Nine candidates to stand for Parramatta Leagues Club board of directors

A councillor, former CEOs and ex-gaming boss have joined the race to land a spot on the board of Parramatta Leagues Club. Meet the contenders.

A Cumberland councillor, former CEOs and ex gaming boss have joined the race to land a spot on the board of Parramatta Leagues Club and serve its 55,000 members.

Our Local Community councillor Steve Christou has run for federal politics and now wants to secure a spot on the club’s board.

The former mayor is one of nine nominees vying to lead the leagues club.

“I have a good understanding of policy, logistics and experience with most federal, state and council matters namely Centrelink, child support, immigration, Medicare, family law, internet connectivity, housing and development regulations,’’ his candidate statement reads.

Members will cast their votes on Tuesday February 27.

Cumberland councillor and former mayor Steve Christou. Picture: Toby Zerna

Former leagues and footy chairman Roy Spagnolo is standing again eight years after he was the centre of an Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority investigation that found he had not demonstrated the skills and knowledge expected of a club director.

Mr Spagnolo said the allegations that he had not followed the correct procedure for claiming expenses for Christmas parties at his home and giving the former chief executive a bonus were “technical breaches”.

He said almost $1m was spent in legal fees to try and stop his return but the courts had cleared the way for him to stand again.

Parramatta Leagues Club has 55,000 members.

The ILGA did not support NSW Liquor and Gaming investigators’ assertion that Mr Spagnolo and three other directors had tampered with records in backdating 145 membership records ahead of board elections.

In their candidate statements, the property developer and accountant of 40 years said the club returned to profitability in one year – from a $9.1m loss in 2008 to a $1.1m profit in 2009 – when he ran it.

Parramatta Chamber of Commerce president and Business NSW councillor Luke Magee is another hopeful.

At the extraordinary Parramatta Council meeting on Monday night, he spoke in favour of the council backing a deal worth up to $2.4m for the Eels rugby league club, particularly programs that benefit the NRLW.

Mr Magee is on the board of multiple organisations including the Parramatta Community College and Youth off the Streets.

The Accor Stadium board member said he would represent all members of the leagues club “to ensure the renaissance that is occurring continues, via appropriate governance and sound decision making”.

Luke Magee.

Roy Spagnolo.

Incumbent leagues club president and director Greg Monaghan, who is also the Parramatta District Cricket Club president, will stand again.

Mr Monaghan has held the top job since 2020. Last year, the leagues club bought the Dural Country Club, opened the Members’ Lounge and bounced back from Covid lockdowns.

“We remained strong throughout, now net debt free,’’ he said.

Parramatta Cricket Club president Greg Monaghan. Picture: Angelo Velardo

Sue Coleman, who has also served on the club board since 2020, will stand again and is the only woman contending at the 66th annual general meeting.

The former Parramatta Council chief executive of 12 years with more than 30 years in the public service said she was “particularly proud of the great work our club does with the community, supporting junior sport and providing a helpful hand to so many community groups across our region.

Former VIP Gaming executive general manager Stephen Spence states the board would benefit from his 20 years of senior experience in listed casino corporations.

It is his second tilt on the board and said the club should be ready to “face the threat” of cashless gaming.

“An emerging threat to the financial security, and future, of all NRL clubs is cashless gaming,’’ he said.

Businessman Tony Beuk, who has served on the Sydney Dragway board of directors, is also standing.

“My professional experience in the boardroom and in other various roles including as a cyber security specialist, gives me the opportunity to develop future plans and address some of the challenges for the growth of our club and our rugby league team,’’ he said.

Members will vote on February 27.

Seasoned director Glenn Campbell has served on eight boards including the State Football Federation and the Private Health Insurance Industry Association.

He has held the chief executive position at public and private hospitals and wants to put his business acumen to use at the club where he has been a member for 40 years.

“Much has changed since our family watched ‘all three grades’ from the Cumberland Hill, then walked to the Leagues Club for chicken-in-a-basket,’’ he said.

“The club has experienced massive challenges and emerged stronger than ever.’’

An Eels supporter for more than 50 years, accountant Tony De Lutiis aims to assist in “improving the club’s financial performance’’.

“I believe that improved cashflow and profits will allow the club to improve facilities and entertainment for all members,’’ he said.