During the past week, Goulburn Valley Football League Board Members, Club Presidents, Secretaries and Delegates would have received the GVFL Administration Function Stage 2 Final Report from the GVFL Steering Committee appointed Consultant Chris HAZELMAN. The Stage 1 Report was also re-sent to ensure the context of both reports. In total, the Stage 1 and 2 Reports consist of some 37 pages.
Given the importance of these documents, I wonder just how many club Presidents will take the time to read the contents and be able to present their views at the Presidents meeting to be held at the Shepparton RSL Club on Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 in a manner which will allow a decision to be made as to whether the current GVFL administration procedure remains as is or is in fact to be administered under the Regional Administration Centre Proposal. The decision is expected to be made at a further meeting on August 6th, 2014.
If this situation is not causing some sort of apprehension amongst all GVFL Stakeholders it certainly is when it comes to the dedicated employees of the League. Not knowing where they will be in season 2015 is a constant worry and hell of a blow to the League should their employment be lost.
Do GVFL Affiliated Club officials and members understand what they stand to loose should they opt for Central Administration at Kialla?
Currently the Goulburn Valley Football League clubs own their own headquarters situated at 24 Dunkirk Avenue in Shepparton valued recently at $250,000. With the exception of one or two AFL/VCFL WorkSafe Country Football League's this is fairly unique. Contained within this building is the League's history displayed on honor boards which at a conservative estimate would cost $20,000 to replace. If there is a better hisotry of an AFL/VCFL League in Country Victoria I would like to see it. Also contained within this building are many other items such as trophies and photo's, a prominent and proud testament of the League's 100 year history with a very recent addition being the League's "Hall of Fame" inductees prominently displayed.
The building also boasts a Board Meeting Room fully equipped with tables and chairs, television and dvd and computer adaptions for presentations. The building houses a large display cabinet donated by one of our former late Life Members, a fully equipped kitchen and naturally a toilet and wash room. The rear area of the building has an extensive back yard storeage area bounded by a new colour bond security fence and a large storage shed. The entrire building was recently furnished with new carpet at a cost of $5,700 as well as new canopy added to the front of the building to keep the weather out at a cost of $2,095.
Our naming rights Sponsor GO TAFE and the GVFL logos are prominently displayed on the front extensive glass windows.
GVFL Board meetings are held monthly in this building as well as Tribunal hearings when deemed necessary. The building consists of a front reception area occupied 3 days per week (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) 9am to 3pm by Administration Officer Melissa WELLS who in her fifth year with the Go Tafe GVFL acts as receptionist and completes all her duties consigned to her to the satisfaction of all affiliated clubs. Melissa has also been involved in entering all netball best and fairest votes for the netball league and setting up the power-point displays for all the netball grades and football grades for the Morrison/Wellman medal vote count and presentation night.
Office No. 2 is occupied by Noel HUSSEY, formerly the Shepparton NEWS Sports Editor. Noel is employed by the League from a week prior to the start of the season until a week after the Grand Final. Noel is heavily involved in producing the League's official weekly publication the GV WeekEnder. A real coup for the GVFL to obtain the services of a man with his experience. Noel puts in many hours in relation to the Mooroopna Golf Club Rising Star Award and Player and notable persons profiles and as well previews the GVFL games each week. The GVFL WeekEnder is recognised as one of the best AFL/VCFL weekly productions and has won several awards. Noel also displays his talent with the camera as can also be seen from time to time in the GV WeekEnder.
The League's finances are controlled by Michelle ADAMS who manages to complete her task on most occasions within two hours a week usually on a Monday. Michelle's Financial Reports have been identified as unquestionable by the League's Independent Auditors each year for the past seven years and are readably accepted by Consumer Affairs.
Bailey OPIE is the League's official photographer, a young man with huge ambition who takes great pride in what he does - he excels in taking great photo's for the GV WeekEnder. Take a good look at the weekly productions front cover; Bailey's work.
As the current General Manager of the Goulburn Valley Football League, I was originally in the position from 1977 until 1997. In 2008 whilst working at the Shepparton Greyhound Racing Club I was approached by two GVFL Board members which subsequently lead to a meeting with the then Chairman of the GVFL Mr John COGHLAN. John explained to me that the GVFL were having a severe cash flow problem and requested that I help out the GVFL for 3 months. That was in February 2008 - it is now July 15th, 2014 - if my calculations are correct I have just exceeded six years by about four months. I have been in a position of Secretary/General Manager of the Goulburn Valley Football League for at least 26 years.
I am well aware that my current position with the GVFL is dependent on the GVFL Board appointing me and the GVFL Delegates endorsing my appointment. My current agreement which is a written agreement expires on December 12th, 2014. My original decision to retire from my position as General Manager of the GVFL was based on alleged comments coming from the top brass of the AFL/VCFL "that the GVFL will never become part of the Central Administration Project while I was General Manager of the GVFL."
The decision to join the HUB remains in the hand if the GVFL Presidents and Delegates, however; should the GVFL remain as is, I will continue to throw my hat in the ring as General Manager. I do not wish to see the GVFL lose its identity, nor do I wish the League's present employees to become redundant.
Keith WELLMAN - General Manager - Goulburn Valley Football League.
Last Modified on 28/03/2015 18:48