Nyungar-Nyiyaparli-Yamatji lawyer, writer and Adjunct Professor Emma Garlett has been appointed to the inaugural board of the Perth Bears NRL club.
The Australian Rugby League Commission announced the board members on Saturday.
The initial nine members of the board include business and industry leaders in Western Australia and across the country, figures both inside Rugby League and outside the sport, as well as those with a strong knowledge of sport in Western Australia and the North Sydney Bears.
"I am thrilled to be appointed to the inaugural board of the Perth Bears," said Ms Garlett, who the club hailed as a "strategy, sustainability and digital expert".
The Perth Bears board also includes Ben Morton (Chair; WA business and community leader, former Australian Government Minister, former WA Rugby League board member); John Dumesny (sports administrator); Joe Hockey (former Australian Treasurer and diplomat); Christina Matthews (WA sports administrator and tourism leader); Daniel Dickson (Chair of North Sydney Bears); James Bracey (TV sports presenter and journalist, former North Sydney Bears board member); Jacqueline Johnstone (governance, integrity and strategy expert); and Peter Cumins (WA businessperson).
ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys AM said the group would be a "strong and experienced Board to ensure the Perth Bears are well governed from the start".
"The inaugural and historic Perth Bears Board is comprised of a diverse group of individuals with the right skills to ensure the Perth Bears Club is successful and thrives," Mr V'landys said.
"The group comprises industry leaders both in Western Australia as well as across Australia more broadly, as well as sporting leaders.
"Combining this board with Anthony De Ceglie as CEO, Mal Meninga as Head Coach, and Ben Gardiner as Assistant Coach, the Club will be a powerhouse for the game in a key market."
