Wests Tigers Deep Dive of the Week

[Buttface]

Hi Team

Wests Tigers GM of Community, Foundation & Affiliates, Shaun Meilekamp, has reached out through the FRG and wants to have a detailed chat about the points raised. So the club is definitely prepared to engage. From my discussion with the FRG over the weekend Shaun was quite defensive in relation to some of the points raised. That to me is a sign that he perceives that the club is delivering on some of the points whereas we have a different perception of their efforts. So I expect that there will be some disagreement of were things are at - but that is not a bad thing in itself as perception can be dealt with, in many cases, through clearing up the communication.

Anyway, I will let you know when Shaun reaches out. I imagine that he is pretty busy dealing with plenty at the moment so it will probably take a week or so to squeeze us in.

Cheers n Beers
Jolls

How did Shaun go Jolls?

 

[BZN]

@BZN

This is what I know/understand based on open source research. I have provided references where appropriate so you can chase it up.

CSS

Richo's demand for a $50 million upgrade to Campbelltown Sports Stadium has not been met as of today. The club had initially set a June 30 deadline for securing funding but has extended it to the end of July as outlined by @TheClaws . However, they did request that Campbelltown City Council demonstrate its financial commitment by Monday, June 30. Source: Australian Leisure Management

Campbelltown City Council has acknowledged its inability to fund the upgrades independently and is seeking significant support from state or federal governments. An extraordinary council meeting was held on Friday, 27 June to consider options for the stadium. Council outlined that planning is underway for a $40.3 million Sport and Health Centre of Excellence within the Leumeah Precinct. In partnership with Western Sydney University and other stakeholders. Council has previously resolved to contribute up to $25 million to this project, with additional funding from the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, Commonwealth Community Development Grants, and Western Sydney University. Source: Campbelltown Council Business Papers 27 June

I could find no evidence of additional commitment to the staduim as a result of the EGM; however, as the deadline has been extended this is not unexpected. Note: Richo's letter to Campbelltown Council is included in the papers if you are interested.

The papers outline $338 million in total economic benefit to the region should redevelopment occur based on 9 NRL games with 24 000 attendees. NRLW and Macarthur A League figures would increase the economic benefit.

The proposed development of CSS is:

• Stage 1 – $50 million• Increase capacity to approx. 21,000• Extend and fit out the Western Grandstand (+4,000 undercover seats)• Add 500 corporate seats• Construct new changerooms (male and female)• Install new food and beverage concessions
• Stage 2 – $50 million• Fit out the Eastern Grandstand (+3,000 undercover seats)• Add 300 corporate hospitality seats• Install new concessions on the Eastern side• Upgrade LED stadium lighting and field signage• Improve patron amenities across both sides

As far as I can ascertain Campbelltown City Council has been actively seeking funding and has engaged with local Members of Parliament and government bodies to push for the necessary investment . However, as of now, no funding has been secured, and the future of the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Sports Stadium remains uncertain.

Latest HBG Board Appointment

Leo Epifania has been rumoured (facebook/Wests Tigers Life) to be appointed to the Wests Tigers Board. There is conflicting information on his postion on the Wests Tigers Board. It is rumoured that he will be replacing Dennis Burgess as the (HBG) nominee; however, also stated that he is the Wests Magpies nominee so could replace Stephen Montgomery. As far as I can ascertain this has not been officially announced by Wests Tigers, Wests MAgpies or HBG so until the appointment is ratified I don't expect an announcement from any of the entities and nor is it likely to hit the wider media.

Leo Epifania played for Wests 1980s and later serving as the General Manager of Football Operations. Epifania also coached internationally with the Italian national team.

Regardless fo the appointment and into what position there will be no change in the balance of power within the board. Leo's playing, coaching and sports admin background may be of benefit when making key decisions.

Thanks for the great coverage of both items 👍.

 

[Jolls]

How did Shaun go Jolls?

No reply, I will follow up with the FRG but I expect they were a little preoccupied coming up to June 30.
Cheers