Long-time Wagga Brothers identity Bob Hay said he’s looking forward to playing a role alongside the new-look Group Nine board as it embarks on a new era of administration.
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Hay, who has also been involved with Wagga Junior Rugby League, is the new operations manager, succeeding Andrew Morton.
After an exodus of experience following the Group Nine annual general meeting in November, Hay said he felt he had something to offer.
“It’s a young and progressive board, some fresh faces and fresh ideas,” Hay said.
“That’s no disrespect to the old guys. It was a bit disappointing to lose Jack (Morton), ‘Dossy’ (Ray Carr) and Brian (Walker) and Kenny (Keenan) because there’s a hundred years of volunteer administration there for the Group. They’re all life members, so it was a big turnover of personnel.
“But I think I can sort of help out a bit, so I put my hand up.”
The operations manager job is a part-time administrative role, not a board position with voting rights.
That suits Hay just fine. His focus is on ensuring strong communication between clubs and the board, which he says is wasting no time preparing for 2019 and beyond.
“The board have already done some good work,” Hay said.
“There’s a five-year strategic plan being developed, they’ve brought on board a new sponsor for reserve grade, with the Thomas Blamey Tavern sponsoring reserve grade for three years. And they’re working on some further sponsorship deals, just to help the Group financially.”
Group Nine has run at a loss for the last few years and Hay said, with turning the finances around a priority, he’s keen to help out with sponsorship proposals as well as publicity.
Hay said his experience with Wagga Junior Rugby League and some 25 years of involvement at club level (in seniors and juniors) has given him an insight into league administration from both sides of the story.
Group Nine president Peter McDermott said they’re thrilled to have his expertise as part of the team.
“We all knew Bob a bit through his dealings with footy all this time,” McDermott said. “For our new committee, his experience and his knowledge – plus his contacts – that was very helpful when we came in fresh.
“We were at a bit of a loss until he came on board. His knowledge of the local area and the systems – it’s a 300 percent improvement to our team since he joined us.”
McDermott said Hay is already having an impact with his IT experience and improving their social media presence.
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