Goulburn Valley League faces financial loss, welcomes new leadership following annual general meeting

By Liam Nash

Dec 15, 2024

Goulburn Valley League has reported a sizeable financial loss following its annual general meeting, while a shake up of the board was also announced. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

Goulburn Valley League wrapped up its annual general meeting recently, reporting significant financial and leadership changes.

Outgoing board chair Jacqui Hudgson revealed an $87,005 loss for the 2023-24 seasons, indicating the drop off was due to delayed finals expenses, higher interleague hosting costs and unmet sponsorship targets for the league's new app.

Of that total, $36,101 has been pinned on season 2023 finals expenses not received until this financial year.

The league’s new app was not realised due to significant delays with the launch postponed until 2025.

The league was able to move the budgeted expense of the app build into the incoming financial year.

Thursday’s meeting also had a shake-up of the board, with club delegates voting to fill four vacant positions.

Peter Foott was re-elected, while Jason Sherlock, Ashok Kumar and Sharon O'Dwyer joined as fresh faces.

Meanwhile, Peter Cardamone and John Byrnes decided not to nominate for their positions with both concluding their two-year terms at the AGM.

In a subsequent move, Foott was elected board chair, with Sherlock stepping into the deputy chair role.

Foott expressed his appreciation for the outgoing board members in the wake of their dedication to their roles throughout their tenures.

“I'd like to thank Nicole, Peter, John and Jacqui. Individually they have each brought a different set of skills and expertise to the table,” he said.

Foott also reserved special praise for Hudgson for her long-standing commitment to the league.

“Jacqui's long contribution to the league as a player, coach, rep netball player and coach, board member, president of the GVNL, deputy chair and chair of the GVL over many years has been invaluable,” Foott said..

Looking ahead, Foott welcomed the new board members with optimism.

“Each brings a wealth of experience and a fantastic skill set to the board and I, along with the rest of the board, look forward to working with them as we continue to grow and strengthen our league,” he said.