Entire Jondaryan Woolshed Board resigns

THE VOLUNTEER Jondaryan Woolshed Board has resigned unexpectedly.

THE VOLUNTEER Jondaryan Woolshed Board has resigned unexpectedly.

Toowoomba Regional Council said in a release this afternoon that the board's resignation had been accepted.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio expressed his gratitude to the Board's volunteer directors for their dedication and commitment over many years to the expansion and betterment of one of the region's most significant tourism and historical facilities.

As a direct consequence of accepting the Board's resignation, Council has approved the appointment of an interim Board to guide the immediate future direction and development of the Jondaryan Woolshed facility.

"Let me be absolutely clear about this, the change in the governance structure will in no way affect scheduled or planned events and functions at the Jondaryan Woolshed," Mayor Antonio said.

"There are a number of pre-booked functions, including weddings, which will not be affected at all by this. From that perspective, it's business as usual."

Council today unanimously appointed TRC Finance and Business Strategy Committee chair Cr Mike Williams to chair the new interim Board with Environment and Community Services Committee chair Cr Geoff McDonald to act as a director.

TRC's Environment and Community Services General Manager Nick Hauser and Council's Financial Services Manager Ann-Marie Ryan will serve as fellow directors on the interim Board.

Cr Williams said this was an opportunity to guide the Woolshed in a new direction with a focus on the long-term operation and development of the facility.

"In the interim, Council has resolved to take a more hands-on approach to managing the Woolshed to ensure we derive the best value from our investment and the ongoing use of ratepayers' funds," Cr Williams said.

"While Boards of Council-owned facilities are run independently of Council, we do have a legislative and financial responsibility to maintain a close oversight of all of our operations.

"This is an opportunity to review the business model that will allow us to maintain and plan the development of this unique attraction, which is the largest and oldest operating woolshed of its kind in the southern hemisphere, for future generations to visit.

"The interim Board has been appointed in a temporary capacity for six to 12 months while we conduct a review of the Woolshed's operations and proceed with appointing a new Board.

"During this interim period, Council will call for nominations for people to serve on the Board. There is an opportunity to seek expressions of interest to fill more specialised roles on the Board.

"Ideally, we will be seeking people from the surrounding district who have a keen interest in promoting our rural heritage along with the relevant business skills to ensure the Jondaryan Woolshed has a strong and viable future.

"Council is committed to maintaining business as usual in the transition.

"Council is indebted to the staff and volunteers who are a valuable source of historical knowledge at the working museum and a vital part of the daily operations at the Woolshed."

Originally published as Entire Jondaryan Woolshed Board resigns