RUGBY LEAGUE
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By GEOFF NEWLING
GREATER Northern Rugby League has kicked a new goal after electing Merriwa mum, Jane Walmsley, as its new chairperson.
Respected former referee Barry Pratten had been the Great Northern (GN) chairman but stands aside for Walsmely, who has been the Group 21 secretary for a number of years, to take over the main body administering the Group 4, 19 and 21 competitions.
Pratten remains on the GN committee and will also remain the GN delegate to Country Rugby League.
Greater Northern regional manager, Scott Bone, said Jane Walmsley's succession to chairperson seemed a natural progression as well as a historic occasion.
"We believe she's the first female chair in any Country Rugby League regional committee," Scott Bone said.
"Barry will continue in his role as delegate to the CRL but Jane will be the chairperson and head the Greater Northern board.
"But we think she is the first group or divisional president.
"I do know Parkes (club) has a female president this season and I'm 90 percent sure either Bega or Eden has a new female president too in Group 16.
"She's not the first female to hold a high position though in Greater Northern and the old Northern Division. Carol Khan, from Armidale, was on the Northern Division board and we do have women such as Bev Adams and Tracey Rapley on various committees.
"But it great to have Jane as chairperson. It's a natural progression from the Ladies League Tag.
"We're finding a lot more females are putting their hands up to help run clubs because of the Ladies League Tag.
'That's helped break down the barriers where men have been dominant for so long."
CRL CEO Terry Quinn is delighted to have Jane as one of teh chief administrators across the CRL.
"We've had secretaries before but never a female chairperson," Terry Quinn said.
"I think it's a great achievement and Greater Northern have shown greta initiative. I'm sure Jane will do a great job."
Jane Walmsley is delighted and excited about her accession to the Greater Northern Rugby League chair.
It wasn't something she had thought about but when the situation arose at Sunday's GN annual general meeting she accepted the appointment.
As the Group 21 secretary/treasurer for a number of years she is more than aware of her new responsibilities.
"I will enjoy the challenge," Jane Walmsley told The Leader Monday night.
"I don't know how I am going to go but I will work hard.
"I'm sure we can overcome any problems."