Popular local league identity Bernard Wilson was elected unopposed to the position of president of one the largest junior clubs in country New South Wales. He replaces club stalwart John Walkom in the top job.

Wilson has achieved much as a player and in more recent times as a coach. A schoolboy star in the late 80s, he went on to play first grade for North Sydney and Balmain before returning to play with Dubbo CYMS from 2001.

He retired from playing after CYMS’ premiership win against Macquarie in 2007. A keen student of the game Wilson has in more recent times undertaken a successful coaching career with St John’s and Group XI, including coaching the last two under-12 premiership winning sides.

His appointment as St John’s president follows in his father’s footsteps. Well-known Dubbo identity Mick Wilson was St John’s president in the 1980s. 

Mick has been a constant part of the club’s fabric since its inception in the 1970s. He was at the very first St John’s meeting in 1972, and still 40 years later is heavily involved in the club with 11 grandsons playing on Saturdays.

In season 2013 the St John’s club will be fielding sides in all age groups.

Coaches are being finalised by coaching co-ordinator Shawn Townsend and will be announced in the near future.

Townsend, a talented sportsman in his own right, has already planned for the club to have skills sessions during the summer months.

The first session for all club players that are interested - under-10s to 16s, at No.3 Oval on Thursday, November 29, starting at 5pm until 6.30pm. 

All you need to bring is a bottle of water and a footy. Contact Shawn Townsend 0488 729 291. 

Other highlights for next season will be the continuation of the club’s commitment to the community.

In the past 12 months the club has assisted a number of community groups with donations and support, including Pink Angels, local Dubbo Catholic primary schools, Men Of League Foundation, Narromine and Nyngan junior league clubs, League for All Charity and then in October the club arranged for playing gear to be delivered to residents of several villages in Papua New Guinea by the touring NSW Development Under-16s. 

In the 40th year of the club, St John’s has been very fortunate to have some great sponsors.

Sponsorship co-ordinator Robyn Cole has worked tirelessly to attain the services of many of Dubbo’s leading businesses. 

Major sponsors in 2012 included Maas Group, Josh Large Electrical, Farmoz and Sporties (Railway) Bowling Club.

For any sporting club to function effectively, the financial support to get kids to be involved in rugby league is vital, and the St John’s club appreciates and values all of its sponsors.