LARISSA Kernaghan’s head has only just stopped spinning.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Only two weeks after being elected as the first female president of the Dederang-Mt Beauty Football Netball Club, the occasion hasn’t been lost on the 33-year-old.
“It took about four days to sink in,” Kernaghan said.
“I kind of had that hangover you get when you do something really big.
We have a committee of 23 which is why I decided to take on the position. The support has been huge.
- Larissa Kernaghan
“I was nominated and felt very humbled by the nomination.
“I just thought it was the right thing to do taking on the job.
“We have a committee of 23 which is why I decided to take on the position.
“The support has been huge.”
Kernaghan’s election as president is believed to be a first in the Tallangatta and District league with officials unable to recall a similar ground-breaking appointment.
Several women are secretaries or treasurers at senior clubs in the TDFL and Hume leagues.
The Upper Murray has led the way in women’s administration in recent years with Elise Wilson (Federal), Lou Coutts (Border-Walwa) and Nadia Edwards (Corryong) holding the top jobs.
“I’m very proud to be the club’s first female president,” she said.
“This is a huge step in our club’s movement, particularly the females in the sporting community.
“I have a passion for sport and some experience within football committees.”
Kernaghan and her husband, John, have five children with their eldest son, Finn, playing under-14s for the Bombers.
Sadly, Larissa became involved in volunteering to repay the community for the support they gave her family after losing three-year-old daughter, Lahni, to cancer in 2009.
Larissa’s father, Brett Barton, spent 19 years as a player with the club.
“Finn has played for Wodonga Raiders but he decided to go to the Tallangatta league and Dederang was the only pick I gave him,” she said.
“We had a farm out there and have had a lot to do with the community.
“It’s great to be back involved.”
Dederang-Mt Beauty finished 11th last season with two victories and is eager to make inroads up the ladder under coach Ben Mitchell.
“We are looking for recruits so If anyone wants to come out I can promise them I will give them a fair go,” she said.
“We welcome any family to the club.”