Parramatta Leagues Club re-elects board of directors
Parramatta Leagues members “appalled” by recent dramas have let their votes do the talking at its AGM, delivering a result which will give the club “stability” ahead of its colossal transformation.
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Parramatta Leagues Club members fed up with its instability and being “held to ransom” during rebel votes have shunned change and re-elected the existing board of directors following its 67th annual general meeting.
Mark Jenkins and Phil Sims and were re-elected with 848 and 799 respective votes at the Tuesday night AGM.
Six other candidates, including former Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer and Cumberland councillor Steve Christou, failed to seal a spot on the board with 250 and 223 respective votes.
Former club director and property developer Roy Spagnolo recorded 508 votes, Francis Wong received 314, Ellena Wong mustered 168 while Tony Beuk trailed with 105.
Mr Monaghan welcomed Mr Sims and Mr Jenkins’ return to continue the status quo which meant “the board will stay stable, which is great”.
Members also endorsed special resolutions for changes to the club’s constitution, which would mean 5 per cent of the 42,000 voting members’ support would be needed to call an extraordinary general meeting.
Under the previous clause just 200 members would be needed.
The changes follows a rocky 2024 for the club which included an extraordinary general meeting in November that cost $400,000.
The meeting was staged after a rebel group called Make Parra Great Again lodged a petition to oust directors Mr Jenkins, Sue Coleman, Richard Jenkins and Joy Cusack.
However, the plan tanked when fewer than 100 voting members turned up at the meeting, making them ineligible to cast their votes.
Mr Monaghan said the new constitution would avoid costly meetings.
“Here we are, a club with 65,000 members and 42,000 voting members, and 200 people from a little faction are in a position to call a meeting and hold the rest of us to ransom,’’ he said.
Now the club is focusing on its colossal redevelopment which includes a new clubhouse, a theatre with capacity for 1000, a 12-storey hotel with 150 rooms, restaurants and youth centre.
“Everyone is so excited about what Parramatta Live can deliver for the growing community in that area, and to have entertainment, food, a community centre and youth hub in that area is going to be incredible for that growing population,’' Mr Monaghan said.
Eels legend and Parramatta businessman Peter Wynnwas also elected as the club’s patron thanks to his “passion and dedication” to the club and rugby league community.
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Originally published as Parramatta Leagues Club re-elects board of directors
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