Long-serving NMG board member resigns
New Mardi Gras has lost its longest-serving board member. Kirk Muddle has resigned to take up new opportunities in Brisbane.
“There’s nothing scandalous in the decision. It’s purely because it’s a little hard for me to sit on a board and be thousands of kilometres away,” Muddle, who is originally from Queensland, told Sydney Star Observer.
Muddle, who had been involved with the parade for 10 years, joined the board five years ago, and spent most of his tenure working as parade coordinator.
“When we first moved to Sydney, it gave us a social network and the ability to meet people,” he said.
He added that he’d stayed on for “love of the organisation, my love of the parade, and the fact that I watched it grow as much as I did. As well as the opportunity to work with great people”.
Despite the ongoing criticism lobbed at New Mardi Gras, Muddle said he found the experience a pleasure, and encouraged others to get involved.
“You have to learn to get a very thick skin,” he admitted. “I haven’t perfected that one, I must say.
“There have been ups and downs — like with any organisation — but overall I’ve had a really good time and I’d encourage other people to take it up.
“There’s no use sitting back and just complaining. You’ve got a chance to get involved, so do it.”
Muddle joked about the pressures involved with juggling a fulltime career with his volunteer role on the board,
“I’ve got seven years of tax returns to catch up on now,” he said. “But I’m pleased with what we achieved.
“My favourite memory is standing at the top of Oxford St with Marcus Bourget as the barricades moved in, watching the crowd and turning to Marcus and saying, ‘We made this happen’. It was a fantastic feeling.”
Bye Bye Kirk,
You did more than most people will ever know to keep the parade volunteers involved, aware and interested.
I wouldn’t have kept doing it for the years I have without your praise, responsiveness and coaching.
My favourite moment of the last three years has been you, me Malcolm Miller and other senior Vollies making sure that we get all of the parade vollies safely through Checkpoint Dorothy and locking the barricades.
I will miss you.
Malcolm 2
10 years – a monumental achievement by any standards. I know the blood, sweat, tears, tantrums and bloody hard yakka you put into the organisation. You will be sorely missed. At least we have a lifetime of memories to keep laughing about over drinks! See you before you head back to Porpoise Spit Muriel! Rob xx
congratulations kirk… you’ve had a great innings buddy… good luck to you and mal with the next adventure!
Kirko
As the other half of this partnership – Thankyou – The involement year to year did test our relationship BUT we grew from this to have a rich and very strong love for each other and our comminity. You and I will always be part of NMG – Sydney look out I feel a Parade coming on .
I love you Mook – Mal (Mook2)
Kirk – without making it sound like an obituary !, you will be sadly missed but certainly not forgotten, I’ve learnt alot in the short time I’ve known you – my thanks !! All the best for you both. Mike
Its been great working with you Mr M.You have been a good mentor to watch in action around the table.Thankyou.Pete
Such a sad day for Volunteers. I am sure I speak for everyone when I say Kirk will surely be missed by all on parade.
Now who am I gonna get a hug from at the end of parade next yr?