Jayne McCarthy has become the first female president in the 101-year history of the Tamworth RSL sub-branch.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Mrs McCarthy was voted in at the AGM on Sunday, and has grand plans to carry on the legacy left by outgoing president Bob Chapman, who resigned after more than eight years at the helm.
"It is a real honour to serve in this position, and I have some big shoes to fill," Mrs McCarthy said.
"I am also very excited to be the first female president - a very proud moment."
Read more:
Mrs McCarthy was born in Canberra and joined the Navy in 1987, before moving to Tamworth with husband Steve "for a tree-change" in 2010.
Shortly after the sub-branch recruited Mrs McCarthy straight into the position of secretary, and she took to the role like a former Navy officer to water.
"It has been wonderful - they really are like a second family," she said.
"It has been all about camaraderie, trust and fun, and I can't wait to take on this next step."
While the new president isn't out to reinvent the wheel, there is one aspect of the sub-branch that Mrs McCarthy is putting at the top of the list.
"The first priority is to maintain what we have created, and second is to concentrate on bringing more young veterans in," she said.
"We always have to be very mindful of the predecessors, but if you don't evolve you die - it is a real balancing act.
"The RSL has been through a tough time, although the Tamworth sub-branch is very strong and we need to keep it going strong."
