A deficit of almost $46,000 and the election of three new board members were the biggest talking points out of Wednesday night’s Goulburn Valley League annual general meeting.
The league announced a loss of $45,968 for the 2021-22 season, which follows on from last year’s deficit ($54,347) and the deficit recorded in 2019 ($13,154).
This year’s deficit now leaves the league’s retained surplus at $157,472.
League board chair Jacqui Hudgson said this year’s losses were influenced by a range of factors.
“The loss can be explained through items not considered (or) fully considered in the original budget such as interleague, livestreaming, statistics and strategic plan,” Hudgson said.
“Switching providers to Cluch TV at round 10 meant that our budgeted costs did increase, but we now have a dedicated GVL Channel on the Cluch platform. We are currently developing new assets for the GVL and clubs’ commercial benefit in season 2023 and beyond.”
The meeting was headlined by the election of office bearers of the board.
Six nominees put their hand up for the four vacant positions.
Hudgson, Sandy Witham and David Roff were the three existing board members who nominated for re-election, while Peter Foott, Peter Cardamone and John Byrnes tossed their hat into the ring.
Existing board member Amy Marshall, who had been a member since 2019, did not seek re-election.
Before clubs voted, a discussion took place on whether the league’s board should be extended from seven members to nine.
However, as per the league constitution a vote to change the number of board members must be motioned 28 days prior to the AGM.
Echuca president Ash Byrne put forward a motion — which was seconded by Seymour — to adjourn the current meeting for a later date so that a vote could be undertaken.
The motion was defeated by an 8-4 vote amongst the clubs.
The election was then able to take place which resulted in Foott, Byrnes and Cardamone joining Hudgson, Freddo McMahon, Mick Williams and Anthony Putt on the board.
“We welcome incoming board members Peter Foott, Peter Cardamone and John Byrnes to the GVL board,” Hudgson said.
“Each brings a wealth of experience to the board and I, along with the rest of the board, look forward to working with them as we continue the great work of the GVL.
“Our vision for the GVL is significant and our goals diverse. They allow us to navigate our collective short-term challenges, while creating a foundation for our long-term success.”
Roff had spent more than a decade on the board, which consisted of a five-year tenure as league chairman.
Witham was a founding board member when the netball and football leagues merged.
Hudgson thanked the efforts of the three outgoing board members.
“I’d like to pay tribute to Amy, Sandy and David ... the three outgoing board members’ contribution to the board and the league has been invaluable,” she said.
The league also presented the final draft of its five-year strategic plan to club delegates.