Plenary Four - Ahead of the Game: Cricket & financial planning — lessons from the legends
Speakers
Mel Jones OAM
Mel Jones was a superstar on the field and is now one of the most in demand media hosts off it.
Born in the UK, Mel at just 3 months old and her Australian mum arrived back in Melbourne with her West Indian father staying in the UK.
Playing alongside modern cricketing greats such as Karen Rolton and Belinda Clark and against Charlotte Edwards and Jhulan Goswami, Jones played in a dominant era of Australian cricket internationally. Jones was a middle-order batter and first tasted major success as a part of Australia’s win in the 1997 Women’s Cricket World Cup against New Zealand at Eden Gardens, Kolkata in front of 70,000.
On her test match debut Jones hit 131 on Australia’s Ashes tour of England, and was also a part of the victorious home Women’s Ashes series win of 2003. Closing out her professional playing career in dramatic fashion, Jones was again a part of Australia’s 2005 Women’s Cricket World Cup final title win in South Africa. Jones also had a reputation as one of the world’s finest fielders.
During her playing days, Mel used her teaching degree to juggle her career on the field by working in cricket development in not only Australia but also South Africa and England. After retiring from her playing career, Jones has focused on the next chapter of her professional career that has aimed to support, develop and expand opportunities and careers for women in sport both on and off the cricket field.
In 2015 after becoming one of the four first-ever female commentators to be included in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the world’s most attended and watched cricket league, she moved full time into sports commentary in 2018. Her inclusion into the men’s and women’s Big Bash broadcast lead to her becoming the first female cricket lead in the T20 format in Australia. This was then followed by the same accolade in the Pakistan Super League in 2017.
In 2018, Mel was announced as part of Fox Sport’s Cricket team, where she is a now part of the coverage alongside some of the biggest names in the game. And has lead calls including men’s and women’s world cups and the enthralling 2023 men’s and women’s Ashes series for Sky Sport.
As a former talent manager of some of Australia’s biggest sporting stars, Mel has also worked and volunteered for various roles across women in sport task forces as well as joining the board of Bowls Australia. In January of 2019, Jones was presented with one of Australia’s highest honours; the Medal of the Order of Australia for services towards cricket and the community. Later that year in November, Jones took on a new role as a Director on the board of Cricket Australia.
Mel is a regular when it comes to getting involved in charity work and initiatives surrounding equality. Mel is currently an ambassador for Victoria University and Red Dust Role Models.
Born in the UK, Mel at just 3 months old and her Australian mum arrived back in Melbourne with her West Indian father staying in the UK.
Playing alongside modern cricketing greats such as Karen Rolton and Belinda Clark and against Charlotte Edwards and Jhulan Goswami, Jones played in a dominant era of Australian cricket internationally. Jones was a middle-order batter and first tasted major success as a part of Australia’s win in the 1997 Women’s Cricket World Cup against New Zealand at Eden Gardens, Kolkata in front of 70,000.
On her test match debut Jones hit 131 on Australia’s Ashes tour of England, and was also a part of the victorious home Women’s Ashes series win of 2003. Closing out her professional playing career in dramatic fashion, Jones was again a part of Australia’s 2005 Women’s Cricket World Cup final title win in South Africa. Jones also had a reputation as one of the world’s finest fielders.
During her playing days, Mel used her teaching degree to juggle her career on the field by working in cricket development in not only Australia but also South Africa and England. After retiring from her playing career, Jones has focused on the next chapter of her professional career that has aimed to support, develop and expand opportunities and careers for women in sport both on and off the cricket field.
In 2015 after becoming one of the four first-ever female commentators to be included in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the world’s most attended and watched cricket league, she moved full time into sports commentary in 2018. Her inclusion into the men’s and women’s Big Bash broadcast lead to her becoming the first female cricket lead in the T20 format in Australia. This was then followed by the same accolade in the Pakistan Super League in 2017.
In 2018, Mel was announced as part of Fox Sport’s Cricket team, where she is a now part of the coverage alongside some of the biggest names in the game. And has lead calls including men’s and women’s world cups and the enthralling 2023 men’s and women’s Ashes series for Sky Sport.
As a former talent manager of some of Australia’s biggest sporting stars, Mel has also worked and volunteered for various roles across women in sport task forces as well as joining the board of Bowls Australia. In January of 2019, Jones was presented with one of Australia’s highest honours; the Medal of the Order of Australia for services towards cricket and the community. Later that year in November, Jones took on a new role as a Director on the board of Cricket Australia.
Mel is a regular when it comes to getting involved in charity work and initiatives surrounding equality. Mel is currently an ambassador for Victoria University and Red Dust Role Models.
David Sharpe CFP®
Chair • FAAA Board
David is Chair of the FAAA Board and has been a financial planner and FAAA member since 2003. He is a Certified Financial Planner® professional, has completed a Diploma in Financial Planning and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Distinction) from Curtin University. David runs his own self-licensed financial planning firm, Globe Financial Planning, based in West Perth. In 2016 he was shortlisted for the FAAA CFP® Professional of the Year Award.
Prior to being elected onto the board David spent four years on the WA FAAA Chapter, including two years as Chapter Chair. David can often be found in various media roles (TV, radio and print) advocating strongly for the value of advice. David chairs the Governance and Remuneration Committee, and is a member of the Board Finance, Risk and Audit Committee.
Prior to being elected onto the board David spent four years on the WA FAAA Chapter, including two years as Chapter Chair. David can often be found in various media roles (TV, radio and print) advocating strongly for the value of advice. David chairs the Governance and Remuneration Committee, and is a member of the Board Finance, Risk and Audit Committee.
Adam Gilchrist AM
Born in Bellingen, NSW in 1971, Adam Gilchrist is one of Australia’s most admired and respected personalities. Described by Steve Waugh as a “once in a generation cricketer” and one of the best teammates he ever had, Adam is a proven leader and role model both on and off the field. A father of four and devoted family man, he is known for his integrity, passion, and approachable nature.
Adam began playing cricket at age 7 in country NSW and rose rapidly through the ranks, representing NSW and Australia at Under-19 level before making his first-class debut at the SCG in 1992. He joined the Australian One Day team in 1997, and two years later became the Test wicketkeeper, holding the position for 96 consecutive matches until his retirement in 2008. As a key member of one of Australia’s greatest cricket teams, Adam captained the national side, reached No.1 in the ICC batting rankings, and retired with a then world record for wicketkeeping dismissals. In 2010, he was named in ESPN CricInfo’s Greatest Ever World XI and voted the greatest wicketkeeper-batsman of all time.
Beyond cricket, Adam has been a high-profile ambassador for numerous Australian corporations, government bodies and charities. He is currently a lead commentator on Fox Sports and remains a sought-after media personality across television, radio, social media and print.
Adam’s public service includes his 2008 appointment as Chairperson of the Australia Day Council, overseeing national celebrations and awards. In 2014, he became Australia’s first Education Ambassador to India, participating in key government and education forums.
A passionate philanthropist, Adam is patron of Ronald McDonald House Western Australia, where he has personally supported families of seriously ill children and led a successful $20 million fundraising campaign to expand the facility. He also serves as a World Vision ambassador, contributing to projects across India and the subcontinent.
Adam is a symbol of excellence, humility, and service—values deeply cherished by Australians and inspiring to audiences worldwide.
Watch Adam's video
Adam began playing cricket at age 7 in country NSW and rose rapidly through the ranks, representing NSW and Australia at Under-19 level before making his first-class debut at the SCG in 1992. He joined the Australian One Day team in 1997, and two years later became the Test wicketkeeper, holding the position for 96 consecutive matches until his retirement in 2008. As a key member of one of Australia’s greatest cricket teams, Adam captained the national side, reached No.1 in the ICC batting rankings, and retired with a then world record for wicketkeeping dismissals. In 2010, he was named in ESPN CricInfo’s Greatest Ever World XI and voted the greatest wicketkeeper-batsman of all time.
Beyond cricket, Adam has been a high-profile ambassador for numerous Australian corporations, government bodies and charities. He is currently a lead commentator on Fox Sports and remains a sought-after media personality across television, radio, social media and print.
Adam’s public service includes his 2008 appointment as Chairperson of the Australia Day Council, overseeing national celebrations and awards. In 2014, he became Australia’s first Education Ambassador to India, participating in key government and education forums.
A passionate philanthropist, Adam is patron of Ronald McDonald House Western Australia, where he has personally supported families of seriously ill children and led a successful $20 million fundraising campaign to expand the facility. He also serves as a World Vision ambassador, contributing to projects across India and the subcontinent.
Adam is a symbol of excellence, humility, and service—values deeply cherished by Australians and inspiring to audiences worldwide.
Watch Adam's video
Liam Bartlett
Liam Bartlett is an award-winning Australian journalist and broadcaster with a career spanning almost four decades across television, radio, and print media.
He has enjoyed an extensive career reporting for the Nine Network's 60 Minutes program and has hosted the state-wide morning program, both on the ABC and Perth's 6PR radio station.
Liam is currently the Chief Correspondent for the Seven Network’s flagship current affairs program, 7NEWS Spotlight, where he has conducted in-depth investigations into critical public interest issues
He has enjoyed an extensive career reporting for the Nine Network's 60 Minutes program and has hosted the state-wide morning program, both on the ABC and Perth's 6PR radio station.
Liam is currently the Chief Correspondent for the Seven Network’s flagship current affairs program, 7NEWS Spotlight, where he has conducted in-depth investigations into critical public interest issues
In this dynamic closing session, renowned journalist and cricket enthusiast Liam Bartlett sits down with cricket greats Adam Gilchrist and Mel Jones to explore what it really means to stay ahead of the game — on the field and in the world of financial advice.
Cricket, like financial planning, is more than just skill — it’s about strategy, leadership, adaptability, and resilience. Drawing powerful parallels between the pitch and the profession, this session unpacks how advisers can lead with clarity, collaborate like a championship team, and pivot with confidence when conditions change.
From reading the field to managing pressure, from building team culture to prioritising well-being, the insights shared will inspire advisers to think like elite athletes — always prepared, always evolving, and always playing the long game. Whether you're a cricket fan or not, this session will leave you energised, reflective, and ready to take your practice to the next level.
Cricket, like financial planning, is more than just skill — it’s about strategy, leadership, adaptability, and resilience. Drawing powerful parallels between the pitch and the profession, this session unpacks how advisers can lead with clarity, collaborate like a championship team, and pivot with confidence when conditions change.
From reading the field to managing pressure, from building team culture to prioritising well-being, the insights shared will inspire advisers to think like elite athletes — always prepared, always evolving, and always playing the long game. Whether you're a cricket fan or not, this session will leave you energised, reflective, and ready to take your practice to the next level.
Learning Outcomes
Attendees will learn about the following:
- How cricket legends stayed ahead of the game
- Leadership, integrity, strategy and what it takes to play the long game to succeed
Date & Time: Thursday, November 20, 2025 • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Location: Riverside Theatre
Type: Session