It took more than two and a half hours to decide but over 200 people sat patiently waiting for the results of the election of a new board at the Merimbula RSL Club.
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The AGM which required more chairs be brought into the Lantern Room, had been a much anticipated affair with the threat of lively comment after 12 people put forward their nomination for seven places on the board.
It followed a bitter debate over the potential amalgamation between the RSL and Club Sapphire last year which was roundly defeated by the membership, with strong representation on the matter by the RSL Sub Branch.
In the run up to the AGM various members were vocal about the need for change both at board level and with respect to a business plan.
David Kindon in particular called for the need for change and put himself forward as a candidate.
In the end though his arguments did not prevail.
Despite the threat of a board bloodbath, much to many people’s surprise, the exact same board members were returned.
The board has four RSL Sub Branch members and three club members.
The four Sub Branch members, Allan Browning, Phil Cheek, John Finn and Graeme Williams were returned while David Kindon and Tony Toussaint were unsuccessful.
Club members Peta Bentley, Bob Coulson and Gerd Shafer were unsuccessful against the existing members, John Crawford, David Rankin and Allan Johnson.
When the results came through at around 10.40pm on Wednesday evening, there was clearly some relief within the room, and also surprise.
Speaking after the AGM, secretary manager, Michael Mutsch said: “I want to thank all the members for taking the time to attend the AGM and congratulate the new board. And to the rest of the nominees, thank you for standing and being interested.
“We hope to have a very prosperous couple of years with the elected board.”
