The foundation club in Melbourne, which was formed in 1961, did not admit women as members until 2016. It was forced into the change after AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan publicly threatened to not attend the Carbine Club’s AFL grand final lunch due to the policy.

“I look back at the great history of this club, a global club with wonderful interstate affiliates around Australia and a huge Carbine presence in major cities right around the world,” Ms Searcy said.

“When I look at that history, I am awestruck to have been so fortunate to attend and host so many Carbine Club functions over the years rubbing shoulders with some of the most incredible sporting achievers in the history of our great country.”

Ms Searcy is aiming to extend the club’s lunches after they didn’t occur in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. “Everyone is welcome at our larger functions, and we encourage people to take tables and bring guests,” she said.

“I will never cease to be excited by our lunches and the more we fill the functions the greater the return to junior sporting clubs in NSW.”