The Queensland Rugby League has today confirmed Renita Garard OAM as a new independent director in a landmark appointment for the QRL Board as it strives to grow “leadership, people and culture”.
QRL Chairman Bruce Hatcher said Renita’s strong professional background and knowledge of elite sport made her a standout candidate for the position.
Renita will commence her official duties with the QRL today when the Board of Directors meet on the Sunshine Coast for a monthly meeting.
“We’re delighted to have appointed our first female director, recognising the need for gender diversity and our desire to further develop women’s rugby league – the fastest growing area of our game,” Hatcher said.
Renita is a dual Olympic gold medallist, having been a member of the Australian Women’s Hockey team from 1993 to 2000.
During that time, Renita won a gold medal as part of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic team and also captained her country to a gold medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
Off the sporting field, Renita has fulfilled board roles with both the International Hockey Federation and Hockey Australia.
These roles have included involvement in the development of sport across all levels and throughout the world.
In addition, Renita has had significant exposure to the strategic directions set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), together with leading domestic and international sporting organisations.
Hatcher is looking forward to tapping into Renita’s vast sporting and directorship experiences.
“We believe there is a lot of work to be done on leadership, people and culture, and Renita’s background and specialist knowledge will be invaluable to us moving forward,” he said.
A current director with international consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers and Board Chairman of the Port of Townsville Limited (POTL), Renita has strong skills in the areas of strategy, policy, governance, risk management, financial management, taxation and leadership.
Renita said she was excited about the opportunity to contribute to the game of rugby league in Queensland.
“Having a previous life as an athlete, I’m very passionate about sport at all levels, all the way from grassroots to high performance,” Renita said.
“I’ve done a fair bit of board work in the sport of hockey across Australia and overseas before taking a break for a while.
“But this opportunity has now come up and I think it’s a real privilege to join this team and help guide this great sport in Queensland.”
QRL Managing Director Robert Moore congratulated Renita on her appointment.
“It is fitting that Renita’s first Board meeting here on the Sunshine Coast will coincide with the running of the QRL State Junior Carnival featuring the state’s leading Under 14 and Under 16 boys and girls,” Moore said.
“This carnival provides another example of the opportunities now available for our female participants.
“Earlier this year, we were delighted to hold our Women’s Leadership Conference as well as the inaugural QAS Under 15 girls program.
“However, there is still a lot of work to be done in this area, and I’m sure that Renita’s experience and skill set will be of tremendous benefit moving forward as we shape our pathway programs and competitions.”
RENITA GARARD OAM
B Bus (Bachelor of Business)
CA (Chartered Accountant)
GAICD (Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors)
Renita Garard is a Director with international consulting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Brisbane. This role includes oversight for the provision of consultancy services across a wide variety of industries for both domestic and international engagements. Currently, Renita is also the Board Chairman of the Port of Townsville Limited (POTL). POTL is a Queensland Government Owned Corporation responsible for port assets and operations that see the Townsville Port handle more than $10 billion of trade annually. Renita is also a Director of LifeTec Australia Limited, a non-profit organisation specialising in the provision of assistive technology advisory services to Queensland and New South Wales residents. Renita is a Dual Olympic Gold Medallist having been a member of the Australian Women’s Hockey Team during the period 1993 to 2000. During that time Renita won a Gold Medal as part of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Team and also captained the team to a Gold Medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. She also has several World Cup and Champions Trophy Gold Medals. Off the sporting field, Renita has fulfilled Board roles with both the International Hockey Federation and Hockey Australia. These roles have included involvement in the development of sport across all levels and throughout the world. In addition, Renita has had significant exposure to the strategic directions set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), together with leading domestic and international sporting organisations. With Renita’s working, sporting and directorship experience, she has developed strong skills in the areas of strategy, policy, governance, risk management, financial management, taxation and leadership. Renita enjoys the challenges of being part of a team and utilizing both her strengths and the strengths of those around her to develop the best possible outcomes.
PAST DIRECTORSHIPS
International Hockey Federation
Renita was an Executive Board Member of the World Governing Body for the sport of Hockey, the International Hockey Federation (FIH), which is based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Renita was appointed to the Board in November 2006 and remained on the board until 2012. During this time, Renita was also the Chair of the FIH Athletes Committee for the period November 2006 until November 2010 and a member of the Compliance, Audit and Risk Committee of this international sporting organisation.
Hockey Australia Limited
Renita was elected as a Board Member of Hockey Australia Limited in November 2000 and remained in that role until 2012. During this time Renita acted as the Vice President, Finance Director and a member of the Finance and Investment Committee at various times.
Northern Australia Primary Health Limited (formerly Townsville Division of General Practice Limited)
Until May 2017, Renita was a Director of the Northern Australia Primary Health Limited having commenced in that role in 2008. During this time, the organisation transitioned to the “Townsville Mackay Medicare Local” under the health reforms of the Federal Government. The company provided in excess of $40 million in health care services throughout North Queensland, including in the area of youth mental health. Renita was also the Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
