In the trenches: RSL club board implodes

One of Queensland’s biggest RSL clubs has erupted in civil war with the resignation of half the board due to the allegedly ‘untenable nature of the organisation’s practices.

Nambour RSL chief executive Suzanne Long. Photo: John McCutcheon / Sunshine Coast Daily

One of Queensland’s biggest RSL clubs has erupted in civil war with the resignation of half the board in protest against the current management.

The mass resignation of directors at the Nambour RSL has included RSL & Services Clubs Association chief executive Penny Wilson, University of the Sunshine Coast law lecturer Simone Pearce, Orange Sky chief financial officer Melanie Woodward, former Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles chief executive Justin Vievers and ex-serviceman David Willcox.

The club, which changed its name to Boldbridge Management and Development Group in 2018, has more than 20,000 members with the organisation turning over $17m this year. Boldbridge is now developing another club at Sippy Downs called The Bower Tree.

City Beat hears the flashpoint for the resignations was a move against the board by some members at the recent annual general meeting over plans to increase director remuneration.

While described as a “money grab” by some members, directors claim the increase was rather modest given the growing responsibilities of the board.

Nambour RSL chief executive Suzanne Long

Your diarist hears there also was an increasingly tense relationship with chief executive Suzanne Long. In an open letter to members, the resigning directors say “the work required to bring the governance of the organisation to the level appropriate for the business it conducts, cannot be achieved in the current environment.” They add that ongoing involvement in the club would expose them to unnecessary risk.

Rather than remain involved in a “divisive environment” new directors were needed who were “better suited to the dynamic and culture of vocal members and current management.”

In a further statement to City Beat, the directors said “we have made it clear in the letter to members that we have high corporate governance standards, and pride ourselves on maintaining those standards. We came to the view that these standards could not be met, and there was a difference in expectations between management and some members on the one hand, and us on the other.”

Ms Long told City Beat that the club retained three high-calibre directors - Kerry Evans, Chris Keen and Bill Sawrey - who will continue to ensure strong governance. The board will discuss the casual vacancies at a board meeting tomorrow. She declined to comment on her relationship with the departing directors or their criticism of management.

DECK THE HALLS

We hear the production line at the XXXX brewery is running hot in preparation for the huge Property Council Christmas party on December 10.

Property Council executive director Jen Williams tells your diarist that the event at the Royal International Convention Centre has sold out at 1600 attendees.

But if you haven’t been able to nab a ticket do not despair. Williams says the council has a wait list and if the 80 per cent vaccination threshold and the easing of restrictions are brought forward more guests can be accommodated. “It is certainly a positive sign for the sector,” says Williams,

Industry bigwigs including Homecorp’s David McMahon, Stockland’s Adrian Allen, Howard Smith Wharves’ boss Luke Fraser and Dexus general manager Matthew Miller are tipped to be among the revellers.

Property Council Queensland executive director Jen Williams. P

UNITY TICKET

Heritage Bank has appointed Australian Unity as its development partner for the lender’s new multi-million dollar headquarters in Toowoomba. Australian Unity will identify a suitable site, develop the plans, and lead the construction process for the campus-style complex in the heart of the Garden City. Australian Unity will also create a property trust structure for the new HQ, providing an investment opportunity for Heritage members.  Heritage chief executive Peter Lock says the project will be one of the most significant commercial developments in Toowoomba’s history.

POWERING UP

Electric vehicle charging company Tritium has unveiled a testing facility at its Murrarie headquarters as the company expands its global reach.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles cut the ribbon on the new facility on Monday watched by Tritium chief executive Jane Hunter, investor Trevor St Baker and other business types.  

The new facility is capable of testing chargers in 98 percent humidity as well as temperatures ranging from minus 40 degrees to 70 plus.

Trevor St Baker