2023 AGM Snapshot

Rowing Queensland hosted the 2022 AGM on Sunday 14 May 2023. With 25 members (Clubs) represented (17 in person/8 dialled in) as well as life members and other interested observers.  The representation, procedings and outcomes were very encouraging!

As summary from the meeting:

A constitutional change regarding the gender ratios of the Board was read and reviewed and adopted.

Minutes from the previous AGM were adopted without any changes.

Nick Parr in his final meeting as a Board member and Chair read his report (as seen in the Annual Report) and continued to announce the retirement of RQ CEO Ian Holzberger after nearly 4 years in the role.

Some key points from Nick:

• From Club President and frequent general Board advisor in 2018/2019 to Interim then CEO in RQ’s time of need following the resignation of Murray Stewart.
• Cometh the hour, cometh the man – Ian turned the tide and steadied the ship through the financial hard times and the next curve ball, COVID 19. Under Ian’s guidance RQ produced protocols and provided advice that was copied by most other state associations and RA, and allowed rowing to be the first organised sport to come out of lockdown and get back to business.
• Ian’s legacy is something to be proud of and will not be diminished by a small group of keyboard warriors. 99.9% of the community have witnessed your incredible drive, love and passion for our sport and our organisation. 

Ian presented the Audited Financial Statement (found in the Annual Report) for the company including some explanation of key figures and notes. The Statement was adopted.

We heard from the nominees for the vacant director positions in the room, Steve Wilson and Annette Quayle, on their motivations for nominating, what they had to offer, and they responded to some questions from the members. In Scott’s absence, Nick gave endorsement for the work Scott has already done on the Board and his desire to be ‘elected’ rather than appointed again.

The question of the ‘possibility’ to elect all 3 candidates came from the floor and the response from RQ was that it was the intention of the Board to fill the identified two elected positions via ballot and to use the 2 remaining appointed positions to fill any skills gaps that may be left after the 2 new members are elected and maintain the desired gender ratio.

It is noted the gender ratio rule cannot be mandated, it is a guideline, but it is the intention of the Board to appoint Directors within this guideline. 

Question from the floor noted a perceived absence of High Performance (HP) experience on the Board – this was noted, as was the Board’s intention to establish an HP committee to advise the in the coming months.

Votes were cast via confidential ballot using voting slips both online and in person and after a short break the successful candidates were announced as: Scott Austin and Annette Quayle.

In general business there was a fitting tribute from Bruce Greenland to Roger Morton (and the Morton family) for their generosity to RQ across decades and our condolences are once again extended for their loss. 

Future AGMs will be on 3^rd Sunday in May to avoid Mother’s Day clash!

Feedback on the regatta calendar and programs was discussed as well as compliments on the increased communication from RQ and it’s positive effect on volunteer numbers. The Board has taken on board suggestions to revisit the State Championships timing and volunteer shortage.

Simon Daly (Director) said a fond farewell and thank you to retiring Board members Nick Parr and Emma Brown for their years of service and leadership. 

Ross Williams also extended his thanks to departing Board members and the whole Board and staff of RQ for their contributions to bringing RQ from a tough position in 2018/2019 to the strong position and community we have today. 

The Board looks forward to welcoming our newest Director Annette Quayle, and we will keep the community updated on the search for a new CEO, opportunities for members of the community to share their experience and expertise on new committees and all things rowing.