Yachting Australia, in partnership with the Member Yachting Associations, has moved closer to providing a “best practice” governance framework and delivering a cohesive whole of sport approach to optimise the future success of Australian sailing and boating.
At a Special General Meeting held in Sydney on Saturday 18 October 2014 with the Board of Yachting Australia, the Presidents of the Member Yachting Associations (State Associations) voted unanimously on the change of constitution and move to convert Yachting Australia to a Company Limited by Guarantee.
The changes are in line with the Australian Sports Commissions’ Sport Governance Principles aimed at ensuring the sport maintains a robust and consistent system of governance in Australia and shows Yachting Australia is ready to adopt a corporate governance framework to match the scale of its operations.
This is the first phase of the “One Management Program” aimed at providing a legal, governance and management framework for the long term future of the sport. These changes are aimed at bringing better services to clubs and their members throughout Australia.
Yachting Australia President Matt Allen is pleased with the progress of the project, explaining, “Member Yachting Associations and Yachting Australia agreed in May this year to work collectively with the common goal of ensuring the longevity and success of sailing and boating in this country. We also agreed to adopt a “best practice” governance framework and to be compliant with the Australian Sports Commission’s Mandatory Governance Principles.
“To be finalising the move to a Company Limited by Guarantee and change of constitution within six months of our agreement with the State Associations shows we are on our way to achieving our aims. We want to provide a governance and management framework for current and future generations of sailors, administrators, members and participants to enjoy sailing and boating. We value our partnership with the Australian Sports Commission and support their Mandatory Guidelines to provide a strong and effective national sporting organisation utilising ‘best practice’ frameworks.
“Matt Carroll, Yachting Australia’s new Chief Executive Officer is leading the Project and given his experience in sporting administration and his knowledge of the requirements of the national body, state associations, clubs and members, I’m confident he will deliver the best outcomes for all of our wide variety of constituents” Matt Allen added.
The Australian Sports Commission welcomed the range of reforms adopted by Yachting Australia to bring it in line with the Commission’s mandatory sports governance principles.
ASC Chief Executive Officer Simon Hollingsworth said, “These changes are significant for sailing and the future of the sport around the country and supports the Australian Sports Commissions’ Sport Governance Principles”.
