Wendy Kennedy first female president of Carbine Club in 43 years
Wendy Kennedy grew up around horses in a racing family. Now she’s risen to the top of a prestigious club. Read how.
Tasmania
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Wendy Kennedy was just a toddler when she fell in love with horses – and now she’s made history by becoming the first female Tasmanian president of the male dominated charity the Carbine Club in 43 years.
The Clarence councillor and former television presenter is only the second woman to hold the top position in the club in the world.
Caroline Searcy was elected chair of the NSW Carbine Club in 2021.
The first Carbine Club was formed in Melbourne in 1961 as a networking and luncheon club devoted to sport and fundraising and there are also clubs in Hong Kong, Singapore, London and Tokyo.
Ms Kennedy said the Tasmanian chapter began in 1982 and is limited to 40 members who “share a love of sport, good fellowship and most importantly fundraising”.
She said the Club was named after racehorse Carbine – “a courageous horse who won 30 principal races in New Zealand and Australia who was a crowd favourite”.
“The funds we raise assist young Tasmanian athletes achieve their sporting goals and dreams,” Ms Kennedy said.
“I have been attending Carbine Club functions for almost 30 years, not just in Tasmania but around Australia and internationally.
“It’s a fantastic Club to be part of and I’m extremely respectful of its history.
“While I am proud to have been appointed as Tasmania’s first female president, I am even prouder of the work we continue to do in giving help to so many young Tasmanian athletes.
“The Club exists because of its volunteers, and we must all take a turn. After three years as vice-president, it’s my turn now to step up.”
Ms Kennedy’s family has been involved in racing almost 100 years and her father EC (Ted) Plunkett and late brothers Leigh and Rod were highly successful owners and trainers, along with her Plunkett cousins who successfully bred and trained thoroughbreds including Hobart Cup winner Dark Intruder.
She was one of the youngest females to be licensed in Australia to drive in harness races.
“I’ve been involved in the racing industry for most of my life. As a licensed participant, an employee of TOTE and Tasracing, as a Director of the Tasmanian Racing Appeals Board, as a race club member – but most of all as a huge fan of racing and I love the hero of it all – the horse.
“I fell in love with horses as a toddler.”
Ms Kennedy said she found the racing industry to be “pretty gender neutral”.
“I’ve always felt welcome and equal,” she said.
“Women have always been at the coal face of racing and female jockeys and harness drivers were licensed a long time ago.
“They didn’t automatically get their own change rooms but they did get the opportunity to participate and today some of the best jockeys in Australia are women.”
The Carbine Club’s Derby Day lunch on February 7 marks the start of the Tasmanian Summer Racing Carnival.
Guest speaker is former Collingwood premiership player and successful breeder/owner Michael Christian.
Originally published as Wendy Kennedy first female president of Carbine Club in 43 years
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