The Gungahlin Eagles have held the 2025 Annual General Meeting at the Gungahlin Lakes, where Ben Faulks was unanimously elected as the club’s 14th President.
Ben’s appointment marks a proud moment for the Eagles family. A former player, captain, coach, committee member, secretary and long-time sponsor through Ray White Canberra, Ben’s connection to the club runs deep. His leadership experience off the field and lifelong involvement on it made him an outstanding candidate to guide the club into its next era.
Ben follows in the footsteps of his dad, David Faulks, who served as the Eagles’ fourth President from 1994 to 1996. The Faulks name is woven through the club’s history, and their shared service as Presidents reflects the strength of community and continuity that defines the Eagles.
“It’s a huge honour to take on this role,” Ben said after the AGM.
“The club has been part of my life since I was a kid, and I’m incredibly proud to lead such a passionate, hard-working and tight-knit community. We’ve had so many capable and committed Presidents steer the club over the years, and I take a lot of pride in being able to continue that legacy.”
While Ben’s immediate focus is on getting set up for success in the 2026 season, he’s equally committed to setting the club up for the years ahead.
“It’s about building on what we already have and making sure there’s a platform for future success. We’ve got so many amazing volunteers who put their heart and soul into the Eagles every week, and I want everyone to feel inspired to contribute and to know this club is a place they belong and can call home.”
Ben said he’s looking forward to working closely with Head Coach Tim Davis, Head of Rugby Glenn Carey, and
Women’s Head Coach Darragh O’Byrne on the club’s rugby programs, while also strengthening the Eagles Juniors and the club’s pathways.
“Davo, Glenny and Darragh are doing a fantastic job setting the standard for what Eagles rugby looks like. I also want to see how we can help our junior program grow, because when our juniors thrive, it strengthens the whole club and the game of rugby in our region.”
Reflecting on the 2025 season, Ben said there’s a lot to be proud of across all grades.
“Yes, there were challenges, but there were also plenty of positives. Our Women’s program continues to grow, the Colts and Fourth Grade sides had really strong years, and even though First Grade didn’t finish where they wanted, to take five wins with such a young group, including plenty of players who’ve represented the Brumbies and Australian U20s, shows just how much potential there is for the next three to five years.”
Ben also brings serious business leadership to the role. As CEO of Ray White Canberra, he’s grown the agency into one of the region’s most successful operations through a focus on culture, consistency and community, values that align perfectly with the Eagles’ own philosophy.
With a strong team of committee members and coaches around him, Ben says the goal is simple: keep building a club everyone is proud to be part of.
“We’ve got a rich history, a bright future, and a community that genuinely cares about the red and black. That’s what makes the Eagles special.”
