FACT: The review recommends the appointment of four independent directors, one of whom shall be Chair. The review recommends an externally led, independent recruitment process. This process is nearing completion as we speak so stay tuned for an exciting announcement in the coming weeks.
FACT: Barry O’Farrell has no issue in applying and understands he was initially on the board in an interim capacity. Despite what else you are being told the definitions of “independent” and “interim” have not changed since March 2024.
FACT: Holman Barnes Group has one representative on the Wests Tigers Board, as recommended by the review. Wests Magpies and Balmain Tigers each have a representative and these persons are nominated and elected by their respective Boards.
FACT: Wests Tigers operations, including the Football Department is independent of Holman Barnes Group, and we are committed to that independence. Any suggestion to the contrary is patently false. Barry, Shane and the staff at Wests Tigers know they have the full support of Holman Barnes Group.
FACT: The Holman Barnes Group remains steadfastly committed to doing good by our members and community. We are a membership organisation and our job is to support our members and our community. We are coming off a record trading year and have also contributed to 80 organisations through our provision of over $3 million to the community. We’re proud of what we do and trust you are as well.
FACT: We provide financial support to Wests Tigers, Wests Magpies, Balmain Tigers and 34 amateur sporting organisations (intra clubs). This is something we have done for many years and will continue to support into the future. From a Wests Tigers perspective, Holman Barnes Group is the major financial backer of the JV and has been for a number of years. For our intra clubs, the Board remain committed to helping you achieve your goals. Supporting our community, including our local sporting clubs, is something all of us at Holman Barnes Group are very proud of and passionate about.
FACT: The structure of Holman Barnes Group has served the Club and community well for 69 years. The debenture holder system enabled our Club to open its doors in 1955. Beyond this, the system has ensured stability in an ever changing environment.
FACT: Debenture holders are first and foremost Club members who undergo a rigorous screening process to obtain a debenture, which is issued for a five year period. The debenture may or may not be renewed beyond that time following further governance processes.
FACT: Debenture holders are nominated for election to the Board and indeed it is our members who confirm that nomination and election to the Board at each relevant Annual General Meeting.
FACT: The Board as currently constituted is dismayed and concerned over the recent “leaking” of past Board papers or confidential material to the media. We ask those responsible to please desist as this behaviour is only serving to promote division and angst amongst our members and Wests Tigers supporters.
Finally, and happily, the future at Holman Barnes Group and Wests Tigers is bright. We’re entering 2025 full of excitement – both on and off the field. The football club has assembled an exciting and competitive team; a team our members and Wests Tigers supporters simply cannot wait to watch.
At Holman Barnes Group we’re looking to exceed our record trade as a Group and contribute even more to our community. These are the things we stand for. A new year brings promise and potential and we have some really exciting plans for the year and indeed the future. Most importantly, at this time we hope you all have a happy and healthy summer break and you can look forward to 2025 as a Holman Barnes Group member and Wests Tigers fan with optimism and enthusiasm. We’re here to serve you, our members, and we look forward to continuing to do this.