Brett Dixon quits Thoroughbred Racing NT as Richard O’Sullivan elected new Darwin Turf Club chairman

Former Darwin Turf Club chairman Brett Dixon has resigned from the board of Thoroughbred Racing NT after club members last night voted in a new chairman and a new board in a major shake-up. SEE ALL THE NEW BOARD MEMBERS here.

• Darwin Turf Club members vote to spill all positions on its board at special general meeting
• CM backs leak probe: Alleged Turf Club ICAC breach ‘extremely serious’
• CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS: ICAC Turf Club report, internal investigations, estimates saga

UPDATE: FORMER Darwin Turf Club chairman Brett Dixon has resigned from the board of Thoroughbred Racing NT.

Incoming DTC chairman Richard O’Sullivan made the announcement at a press conference on Wednesday.

When contacted by the NT News, Mr Dixon confirmed he had departed Thoroughbred Racing NT.

“This morning I sent my letter of resignation to Thoroughbred Racing NT,” Mr Dixon said on Wednesday.

The former chairman also wished the new Darwin Turf Club board “all the best”, saying he respected the vote of the club’s members.

UPDATE: RICHARD O’Sullivan has been voted on to the Darwin Turf Club (DTC) board as chairman at a special general meeting on Tuesday night.

Jodie Waters is the vice-chairwoman.

Mr O’Sullivan said it was a clean slate for the new board.

“It was just quite emphatic. There’s a new board, a new direction,” he said.

“It’s now time to pause and recalibrate where the turf club goes,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Former chairman Brett Dixon and fellow board member Damien Moriarty failed to win one of the 10 vacant board positions that attracted 18 nominations.

About 80 DTC members attended the meeting.

Turf Club chief executive Brad Morgan said it was an extremely important period for the club.

“This election was a pivotal time in the club’s history, demonstrated by high voter turnout and support of the election process,” he said.

“We now look forward to setting a pathway that will enable the Darwin Turf Club to be one of the most progressive racecourses in the country and further establish the Club’s offering as an important multi-faceted entertainment precinct, which includes Silks Darwin, for not only the wider community but also for the local economy that it supports.”

The new board is made up of Mr O’Sullivan, Daniel Banks, Barry Coulter, Annie Davis, Allen Fanning, Louise De Bomford-Scott, Donna Murray and Brooke Prince.

Richard O'Sullivan was appointed the new chairman of the Darwin Turf Club.

EARLIER: Current Darwin Turf Club chairman Brett Dixon is struggling to attract the support he needs to retain his position as members vote for the club’s new board.

The NT News understands Mr Dixon has struggled to garner support from members following the $12m grandstand scandal.

Turf Club members are voting in a special general meeting to decide the make up of the club’s new board.

MORE NT NEWS

Jack Parker described by family and friends as ‘beautiful boy’

Alice Springs man who helped stabbing victim faces string of weapon charges

Storms possible in Top End while the central desert cools down

A new Darwin Turf Club board will be announced this evening. Picture: Che Chorley

TUESDAY MORNING: A NEW board for the Darwin Turf Club is expected to be announced tonight.

Darwin Turf Club members are voting today with the new board to be announced at a meeting this evening scheduled for 7pm.

Around 17 people have put their hands up for the 10 DTC board positions.

The selection of a new board comes after a scathing ICAC report into the $12m grant awarded by the NT government for its grandstand and the ongoing turmoil around it.

Follow @JudithAisthorpe