Dear Members,

I am writing to inform you that a petition has been lodged by a group of Members for inclusion in our 2026 AGM. There are four distinct resolutions proposed by the group that seek to reverse the governance reforms introduced by the NSW Government Appointed Administrator in collaboration with Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority, NRL, and Liquor and Gaming NSW, as well as the voting reforms approved by members at the 2025 AGM. These reforms have stabilised our Club and supported major initiatives like our Eels Centre of Excellence and the Parramatta Live Masterplan.

It is the firm view of the Leagues Club Board that these proposals are designed to dismantle the reforms that made our Club strong. They target the following areas: –

· Removal of postal and electronic voting

· Watering down of the Director Eligibility rules including reversing the members resolution from last year around not fit and proper individuals.

· Watering down key safeguards in relation to member eligibility and discipline.

We will not return to the dysfunction that harmed our Club. The vast majority of PLC and Eels Members support strong governance, and our Board stands with you.

Like you, we are tired of the money, time, and embarrassment these misguided proposals impose on our Club and staff. It distracts us from serving Members and supporting grassroots sports, our Eels and our community.

The Club has made the following decisions: –

• Petition rejected. Based on legal advice the current proposals are legally defective. They will not be put to Members in their current form.
• Opportunity to resubmit. However, in the interests of avoiding a separate EGM which would cost the Club an enormous amount of money, we have written to the convenor of this group and provided them the opportunity to resubmit the proposal correctly in time for the 2026 AGM. More time than what the Corporations Act requires has also been provided in an effort to prevent unnecessary legal expenses.
• Full transparency. In line with our successful reforms from last year, we will also be advising the convenor that the names of those who organised and signed the petition may be published as per clause 6.3 (b) of the Club’s constitution approved by majority of members at the 2025 AGM. This is to ensure Members have transparency of those putting forward the proposals.

Why this matters

Our modern governance framework protects Members’ interests, ensures accountability, and lets us build, invest, and plan with confidence. It has underpinned the Club’s recent progress and is the platform for long-term projects that benefit Members and the community.

What you can expect next

· We will continue to focus on Members’ priorities and the Club’s operations.

· We will keep you informed if any further steps are needed and the petition is resubmitted correctly

· We will provide you with information pertaining to the AGM and encourage you to have your say about what happens at your club.

 

Thank you for your continued support of Parramatta Leagues Club.

 

Yours sincerely,

Mark Jenkins

President, Parramatta Leagues Club

On behalf of the Board of Directors:
Darren Adam, Stephen Bull, Sue Coleman, Richard Foda, Greg Monaghan and Phil Sim