Club AGM ‘suspended’ amid member concerns

THE Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club’s highly anticipated annual general meeting (AGM), originally scheduled for next Wednesday, April 2, has been suspended, with all nominations and ballots set to be destroyed.

In a notice to members on Thursday afternoon, the Club announced that its returning officer had made the “difficult decision” to halt proceedings in response to “member concerns.”

“The Club’s returning officer has made the difficult decision to postpone the AGM and all voting. This decision follows concerns raised by some members to both the returning officer and the General Manager,” the notice read.

“Whilst the voting has been constitutional and legal, [the returning officer] has decided that, in the best interests of the members, staff, and the Board of Directors, the voting should be suspended and those concerns addressed.”

In a follow-up statement, the Club’s returning officer, Lee Rowe, said she made the call because “the current election process did not enable nominees and voters to have the opportunity or capacity to fulfil their needs.”

She stressed that the decision was not made lightly.

“The 2025 annual general meeting has been suspended on my authority as returning officer. This ceases all voting immediately,” Rowe said.

The dramatic turn of events comes just two days after nominations for the Club’s Board of Directors were received and only one day after voting began.

All ballots and nominations submitted so far will now be destroyed under the supervision of an independent witness.

“I realise this may cause inconvenience and concern for some,” Rowe said.

“However, after considering and researching the concerns raised by members, and meeting with representatives of both members and management, I concluded that while the JEMC constitution—the legislation the Club must follow—was adhered to, the current election process did not enable nominees and voters to have the opportunity or capacity to fulfil their needs.”

Rowe added that additional guidelines could be implemented to further safeguard the integrity of the voting process.

“This decision was made by me alone,” she emphasised. “I was not pressured by staff, members, or the board. I received concerns, I promised to follow up, met with concerned members and management, listened, acknowledged, and took the step to rectify the situation under my authority as returning officer.

“This is about addressing concerns, meeting the needs of the community, and allowing the Club and its incoming board to move forward in a positive direction.”

Rowe also urged members to remain respectful in discussions surrounding the decision.

“It would be appreciated if individuals, staff, or other members are not made targets of insinuations, malice, or verbal attacks. This decision was made in accordance with the constitution and Club NSW guidelines.”

A new election and AGM date is expected to be announced within 24 hours.

“A revised nominations period, voting schedule, and AGM date will be announced following consultation with management regarding room availability,” Rowe said.

Members with questions or concerns regarding the process can contact Lee Rowe at lee.rowe47@gmail.com.