Wade Birch Announced As New GWIC Chief Steward

EXPERIENCED Steward Wade Birch has been announced as the new Director of Racing Operations for the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC).

Currently serving as Deputy Chief Steward with Racing NSW, Birch's appointment ends an eight month search to find a replacement for Gail Thorsby who retired from her role as GWIC Chief Steward last July.

Not long after Thorsby's retirement Brett Day was announced as her successor before electing to return to Victoria in his previous role as Chairman of Stewards for Harness Racing Victoria, citing family reasons for the sudden departure.

On Monday, GWIC Chief Commissioner Alan Brown said he was looking forward to Birch commencing his new role.

"Mr. Birch comes to the Commission with a wealth of racing integrity experience having spent over two decades in various stewarding roles," Brown said.

"They include Deputy Chairman of Stewards at Racing NSW and Chairman of Stewards for Racing QLD.

“As the Chairman of Stewards for Racing Queensland, Wade managed the stewarding panels for all three racing codes, so he knows a great deal about integrity issues including greyhound racing.

"His managerial, governance and policy experience will also be a real asset to the Commission as we continue to improve race day efficiencies and develop systems and processes that make complying with integrity and welfare requirements as seamless as possible."

Birch's position as Director of Racing Operations will see him charged with responsibility of managing race day operations, providing strategic leadership in relation to policies, systems and processes, monitoring integrity risks and identifying opportunities, and implementing various programs including the Stewards cadetship Program.

"I'm looking forward to leading strategic changes at the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission that will improve the way the Commission supports and services the greyhound racing industry in New South Wales," Birch said. 

"My intention is to implement changes that will enhance GWIC as the racing controlling body, promote the sport, and significantly advance the New South Wales greyhound racing industry in the area of integrity operations." 

Birch begins his role on March 22.