MURRUMBIDGEE Turf Club (MTC) will soon introduce a new board structure after members voted for a change in constitution at Wednesday night’s extraordinary meeting.
Almost 40 votes were received, all in favour of the new constitution, that had not been updated since 1994, but some prominent members abstained from voting.
The main change will see a restructure of the MTC board to comply with Racing NSW’s governance policy and open up almost $700,000 in funding.
MTC president Stuart Lamont is confident the board is in a strong enough position to be able to handle the changes.
“The structure is certainly going to change but I think the fact we’ve already had people on the board, suitably qualified and experienced, the transition won’t be nearly as difficult,” Lamont said.
“It would appear we’ve got 12 out of the 13 board members that would be seeking re-election or appointment but there could well be different people from outside the community as well, which is great.”
The changes to the structure will see the MTC board reduced from 13 to 12.
Current director Richard Bull has already indicated he will stand down after 11 years on the MTC board.
Eight of the 12 will be elected at the annual general meeting on November 23, while the remaining four will be appointed by a selection panel.
The selection panel will have at least one representative from Racing NSW.
Lamont said members can look to the future with confidence.
“Absolutely, I think the fact the club’s had such terrific financial years the last few years and the fact we will have access to some funding to do some work on our sand tracks is a really positive move forward for the club,” he said.
“Although we were reluctant to take the governance provisions because we couldn’t really see the benefit in it, I don’t know the benefits are going to be there, but in saying that I don’t think it’s going to affect the board or the way the board has been operating in any way.”
MTC is now calling for nominations for elected directors and they close at 4pm on Friday October 23.
The initial eight directors will be elected at the annual general meeting, with the appointment of the final four to be undertaken after that.
An interim president, vice-president and treasurer will be appointed at the annual general meeting, and then officially elected once the 12 directors have been decided.
Directors will also now serve on two year terms.
MTC will now get the green light to proceed with improvements to the sand training tracks.
