NMG gets trio of new faces
The New Mardi Gras board has three new faces as a result of Saturday’s election.
David Wilson, Damon Hartley and Peter Urmson have joined returning board members Steph Sands, Josh Keech, Siri May, Phil Kershaw and Rob Partos. Lynne O’Brien and Tony Knight were not re-elected. Nick Parker did not seek re-election.
Around 85 people attended the AGM to hear the outgoing board explain what had led to a loss of $575,627.
Outgoing co-chair Nick Parker said the board had been faced with the choice between an “investment focus” for the 2010 season requiring greater expenditure but with cheaper ticketing and a high standard festival or a “short term focus” which would have saved money but resulted in a mediocre festival and higher ticket prices — possibly damaging the Mardi Gras brand long-term.
NMG had also been disadvantaged by Events NSW not repeating the one-off funding grant provided in 2009.
Parker singled out the Sydney Star Observer for criticism over what he called “tabloid” journalism, referring to last week’s article which reported on an email from company secretary Peter Munro to candidates about rumours that unspecified candidates had attempted to pay for proxies — warning he would contact ASIC and the police if proven.
Treasurer Rob Partos said with NMG’s total equity remaining at more than $1 million the company retained the ability to pay for next year’s season, but would have to be more conservative in the amount of money it provided to community groups and charities in the coming year.
You guys are lucky to have someone as wonderful as my uncle David on your team. Love you Dave and fully support you. Love Michelle
The New Format is a disaster waiting to happen! No one i know is even contemplating going – why would you? it would be more fun having a party in your lounge room. Giving Dome over to a womens space is indicitive of how out of touch ( or lesbiancentric) Mardi Gras has become and how removed from its core party demographic ( gay men who like to party hard and with each other in a sexy masculine enviroment )it has become.
I look forward to being able to bring an alternative viewpoint to the new NMG Board.
I have already had sufficient contact with the other successful Board Directors to believe that we will all be able to work together coherently and closely as a unified voice for our members and the GLBTQ communities.
NMG is in my opinion the worlds leading GLBTQ organisation. Lets all pull together and enjoy the new format Sleaze Party and do what we do best, celebrate diversity.