Junee club prepares for high-stakes vote

A HIGHLY anticipated and closely watched election for the Board of Directors at the Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club will begin this Tuesday, April 22, setting the stage for one of the most pivotal leadership contests in the Club’s recent history.

Sixteen candidates are in the running for seven seats on the board, with long-serving incumbents facing a growing wave of challengers calling for major change amid financial losses, governance concerns, and membership unrest.

The Club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), where the results will be revealed, is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, at 6:00 pm in the Club auditorium.

Incumbents Face Strong Challenge

Current Club president William Hulm, who has served on the Board for 28 years — 14 of those as president — is seeking re-election.

Joining him is senior vice president Graham Besley, a 13-year board member, and two of the Club’s newest directors Benjamin O’Malley and Maggie Salisbury, who are both hoping to retain their positions.

O’Malley, appointed to the board in March 2024, is also contesting the vice president’s role.

They face stiff competition from a dozen financial members who have expressed deep concern about the Club’s governance and direction.

Among them include former director John Lillingston, who resigned in August 2023 due to ill health but is now seeking a return to the board — and aiming directly for the presidency.

Lillingston is also challenging for one of two vice presidency positions, alongside nominee Jennifer Duncan, who briefly occupied the VP seat in the early 2000’s.

Other new contenders eying a director’s position include Jonty-Jack Bruce, Leo ‘Mick’ McCarthy, Bradley Graham, Maree Allamby, Alan ‘Al’ Smith, Elizabeth Cowled, John ‘Jack’ Curtis, Kerry Badenoch, and husband-and-wife team Allan and Diane Tucker.

Notably, junior vice president Shane Logan and director Carol Watchman will not be recontesting their positions.

Expanded Voting Options

Starting on Tuesday, April 22, voting will take place in the Club’s function room across six days, with the final session closing just hours before the AGM.

Members will have multiple ways to vote, including in-person, via email, and through institutional and in-house voting options for those with mobility or health concerns.

In-Person Voting Schedule:

• Tuesday, April 22: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• Thursday, April 24: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Saturday, April 26: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Monday, April 28: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• Tuesday, April 29: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Wednesday, April 30: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

In-House and Institutional Voting:

• Wednesday, April 23: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
• Tuesday, April 29: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Members requiring an email ballot can contact the Club’s office to receive voting papers electronically.

A Year of Controversy and Financial Decline

This election follows a tumultuous 12 months for the Club.

In mid-2024, long-time restaurant operators Danny Yap and Emily Yin of Danny’s Kitchen abruptly resigned, ending a near 30-year partnership amid allegations of bullying and discrimination.

Their departure sparked widespread member concern and triggered scrutiny over the Club’s internal culture and leadership.

Financial issues have further deepened the discontent. The Club recorded a net loss of $666,493 in 2024, following a deficit of $168,493 in 2023.

As of December 31, liabilities exceeded current assets by $131,195, with negative operating cash flows of nearly $11,000.

The Club’s cash reserves have plunged from $1.8 million at the start of 2023 to just $323,228 by the end of 2024 — a figure the Club attributes to major renovation projects including kitchen upgrades, a new car park, and interior refurbishments.

However, some members argue that such spending, coupled with declining revenue and transparency concerns, has left the Club financially vulnerable.

Membership has also fallen, dropping from 2,208 at the beginning of 2024 to 2,113 by year’s end.

Calls for Transparency and Change

A key issue raised by challengers is the Club’s refusal to release its financial statements for the first quarter of 2025 — data that many argue is essential for members to make an informed decision.

Candidate Allan Tucker described the lack of transparency as unacceptable.

“We are now into the middle of April and yet [the quarterly financials] have not been made available to members,” Tucker said.

“The board has met in the interim and could well have ratified the financials for posting, yet that hasn’t happened.”

He said this withholding of information has driven the push for new leadership.

“The wall of silence has been deafening. Members have asked the current board about their strategic plan, their vision, and how they intend to uphold good governance — but there has been no response.”

Tucker acknowledged the contributions of existing board members but argued that the Club’s current challenges demand new leadership and direction.

“The old board has put in significant years of service — that is not in question. But is it not time for a change, given the Club’s current status?”

He added that nine members of the new candidate group bring experience in business, not-for-profit governance, and community engagement.

He also said the group has spent the past year formulating a plan for the Club’s future, including consulting with the Returning Officer to improve voting processes and accessibility.

“We urge every member to consider carefully who should be on the board going forward. It’s your Club — and its future depends on the decisions made this week.”