2017 Equestrian Australia AGM and Board Announcement

The Equestrian Australia (EA) Annual General Meeting was held in Sydney on Thursday 2 November 2017, bringing together EA’s state branch members for an annual review of the organisation’s strategic direction.

State representatives were presented with the EA Annual Report and an address from Chief Executive Officer, Paula Ward, on the organisation’s key achievements. “It’s been a challenging year although, despite this, a lot of positive outcomes have been achieved. It’s important that, as a community, we work collectively to hypothesize on the possibilities and opportunities that are ahead of us. This is the only way we can achieve the desired change and build equestrian sport to thrive, rather than merely survive.”

To view the EA 2016-2017 Annual Report - click HERE

Gillian Rolton, OAM, made the decision not to re-stand due to serious health issues. Gillian, 61, is a legend of Australian Equestrian sport and has served on the Equestrian Australia Board since May 9, 2013. We thank Gill for the significant contribution she has made to the EA Board over the last 4.5 years, and note that Gill will continue to serve on the EA High Performance Panel.

The National Board is appointed by EA’s members (the EA State Branches) from nominations received from the EA membership. Elected Directors may serve a maximum of three consecutive three-year terms.

Suzanne Doyle has been appointed to the EA Board, having most recently been Vice President of Dressage NSW and a Board member of Equestrian New South Wales. Suzanne has stepped down from her formal positions with these two Boards given her appointment to the EA Board. A regular Dressage competitor up to FEI level, Suzanne has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services sector.

Colin Chantler, who recently joined the EA Board in a casual vacancy position a few weeks ago, has now been appointed as a permanent Director. This means Colin now commences a new three year term. Colin is currently the Chief of Operations at Bannister Downs Dairy and a Director of West Coast Dressage. He served as Chair of Equestrian WA for three years.

Catherine Friday will continue in the casual vacancy position left by Chris Styring. Catherine is a Board member of Melbourne and Olympic Parks and a member of both EA and HRCAV.  Her term will conclude in October 2018.

In accordance with the EA constitution, the first meeting of the Board following an AGM allows Directors to vote on the positions of Chair and the Athlete appointed Director. This meeting was held on Friday 3 November 2017. Mark Arthur was re-elected as the Athlete appointed Director and Judy Fasher was unanimously re-elected as Chair.