Members have two opportunities to determine the composition of the new board and the club's future.

First, by standing for election to the board. Nomination papers are available at the downstairs club office and must be lodged with the secretary by 3pm on October 5 in a sealed envelope.

Second, by attending and voting for the new board at the AGM to be held at the club on October 28 at 8 pm.

Some existing board members have indicated their intention to stand for re-election. Others have been non-committal. Given this lack of clarity we have to work on the assumption that current directors will be standing for re-election.

Remember this is the board which last November took the club to the brink of amalgamation and eventual closure. It is also the board which has thrown a $250,000 "lifeline" to smokers by extending the outdoor smokers' gambling area amusingly referred to as "alfresco" by the management.

Members face two problems in achieving a changing of the guard.

First, incumbency is a powerful force against change. The board holds all the aces in getting itself re-elected - such as the membership list, financial information, legal advice, communications with members and substantial funds.

Second, the very people who should be considering standing for election are those who are already busy in their personal and business lives.

Both factors are a recipe, but not an excuse, for doing nothing. Change at the top is needed and competition for positions is a sign of a healthy membership. At the very least our board should include younger and female representation.

I believe it is now time for renewal with a fresh board able to take the club into the future. Remember there is no provision for proxy or absentee voting.

Please consider nominating for the board.

Please attend the AGM and cast your vote on this important matter.

David Kindon

Merimbula