has a vast range of experience across sport, community, and commercial environments, specialising in partnerships, business development, and client relationship management. He has worked with local, state, and national sporting organisations, as well as apparel and merchandise providers, building a versatile skill set in stakeholder engagement and service delivery.

Underpinned by an MBA in Sports Management, Jacob combines commercial acumen with a strong understanding of the sports industry and practical problem‑solving skills. He is passionate about creating sustainable commercial partnerships, supporting community sport, and delivering value to members, clients, and stakeholders so that sport at all levels can thrive.

Joined the team: 3 February 2026
Pump Up Song: FEISTY – Fred Again
Coffee Order: Long Black Served Warm
Outside of work: I love to Play Footy, Gym, Run and binge watch my favourite shows (Suits, House MD, Peaky Blinders, Blacklist)

LAUREN HUDDY

Sport Development Manager – Maternity Leave until late 2026

A personal interest in triathlon led Lauren to become involved in the community, and after building strong relationships and recognising the potential, she wanted to help the sport grow. With substantial local and international volunteer experience, Lauren brings a personal understanding to club committees, and community sport.

Her professional background includes management and business development, with a strong focus on strategic thinking. In her role at Triathlon WA, Lauren oversees membership, club development, participation, programs, and sponsorships.

Joined the team: 17 April 2023
Pump Up Song: I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
Coffee Order: Decaf almond long macchiato topped up
Outside of work: I really enjoy travelling and have been to 34 countries so far. 161 to go!