The 63rd Annual General Meetings of the Cronulla Sutherland Leagues and Football clubs were successfully conducted last night using ZOOM video technology
In what was a first for NRL clubs, Sharks Chairman Steven Mace opened proceedings via the video conferencing technology, passing to CEO Dino Mezzatesta to conduct the meeting.
Mezzatesta then delivered the AGM going through the same constitutional procedures as if presenting to a room full of interested members, as has traditionally been the case in years past.
Once a quorum had been confirmed, the reappointment of the Board of Directors unopposed was announced, along with details of the financials, the positives and challenges in both football operations and across the business were highlighted and outlined, while members voted on special resolutions as per the agenda in a meeting lasting 50-minutes.
All resolutions were adopted by a vote from the members in attendance.
Mezzatesta went on to speak of the Woolooware Bay development and Leagues Club refurbishment currently underway, as well as the Sharks amalgamation with Sporties@Kareela Golf which is forging ahead and awaiting final approval from regulatory authorities.
The Board of Directors, legal representative Michael Anderson and James Higgins from club auditors Ernst and Young, were also linked to the meeting via the ZOOM conferencing technology.
On the night it was announced that Mark Deutsch would take up the Board vacancy left by Mezzatesta’s resignation and subsequent appointment as Group CEO, with the meeting under these extenuating circumstances conducted in efforts at a ‘business as usual’ approach in these challenging times.
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (“ASIC”) have recognised that COVID-19 Coronavirus is impacting on the ability of companies to hold AGMs by way of a gathering of members in person, issuing guidelines which support the holding of a virtual meeting to ensure compliance with the current restrictions.
While primarily administrative, to ensure continuation of best corporate governance practices, in a bid for business continuity and to ensure normality in the business despite the health challenges currently facing the community, it was felt it was in the best interests to follow through on the scheduled date and to convene and conduct the AGM as planned.
Members via the link sent notes of congratulations and thanks in what was described as a flawless and well-presented AGM.
