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 club office and must be lodged with the secretary by 3pm on Wednesday, October 5.

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

Some existing board members have indicated their intention to stand for re-election. Others have been non-committal.

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. Please consider nominating for the board and attend the AGM to cast your vote on this important matter.

The Merimbula Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate and thank all who made the 2015 business awards a great success. 

The nomination process uncovered exceptional examples of success and excellence in our community and we would like to congratulate the following award winners: Halley Bottomley, Kristy Martin, Club Sapphire, Peta and Steve Taylor, Renee Wu, Waterfront Café, Merimbula ParkRun, Janita Fernando and Lee Salisbury. 

Without the sponsor ship of Eve O’Brien Properties, Merimbula News Weekly, Morgan’s Financial, Pambula and District Community Bank, Goodyear Autocare and 2EC Power FM, community events like the Merimbula Business Excellence Awards would not be possible and we thank them greatly. 

Also thank you to Club Sapphire for a wonderful evening, the Figmentz for great entertainment on the night and the Merimbula Special Events Committee. 

The  members of the Merimbula and District Garden Club have been deeply saddened by the death of our secretary, Barry Doran. 

Barry held executive positions in the club for many years, and worked hard in a variety of capacities to support the club in all its endeavours. 

A keen veggie grower, he was a very big personality with a great sense of humour, and was highly esteemed by the entire membership. Barry’s passing leaves a huge hole in the club. He will be greatly missed, but will be long remembered.