Dear Members,
I trust you are all well and enjoying the off season, or all of your summer sports for those with no such luck as an off season !
For those who don’t know me already, I would like to introduce myself, my name is Evan Butterworth and I have been involved with the committee as Treasurer for the last 4 years. I am extremely honoured and excited to accept the role as President for the 2015 season. I have one son at the club, Eli, who will be playing Under 13’s next year, and another son, Zeke who played Under 8’s soccer this year, but we remain hopeful of getting him across the line for Tackers footy next year. My wife Sam is an active member of the club and served as a team manager during the 2014 season.
As you may be aware, the club held its Annual General Meeting last Wednesday night and I am proud to present the 2015 executive committee:
President: Evan Butterworth
Vice President / Communications: Dave Harris
Secretary: Michael Mefflin
Treasurer: Alex Todorovic
Head of Football: Glen Costello
Football Director – Coaching: Jack Batchelor
Football Director – Skill Development: Mark Taranto
Registrations Director: Anne-Marie Halewood
Sponsorship Director: Karen King
Property Director: Anna Sturgess
Merchandise Director: Laureen Mefflin
Social Director: Ray Johnson
At our AGM we farewelled in an official capacity three outstanding servants of our club; Andrew Sacco, Sam Gioffre & Debbie Costello. Combined they represent 16 years service on the Committee as President, Secretary, Social Director & Property / Merchandise Director. Their experience, expertise & enthusiasm will be sorely missed. All three still have children still playing at St Marys so we look forward to seeing their smiling and hopefully less stressed faces around the club in the coming seasons. On behalf of the club, I would like to express a huge debt of gratitude to each of you, the club would not be in such a great shape without your efforts.
Whilst it is daunting to lose so much experience, it is a testament to our members that there are quality individuals to fill the breach. It is exciting to note that 8 of our 12 person Committee will be in their first or second year as directors and I would especially like to welcome Alex, Anna & Laureen to the committee for the first time. I look forward to working with the committee as a collective to present fresh ideas & initiatives as well as the sound management that we have become accustomed to.
It was particularly pleasing at our recent AGM to receive so many questions & comments from the floor, and a healthy and active discussion on various issues was had by all. The AGM is the formal opportunity for all members to present their feedback or ask questions of the committee and for those who have not attended before I urge you to do so in the future.
Of course, the AGM is not the only forum for your feedback. We have recently completed our first ever online survey of members and I am pleased to report that we had over 180 responses, representing approximately 1 in 3 of all families surveyed – a fantastic result. We are in the process of collating and analysing the data and I look forward to presenting a detailed response to the main issues raised in the coming weeks. Members are also welcome and encouraged to contact either myself or any committee member with their questions, criticisms or concerns at any time, all of our contact details will be on the website in the near future. Rest assured that all formal correspondence, be it suggestions, complaints or sometimes even compliments are tabled at our monthly meetings and discussed or debated in full.
I look forward to seeing you all around the club and am happy to discuss any issues you may have in person. I can be reached on 0413 266 484 or via butterworthbookkeeping@tpg.com.au.
The committee will be hard at work over the coming months to prepare the club the best we can for the 2015 season.
Thanks & regards & Go Burra !
Evan Butterworth
President
St Marys GJFC
