A new committee and president have been elected at the Benalla Lakeside Community Centre’s recent annual general meeting.
Long-term president Bill Sykes has made the decision to step away, passing the reins to Lloyd Johnson.
Dr Sykes said it was a difficult decision.
“I’m the only one who has stepped down,” Dr Sykes said.
“The rest of the committee are staying on and Julian Goldhammer has joined.”
If that name sounds familiar it is because Mr Goldhammer and his wife Bree already provide catering for the centre, known locally as the Glasshouse, with Mrs Goldhammer serving on the committee for several years already.
Dr Sykes said his primary objective on the committee was to ensure all the debenture holder debts, amounting to $47,000, were repaid.
“I have achieved that goal,” Dr Sykes said.
“And we’ve also achieved an number of other things, in particular the purchase of the solar panels which paid themselves off in only four years.
“We’ve overseen various other upgrades and have continually aimed to improve to governance of the committee.
“Looking forward, for me, the key thing is for greater community involvement in the management and use of the facility.
“That’s starting with council organising a community consultation process on what their vision for the facility is.
“I have a commitment from the CEO and mayor to organising that consultation process.
“That is the key thing going forward. Once you know what the planned usage is, that influences a lot of aspects of its management.”