NRL Titans owner Rebecca Frizelle joins Racing Queensland board

Prominent businesswoman Rebecca Frizelle will join Racing Queensland as the only new face among seven appointments to the racing regulator’s board.

Best known in sporting circles as a co-owner of NRL club Gold Coast, Frizelle will replace non-industry member Sharon Dawson.

Dawson did not seek reappointment.

Frizelle also serves on the board of directors of the Organising Committee for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Her expertise across both business and sport sectors is recognised as vital in helping the Queensland racing industry deliver critical infrastructure projects.

Clock ticks on entire Racing Queensland board

The terms of all seven directors on the board of Racing Queensland are set to expire at the end of April.

The StraightBren O’Brien

“Rebecca Frizelle is an outstanding appointment to the board and brings a diverse range of experiences as a leader across business, sport and academia to help grow the racing Industry,” Queensland Racing Minister Grace Grace said.

In what Grace says is important for continuity of governance, independent chair Steve Wilson has been reappointed for a one-year term. He has held the role since April 2016.

Townsville-based Jane Seawright will be Wilson’s deputy for the next three years.

“The RQ board is made up of a group of individuals passionate about racing, with the commercial acumen, strategic vision and expertise to take racing to a whole new level,” Grace said.

“Steve Wilson and Dale Cartwright have been re-appointed for one year, to balance the need for board continuity and coincide with the delivery of major infrastructure projects.

“This includes the redevelopment of the Gold Coast Turf Club, along with the establishment of the new world-class greyhound racing venue near Ipswich, The Q.

“This approach reflects Queensland Audit Office advice for all statutory boards to review and refresh membership to maintain independence and generate new ideas and fresh perspectives.”

Frizelle became the first female chair of an NRL club in 2014 but stepped down from the Titans board in 2017 when the Frizelle and Kelly families became joint owners of the rugby league franchise.

The chief operating officer of Frizelle Sunshine Automotive until 2021, Frizelle is also the deputy chancellor of Griffith University.

Former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Chris Edwards (non-industry member) and Jodie Jones (harness racing industry member) have also been reappointed.

Under the Racing Act 2002, the Governor in Council, usually advised by the Racing Minister,  must appoint or re-appoint members with a term of no more than three years, with four directors to be ‘non-industry’ members and three categorised as a member of the racing industry.