Greyhound Racing has ramped up its commitment to increasing employment opportunities for women in non-traditional roles with all main roles at a recent Gosford meeting filled by women for the first time in the history of greyhound racing in NSW.
At the October 31 meeting at Gosford on-track veterinarian Emily Streckfuss and stewards Louise Warren, Madi Watson and Steff Richards worked alongside starter Kira Bennett, swab official/judge Anne-Marie Jarvis and supervisor Donna Richards.
The Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC), the independent regulator which ensures racing is conducted in accordance with the Greyhound Racing Act 2017 and the Greyhound Racing Rules, has an increasingly strong presence of females acting as race day officials.
Of the 25 veterinarians at GWIC, two of the full-time and 11 of the casual positions are filled by females, while seven of the team of 34 stewards are female.
Steff Richards, who joined the Commission 12 months ago and has been part of the stewards team for three months, said being part of a history-making team of female officials at Gosford filled her with pride.
“I would never have imagined this happening,” she said.
“The whole GWIC team has been very welcoming, and I look forward to seeing where this career takes me.”
Greyhound racing is growing in numbers and popularity across the state, providing a huge boost to employment and the economy, particularly in rural and regional communities.
Minister for Gaming and Racing and Member for Wyong David Harris said the State Government was committed to supporting a competitive, responsible and sustainable greyhound racing industry, with the highest standards of animal welfare, with GWIC oversight crucial.
“We want to ensure NSW is a leader in greyhound racing welfare and integrity, in a sport that is so critical for the economy and communities in rural and regional areas,” Harris said.
“Importantly, NSW is leading the way in the promotion of women to important oversight roles in this industry.
“Everywhere I go as Minister for Gaming and Racing, I see women taking to the racing industry as stewards, trainers, jockeys, drivers and owners, which is great to see.
“The future of this industry is in great hands with women on board.”
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said until there was representation of women in all spaces, the gender pay gap would continue to impact women for generations to come.
“This is a space that has traditionally been so male dominated, it is wonderful to see women thriving,” she said.
“Congratulations to the women who filled the main roles at this landmark meeting, paving the way for a stronger future for all.
“This is about equity; it is so important to have women in important roles such as this as trailblazers as we move towards making equal representation the norm.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said increasing women’s workforce participation is a cornerstone to achieving gender equality and economic security for women.
“I am pleased to see the NSW racing industry lead from the front,” she said.
“Representation matters, so having women in important roles in sport of all kinds empowers other women and girls to aspire to the same.”