Formation of WERG (Women's Equal Representation Group)

Since licensed clubs came into being their decision making have been dominated by men and women played minor roles. To an extent this has changed in recent years however generally women are greatly under- represented in licensed clubs in general and in decision making positions in particular.

In 1996 former Miss South Africa and proud Panther fan Glynis Hayne in conjunction with her husband local Penrith sporting identity Doug Hayne formed WERG (Women's Equal Representation Group) to create an awareness of the need for licensed club reform in general and in the area of women's empowerment in particular . The group nominated a team of nine women for the Panther Board of Directors elections in the year of the groups formation and although it didn't win any places on the board it did receive 28% of the vote. The vote was outstanding considering the group had to contend with 10 2(a) & (b) of the clubs constitution which stops aspirant directors from publicising their candidature and this heavily favoured the incumbents.

WERG leader Glynis Hayne said, "Although my group didn't win any positions on the Board of Directors our campaign commenced an awareness that has contributed to the Carr Government embarking on reform agenda for the licensed club industry. It is only hoped the reform process continues and is expanded to include the removal of sexism from the club industry. In the first instance I request the Carr Government to legislate to have licensed club boards made up of both men and women in the same proportion as the membership. "