The Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) made history on the weekend with the first all-female steward panel overseeing a meeting at Muswellbrook.
GWIC stewards are appointed to ensure racing is conducted fairly in accordance with the Greyhound Racing Act 2017 and the Greyhound Racing Rules. They are also responsible for safeguarding the welfare of greyhounds and participants, drug testing and imposing penalties for non-compliance.
The 3 stewards – Louise Warren, Steff Richards and Madi Watson – have combined experience of more than 20 years across greyhound races in NSW but this is the first time they have come together as a panel. Queensland is the only other state to have had an all-female panel, in August 2022.
GWIC employs 34 stewards, 7 of whom are women.
The interest of women in overseeing greyhound racing mirrors the growing interest more generally with record numbers of women taking on training and other roles in the sport.
The NSW Government is committed to supporting a competitive, responsible, safe and sustainable greyhound racing industry, with the highest standards of animal welfare. GWIC oversight of the industry is crucial to this endeavour.
For more information on GWIC and the role of stewards, visit the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commissionlaunch website.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:
“We want to ensure NSW is a leader in greyhound racing welfare and integrity, and the sport continues to be a major part of our communities, particularly in rural and regional communities
“And we are 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 (in horse racing) and owners, which is great to see.
“The future of this industry is in great hands with women on board.”