Dear Members,
It is time to hold our first AGM as an Association Incorporated body, under our new Constitution.
The AGM will be held on 15th November 2015 at 5:30pm in the Club rooms.
If you are considering putting your name down to join the Board, you will need to complete our 2015/16 Director Nomination Form http://eastmalverntc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/AGM-2015-16-Director-Nomination-Form.pdf
Please Note: The completed form must be returned by Sunday 18th October 2015.
To facilitate the voting process (if required), we will circulate all written nominations and bios prior to the AGM so you are fully informed.
A lot has been achieved, and yet there is plenty more to do. It is not a token role, and you will need to set aside an amount of time each month.
I thought it worthwhile to highlight what has happened recently:
What an amazing year we've had at the Club! While other clubs are struggling, we keep powering on. I am very pleased to be part of a dynamic committee, that has brought energy, enthusiasm and, most importantly, results. We have built valuable relationships with Sponsors, Council, Federal and State Government, as well as Tennis Australia and Victoria. I am very pleased with the positive relationship we now have with our long standing and successful Coaching Group. This is the source of the majority of our new members and has helped our financial bottom line. I continue to dream "Big" for our Club and am so grateful for everyone’s help along the way. I do believe that the next couple of years would benefit from stability at a Committee level. We have our biggest projects ahead, and we are well positioned to move forward.
The recent "Big News" is the arrival of Sponsors. It seems amazing that it's taken 130 years before we had one, but there you go. A big thanks to our major sponsors Bank of Melbourne, Audi Penfold Burwood and Marshall White Armadale, for their generous support. Thanks to our first local sponsor: Malvern East Physiotherapy. Paul Lidgerwood needs a huge round of applause for his efforts with these great companies.
Wherever you turn, things are developing. Our Competitions are bigger and better than before. We are so busy, that some night teams are having to play nearby EMTC for their 'home' games. I want to thank Ian Fuelscher, Chris Woods and Rohan Appleton for their tireless work. They have been ably assisted by Peter Car, Alan Young and the EMTC community.
The Constitution will come into effect at the AGM. This is an enormous achievement, not to mention relief, for our whole Club. We can move forward with Council and others, knowing we have the right framework and protection against risk. Glenn Mescher has done excellent work in navigating treacherous legal waters, while keeping the costs to a minimum.
The Strategic direction and planning for the Club has been another significant achievement. We have a Stategic Plan and demographic data to show all the interested parties. This has already helped with sponsorships and our ongoing discussions with Councils and others. A big "Thanks" to Julie Kealey for her work. I should also mention Karen Clydesdale in this as well.
The courts are now bedding in well. Rohan Appleton has delivered a cost effective solution to a potentially expensive problem. Rohan is our "rock" when it comes to all things maintenance. Thanks to Robin Borchard for his ongoing efforts here, as well as the Pool and other maintenance.
We are looking to replace our Lights as they are well below what is deemed appropriate for competition. There are several funding sources being explored. We are also looking to the future. Our Clubhouse is 56 years old and in need of replacement. This is clearly beyond our finances. We are in early discussions with Stonnington Council and so far so good.
I partcularly want to acknowledge Deb in her role of bringing the pieces together, with an increased workload as a result of all our achievements to date. We are almost to the point of needing an assistant for her. I often joke that Deb is actually the one in charge but I'm not sure that isn't actually true.
There are four positions (out of nine) up for election at this AGM. As per our new Constitution, the other five will be decided at next years' AGM.
- President: I (Ralph Muir-Morris) am standing again for this role.
- Secretary: Debra Bolic is standing again for this role.
- Director 4: Ian Fulcher is standing again for this role.
- Director 5: Glenn Mescher is standing again for this role.
If you believe you can add to the skills and expertise of the current committe, and have the time, passion and drive to contribute to the Club please nominate for one, or more, of these positions. As per the Nomination Form we need a brief statement of your interest and experience with EMTC and Committees generally, as well as the skills and attributes you would bring to the next Committee.
Kind Regards,
Ralph Muir-Morris
President
East Malvern Tennis Club