From the CEO: 2022 VAFA AGM

On Monday 12th December, the 130th Annual General Meeting of VAFA members was held at Elsternwick Park headquarters.

In what was described as one of the smoothest AGMs in recent times, a great number of Club representatives, Umpire association representatives and Life Members were in attendance, giving full support to the following outcomes:

Director Election

Returning Officer Stephen Luntz announced that, in accordance with the Articles of Association, the three Directors required to retire this year were Ivan Delac, Felicity Frederico, and Phil Stevens.

At the end of the notice period, three nominations for the Board were received from Sarah Delbosc, and two re-nominating Directors in Ivan Delac and Phil Stevens, with Felicity Frederico not seeking re-election.

Accordingly, Sarah, Ivan and Phil, were duly elected, unopposed.

The Board now consists of the following 9 elected Directors: George Voyage (President), Frank Dunell (Joint VP), Ivan Delac (Joint VP), Tim Habel, Vicki Durston, Phil Stevens, Anthony Amad, Alistair Ewart, Sarah Delbosc.

Early in the new year, the Board will look to fill the further two Board appointed positions (on a 12 month basis) based on the required skill matrix to deliver the strategic plan priorities for 2023.

The VAFA Board wishes to acknowledge and thank Felicity Frederico for the enormous contribution she has made in her time as a Director at the VAFA. Felicity chaired the Governance sub-committee and helped develop the new Constitution that was put before the members.

The Board also recognises the efforts of the 2022 Board appointee, Oliver Gilbert, who has done tremendous work in the areas of the Strategic Plan and Media review.

Constitution

After a comprehensive review process, it was pleasing to see that the proposed new Constitution was passed unanimously by the Members.

President George Voyage acknowledged the original Articles of Association were developed by John Dillon in 1961 and had stood the test of time to date, but there was a need to bring about a document that was based on ‘best practice’ for a Sporting Association such as ours.

Acknowledgement was made of all those who played a role in producing the document and facilitating the process, including Governance Directors Felicity Frederico and Phil Stevens, CEO Jason Reddick, Club Representatives David Howe, Tim Purdey, and Lawrence Tutton, and Solicitor Paul Horvath.

One of the major changes brought about by the new Constitution was the forfeit of voting rights by both the Directors and life members. Similar to the Umpires Association, the life members will form a Life Members Association which will carry a single vote. Director Phil Stevens will be focused on supporting the life members in continuing to play a valuable role in assisting the VAFA with its needs.

New Affiliation Fee model

Following an extensive consultation process conducted by Treasurer Tim Habel, the Affiliation Fee model was also passed unanimously by the members. Based on a user pays model, the new model will see significantly reduced affiliation fees paid up front by all Clubs, and then Clubs invoiced on a monthly basis for their allocation of official umpires to their games.

Life Members

One of the highlights of the night was the members hearing of the many years of service provided by Glen Scarborough and Michael Crooks to the VAFA, following which, both men were endorsed by the members for their life membership nominations.

Director Anthony Amad delivered three testimonials on behalf of Michael Crooks nomination, whilst life member, Tom Brain, gave the insight into the service record of Glen Scarborough, commonly known as ‘Scatters’.

The official presentation of these life memberships will be provided at the 2023 Season Launch, scheduled for Wednesday 12th April 2023.

Strategic Plan

In referencing their statements in the annual report, President George Voyage and CEO Jason Reddick, both noted the launch of a new 4 year Strategic Plan for the VAFA. Director Sarah Delbosc outlined the extensive consultation with all stakeholders that was undertaken to produce the Plan.

Director Oliver Gilbert highlighted the adoption of 4 key values: Respect, Inclusive, Integrity and Community. He also noted the 4 key pillars of focus being: Football & Umpiring; Commercial & Branding; Community; Governance & Finance.

Jason Reddick

The 2022 VAFA Annual Report was presented at the meeting and can be viewed online here.

Following the AGM, Premiership flags and a number of post-season awards were presented – find out more here.