General News
2 October, 2026
‘Time for big change’
WHITFIELD businesswoman Rebecca Conlan is riding high to become the first female president of the Cairns Jockey Club (CJC).
The racing horse owner and fashionista has decades of experience in the industry and is challenging long-time president Tom Hedley for the role.
Ballot papers to about 290 members have been sent out this week and must be returned by Monday 12 October – two days before the annual meeting.
Ms Conlan told Cairns Local News it was “time for change”.
She said no-one had challenged the president for at least 20 years and Mr Hedley had been in the position for at least 10 years. “I am genuinely challenging Tom for CJC presidency, it’s been a battle to take to a vote as opposition has been strong,” Ms Conlan said.
“After six years of pushing for change from the sidelines as a committee member, it’s time to give our members a chance to vote for who and how they want their club to run and if they want an independent president,” she said.
“I am committed to transparency, governance, rebuilding our relationships with all major stakeholders and, as custodians of Cannon Park, aligning it with the community to bring better financial outcomes for the club and improved experiences and facilities. I believe it is time to give our members a chance to vote for a genuine change.”
“I have been a small business owner in Cairns for 22 years and have been involved in all aspects of racing in Cairns since 1991.
“I have been a part of the CJC since 1991. I come from a family of bookmakers and horse owners, and my involvement with the club has grown over the years, from serving as a CJC ambassador to being a committee member for the past six years.
“I am dedicated to improving all aspects of racing in Cairns and ensuring our key stakeholders are supported.
As president my five core agendas are:
Transparency
AdvertisementRestoring relationships with key stakeholders, sponsors and the community
Track and facilities
Hospitality with improved offering and experience
Innovation.
“As president, while honouring the past, it is dependent on the whole committee to strengthen foundations, welcome fresh ideas and build the racing community for the next generation. I am ready to lead that positive change.”
Ms Conlan said she was “a disruptor” and it was “time for change”.
“We need to get the community more involved and make it accessible to everybody ... inclusive,” she said.
“We need to be more connected with the business community and the tourism because of the tourism that it brings to Cairns every year over our Super Carnival period. Cannon Park infrastructure, it’s 111-years-old and I think we need to plan for the future, really strategically plan for the future ... it’s unique that we’ve got so much land.”
Ms Conlan said ideas included a permanent social or entertainment club on site as well as a training facility for young people to learn about horses, animal husbandry, horticulture and machinery.
She said she was keen to work closely with new general manager Sarah Campbell “with her fresh ideas and approaches and her professionalism”.
