The second of two Community Forum’s again saw members, fans and sponsors discuss issues pertinent to the future of the Sharks while hearing from a panel comprising Group CEO Lyall Gorman, Chairman Damian Keogh and Head Coach Shane Flanagan.
It was a crowd in excess of 120 who voiced their concerns but who took solace and confidence from the attitude of the trio out front, with Gorman embracing the challenge of his new role with the Sharks.
Impressed with the support and passion displayed by the members and fans he had come into contact with during his short tenure at the club, Gorman anticipated a bright future at the Sharks.
“With all due respect, I think the club is going OK at the moment, with your help, I want us to take it to good and then to great,” Gorman said. “We want to build on the work done since 1963 by the junior league, from 1967 by the senior club, and we want to do it alongside you the members and supporters of this club.
“Myself, Damian, Shane, the players and staff, we are just the custodians of the club at the present time, the club is yours and it’s about you.”
Held over two nights, the first at the Club on East at Sutherland, the second last night in the auditorium at Sharkies, the Community Forum’s gave everybody in attendance a chance to voice an opinion on a range of issues.
Hot topics included access to the Leagues Club after matches, parking and transport on game day, what the room as a collective thought the Sharks as a club and brand stood for, as well as the collective attitude to taking home games away from Remondis Stadium.
There seemed a genuine appreciation from those in attendance that the opportunity was provided to be heard by the Board and Management, with Gorman vowing to continue the member, fan and sponsor interaction into the New Year.
“This isn’t the end of the fan engagement and interaction, it’s just the beginning,” Gorman said.
The Forums were also recorded, with the management and staff to compile a list of ‘action items’ which will be communicated to the membership.
A members Christmas Party is next on the agenda, with plans for a members and then Platinum member event in the New Year, along with a sponsor and corporate partner function where again the club hierarchy will invite feedback into how, as Gorman says; “We can take this club from OK, to good, to great.”
For those who missed the two Forum's held over the past two evenings, introducing both events was a pre-season package featuring training highlights and some examples of recent Sharks community involvement. Follow the link to see the video presentation, now showing on YouTube.
CLICK HERE to watch
