West Pennant Hills Sports Club: New board members to be elected following criticism
Candidates are battling it out for director positions at West Pennant Hills Sports Club. It follows recent criticism of the current board following a proposed amalgamation with Mounties.
Hills Shire
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Voting is underway for a new board of directors at West Pennant Hills Sports Club as it looks to regain stability following backlash from a proposed amalgamation with Mounties.
The controversial deal with the club giant fell apart in November when members voted against the move, which was mooted to help the club’s ambitious development plans come to life.
A number of members complained about the board of directors during the process.
“I did think they [Mounties] made a good case forward, the members are more upset at the board in our club. They didn’t give us other options or alternatives,” member Ian Friery said back in November.
Former board member Ken Meadows cited similar views.
“I have no issue with Mounties, it’s with the current board and lack of transparency with their members and they have lost the confidence from a large portion of membership,” Mr Meadows said in November.
Mr Meadows has been nominated as a candidate for the role of director in the 2021 election, and has put his hand up for deputy chairman and chairman.
In an email to members on Tuesday he wrote: “After leading the no vote team against the Mounties takeover, I was encouraged to stand again for the board,” Mr Meadows wrote.
“We desperately need your support to once again make WPHSC a friendly and fun-loving Club inclusive for the whole local community.”
According to the WPHSP website, every year three positions on the board become available and members vote for directors who will hold the executive positions of chairman, deputy chairman and treasurer.
Mr Meadows explained there are currently only seven board positions filled but the board should consist of nine.
He said there are 11 candidates in total consisting of existing and new candidates, with six of the 11 board members automatically re-elected.
The seven new candidates who have been nominated for the three director positions include Wayne Abrahams, Peter Goh, Ken Meadows, Dennis Montgomery, Rick Murton, Lawrence Shepherd and Stephen Watson.
The existing board of directors consists of director Katrina Ferro, director Robyn Di Cristoforo, director Rodney Wright, treasurer Ray Newton, deputy chairman John Given, deputy chairman Tony Fugaccia and chairman Bill Austin.
Mr Newton, Mr Given, Mr Fugaccia and Mr Austin are reapplying for the executive positions.
Former chairman Dennis Montgomery said he wanted the club to get back on track.
“When I left the club was in a strong financial position and the current board has taken their foot off the pedal and have been going the wrong way,” Mr Montgomery said.
“I fought hard against the amalgamation and I believe I can bring the club forward and have it standing on its own two feet.
“I’ve had experience running a business in the hospitality industry and was successful with 45 employees at one stage. I think you need to be commercially viable to get the club running properly.”
Wayne Abrahams also pointed to his hospitality background in staking his claim for a position.
“I’ve run 38 hotels and a casino around Australia and I’m aware of that industry and I think that’s a huge point of difference,” Mr Abrahams said.
“Accountants look at numbers, in the hospitality industry you tend to make money by listening to your clients and finding out their expectations.
“I want to see the club become more viable and have it remain as a independent club.”
Stephen Watson said he wanted to boost the club through sales and marketing tactics.
“I’ve heard the members coming through the doors are dropping so I want to help encourage new members and make the club more visible to the community,” Mr Watson said.
“We need to develop incentives to get new people in and get people to come more often. A lot of that is about food, entertainment and programs.”
Mr Watson said he had been a member of the RFS and has carried out community volunteer work for scouts and his local church.
Acting chief executive Keryn Smith said it’s the most interest they’ve had in leadership positions.
“Voting runs through till Sunday, we have 12,000 members and encourage them to vote,” Ms Smith said.
She said the club’s future direction was “Onwards and up”.
The current chairman has been approached for comment but has not responded.
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