Member Forum, November 26th 2024 Wrap up

Thank you to all members who showed up and contributed to the Members Forum on Tuesday 26^th November 2024. There were many questions and fruitful discussions had, with many people focusing on the redevelopment, football operations and governance.

The main aim of our Member Forums is to allow all members the opportunity to address the Board and voice concerns or issues directly – critically they are an opportunity to ensure that questions and responses are presented in a public fashion that enables everyone to get to the root of any issues direct with the Club decision makers. The Board re-affirms its commitment to ensure that we will always provide answers and the facts to any questions or concerns raised.

In line with this commitment to be transparent and clear with all members, the following is a wrap up of questions and clarifications sought during the Members Forum.

Redevelopment

• The redevelopment of the Richmond oval precinct, though it benefits the Club, is a WTCC-lead project. The Mayor and CEO were invited to the Members Forum in November, but were unable to join; it is hoped that they may join us at another opportune time.
• The Strategic and Futures Committee is undertaking the bulk of the work regarding the redevelopment. This committee is chaired by Alison Surjan and the membership is: John Kantilaftas, Ranee Carey, Sorana Dinmore and Sam Dighton.
• Though many aspects of such developments are commercial in confidence, WAFC is working on a regular basis with both WTCC, SANFL and other third parties to ensure funding and timelines.

Financial

• The Club is not insolvent and the risk of trading insolvent is considered, at this stage, LOW. All Directors have an obligation to ensure solvency and this is taken very seriously and checked at every months Board meeting.
• There is currently recruitment under way for the position of Finance Director – as the term of the current Director was due to expire at the 2024 AGM. Ratification of the incumbent will occur at the 2024 AGM on February 12^th
• Financially, the Club has had a successful year; though we have not achieved the stated goal of reporting a ‘break even’ position as of October 2024, significant improvements have been made resulting a 35% improvement in the Clubs financial position. This signifies a very important step forwards for the Club.

Football

• WAFC have received feedback that members would enjoy more regular football updates with a focus on players, statistical performance and training. In 2025, the Club intends to publish a fortnightly report that will cover these aspects and bring the game and community closer together.
• As was discussed at the previous Members Forum, the Club is exploring ways in which we can better engage parents, juniors and future members of the Club.
• The Club received various feedback regarding the latest SANFL rule changes and concessions. To confirm, Clubs were not asked to vote on these latest changes and though WAFC put forwards possible representation for the SANFL Rules working group, we were not selected on this occasion. WAFC remains committed to ensuring that Clubs and Communities have a voice at SANFL.

Governance and the Board

• The Club conducted a full audit of policies, procedures and regulations in 2021/22. Shortfalls identified during this audit have been cleared, with a last step being a full audit of all additional rules (defined as by-laws, TORs, etc) expected to be complete prior to the 2024 AGM. Contrary to some reports and concerns raised, the Board is conducting this review in accordance with their Constitutional responsibility (s14.25 ad s14.26).
• At the 2023 AGM, outgoing President, John Kantilaftas, explained the Boards interpretation of s14.2.1; that is that the Board may have up to nine (9) Directors and that there is an allocation of these positions to both Member Elect (three) and Nominations Committee (six) processes. This interpretation has been confirmed by the current Board on three separate occasions. The Board will continue to maintain an adherence to the requirement to ensure fair and reasonable representation of both processes when considering Board roles.
• The Board is currently finalising a performance review, with this process being completed by an independent party with assistance from WAFC Legal. The results of this performance review, including an assessment against specific Board KPIs/targets, will form part of the Board report to the members at the AGM.

2024 AGM

• The 2024 AGM will take place on February 12^th, 2025.
• Several items have already been released to members as being on the AGM agenda, but the following is the list of all agenda items as at 10 December 2024:
  • Audit papers and financial reports for WAFC 2024 (Football and Footballers Club)
  • Constitutional amendments/revisions (paper will be distributed prior to 20^th December to all members)
  • Ratification of Finance Director (via a show of hands vote)
  • Election of the Member Elect position (via voting methods already released)
  • Election(s) of Patron(s)/Vice-Patron(s) (via a show of hands vote)
  • Board Performance Report (against Strategic Plan)
  • Executive Performance Report (against Strategic Plan)
  • Football Operations Report (against Strategic Plan)
  • Members Update
• We encourage maximum attendance at the AGM where possible, but if you are unable to attend, please keep an eye on your emails and our news pages for details on how you may still contribute.

As always, the Board is here to act for the Club to ensure that West Adelaide is the destination Club of choice for all football talent in South Australia. We confirm our commitment to the Club and our ongoing desire to serve the Members as best we can.

Thank you,

Emma Grigson

WAFC President