Independent Chairperson

Newcastle Maitland Region Working Group

• Matt Harris (Newcastle RL Director)
• Adam Devcich (Newcastle RL General Manager)
• Peter Martin (Hunter JRL Director)
• Graeme Fitzgerald (Hunter JRL Director)
• Brian Finlay (Newcastle & Hunter RL Chairman)
• Nathan Errington (Newcastle & Hunter RL Director)
• Grant Kelly (NSWRL Northern Corridor Zone Manager)

Expression of Interest - Appointment of Independent Chairperson

The Newcastle Maitland Region Working Group (NMR) formally invites applications from interested parties to fill a current vacancy for an “Independent Chairperson” to join the existing seven members of the current group.

Background:

The Newcastle Maitland Region Working Group was formed in 2023 and consists of representatives from the three local rugby league associations.

The Working Group has been formed with the overall goal of establishing one united body of governance for rugby league within the Newcastle Maitland Region, working closely with the NSW Rugby League being the governing body for junior rugby league in NSW. In the 2023 season, over 9,900 female and male participants from the ages of five to seventeen played rugby league across the Newcastle Maitland Region.

Specific selection and eligibility criteria exist for appointment to this role, and applicants in this instance must demonstrate they meet the selection and eligibility criteria of an independent member.

About the Role:

As an Independent Chairperson, you will join the other seven other Working Group members in overseeing the delivery of a united governance structure for the Newcastle Maitland Region in accordance with several guiding principles outlined in specific documents including but not limited to:

• National Rugby League policies, plans and procedures.
• NSW Rugby League policies, plans and procedures.
• Gemba Competition and Pathways Strategic Review.

As an active member of the NMR Working Group, you will be expected to:

• Attend planned Group and Association meetings.
• Participate in sub committees and working groups.
• Play an active role in driving the formation of a united governance structure for the Newcastle Maitland Region.
• Serve a minimum two-year term on the board.
• Disclose prior to appointment any conflicts of interest that may prevent you from maintaining independence within the board.
• Have not served as a member of a Newcastle RL, Newcastle and Hunter RL or Hunter JRL boards, executive committee, or general committee within the previous two years.

Submitting Your Application

When applying, interested persons should ensure the following requirements are met:

1. All applications should be addressed to the NMR Working Group and entitled “Expression of Interest Independent Chairperson”.
2. All applications should be sent to ******@nswrl.com.au. Receipt of your application will be acknowledged and sent to you via email within 48 hours.
3. All applications must be forwarded to the above address by close of business Friday 5.00pm 12th April 2024.
4. Your application should include, but not be limited to:
   1. Your name and address
   2. Date of Birth
   3. Current occupational status
   4. Historical summary of your involvement in the game of rugby league
   5. Details of any previous appointments you may have previously held as a board director, or involvement in executive committees of other sporting associations, business entities, not for profit organisations, charitable, or educational bodies.
   6. Outline of the specific strengths and experience you will bring to the working group if appointed.
   7. Outline any specific areas of interest or priorities you see as important to you in rugby league.
   8. Statement of disclosure if you have a relationship with any of the existing board members, or conflicts of interest that may prevent you from acting in the capacity as an “independent” on the NMR Working Group.

Grant Kelly
Zone Manager - On behalf of the Newcastle Maitland Region Working Group