Chairman of Venues NSW Tony Shepherd quits on eve of the State election
In a shock move on the eve of the state election, the man behind the building of the new $900 million Allianz Stadium is standing down from the most powerful position in NSW sport.
Tony Shepherd, the chairman of Venues NSW, is standing down from the most powerful position in NSW sport.
In a shock on the eve of the State election, the highly regarded administrator, who is also chairman of the GWS Giants, broke the news to government powerbrokers on Monday morning.
Shepherd sent a letter to SCG members to outline his situation.
“I write to let you know that I have resigned as chair of Venues NSW and the Sydney Cricket Ground and will formally finish after this week’s board meeting,” he said.
“One of the great honours of my life has been to serve as a trustee and chairman of the Sydney Cricket Ground and then a board member and the inaugural chairman of the new Venues NSW.
“As deputy chairman, Rod McGeoch will assume the responsibilities of chairman, so Venues NSW is in the safest possible hands. He has been a trustee and board member for 25 years and counting and is hugely experienced in all areas of our business and well beyond. He and Kerrie Mather make a great team to continue Venues NSW’s growth in the future.
“There will be plenty of time for farewells of course, but I deeply value your support and commitment to Venues NSW and to the very special places that we manage.
“The loyalty of the members knows no bounds and getting to know you, and representing you, has been the most important part of the job.
“Thank you for your support over many years and I look forward to seeing you at a match soon.”
Venues NSW is responsible for delivering major events to Sydney and overseeing major stadiums.
Shepherd was the driving force behind the building of the new $900 million Allianz Stadium.
After the election Venues NSW will need to determine the future of Sydney’s suburban grounds and whether to spend up to $200 million on a roof for Accor Stadium.
Shepherd was the 15th chairman of the Sydney Cricket Ground and inaugural chairman of Venues NSW.
He was appointed as an SCG Trustee in 2002 and as SCG Chairman in March 2014. In 2020 he was appointed as first chairman of the merged Venues NSW.
He has worked under 12 NSW sports ministers, eight Premiers and eight Prime Ministers.
Shepherd told colleagues: “I’m very much looking forward to attending a match and being able to watch and enjoy it.”
Is this Australia’s most remarkable – and oldest – elite athlete? We think so
He is one of Australia’s most remarkable athletes - a soon to be 99-year-old still competing in the elite arena and making waves, Now he’s revealed the secret of his success and future plans.
Ironman legend’s son making waves in a different sport
It’s a name synonymous with surf life saving but this Next Gen athlete is hoping it’s also on an Olympic start list by the Brisbane 2032 Games - or even LA in 2028 in a different sport.