Catherine Ferraro
IT has been a hard, tough season for the Broadford Football Netball Club.
Facing numerous obstacles at the beginning of the year, including the replacement of coaching staff, the loss of almost 20 senior footballers and a variety of financial commitments, the 2010 committee were in no doubt of the difficulties ahead.
President Darrell Webb described the number one objective for the committee this year had been to turn the financial situation around and point the club in the right direction.
At the club’s annual general meeting last Wednesday night, Webb was proud to make it known to those in attendance that the implementation of a formal club structure comprising football and netball departments, sponsorship, membership, events and functions and canteen and bar committees has seen these elements of the club operate under accepted business practices.
This reorganisation, along with decisive financial management and the continued generous support of sponsors and members, has seen the club be able to absolve all debts and head into the current financial year in credit.
Webb applauded all committee members and volunteers of the club, including coaches and assistants for their tireless efforts in ensuring, even though success was not found on the field in 2010, this year will go down in history as the beginning of a new era for the Broadford Football Netball Club.
Webb was also quick to thank secretary David Munn for his invaluable assistance, Laura Moran for her tireless efforts as treasurer and Des O'Connor for his invaluable knowledge of the club and the personal assistance he provided Webb as president.
Webb also thanked his family for their understanding of the commitment he has made to the Roos and the time and effort this entails.
Special mentions were made to Bill Neilson and Mary-anne Parks in their senior coaching roles.
Broadford is a very proud club. Proud of their past and proud of how they can inspire each other to tackle adversity.
The massive turnaround behind the scenes this season is a testament to the people involved, those Webb describes as an inspiration for him.
The committee have simply pulled up their sleeves, devised a plan to fix it and got on with the job.
Stalwarts like Bill Neilson have stepped in at times of need and members and Broadford locals have chipped in by attending functions and special events like the annual swap-meet.
This effort all stems from one common factor - these people love this club.
A new committee was elected on Wednesday and comprises the following:
President - Darrell Webb.
Senior vice President - Ted Wearne.
Junior vice President - position to be filled.
Secretary - David Munn.
Treasurer - Laura Moran.
General committee: Tony Hibbert, Cheryl Hunter, Len Redenbach, David Green, Alex Jackson, Charlie Aquilina, Linda Moran, David Brown and Kathy Slade.
The club promoted the “fun, family and friendship” ideal at the beginning of the season and it has spread its message wide with the success of various social events, including the “Back to Broadford” weekend, numerous mid season entertainments and Thursday night dinners at the clubrooms.
The club is the place to be and has become a hive of activity and an integral part of the town once again.
“This club has a long history of people that have put in so much time and effort over many, many years, we as the current custodians have to ensure that the Broadford Football Netball Club has a long, exciting and prosperous future,' said Webb.
