The 183rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Melbourne Cricket Club was held online on Monday August 17, 2020.
Amid the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and Victoria’s Stage 4 lockdown restrictions, this was the first AGM in the Club’s history to be conducted on a digital platform.President Michael Happell, Treasurer Christian Johnston and CEO Stuart Fox addressed over 800 members who joined the meeting remotely, and spoke to their reports outlined in the 2019/2020 Annual Report.
Vice-President Karen Wood presented a proposal to amend the Rules of the Club, designed to clarify and streamline the existing member disciplinary process, which was put to a vote and was carried by a two-thirds majority of members.
The proposal contained two motions to amend the Rules of the Club, on: (1) Misconduct of Members – Disciplinary Procedures and (2) Other Amendments – Obligation to provide notice of an indictable offence. Questions were addressed relating to the proposal before both motions were voted in favour.
View: Club Rules
In his address, President Michael Happell reflected on the strength of the Club spirit that has been evident throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, while providing an update on membership subscriptions, the Club’s current and projected financial situation and future events at the MCG.
MCC CEO Stuart Fox provided a snapshot of the highlights of 2019/20, which included another capacity crowd at the AFL Grand Final and record attendances at the Trans-Tasman Boxing Day Test and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final.
Other highlights of the 2019/20 year included the stadium upgrades to the PA system and iconic light towers, the new-look Australian Sports Museum which re-opened in February, industry awards for customer service and environmental management, and success in the Club’s sporting sections.
Three current committee members – Adrian Anderson, Clare Cannon and Peter King – stood for re-election by rotation in accordance with Club rules and were re-elected unopposed.
The President and CEO responded to a range of questions from members before the meeting concluded. Some questions were taken on notice and members will receive a reply to their queries in due course.
View: Your MCC Committee