26 March 2011
At a Special General Meeting in Adelaide this morning, the vote to change the Australian National Drag Racing Association Inc to a company limited by guarantee was supported by over 97 percent of those voting. Members from four states were present at the meeting and hundreds of Proxy Voting Forms were processed under the scrutiny of the Returns Officer.
Today’s meeting followed information nights in six major centres. around the country conducted by ANDRA CEO Tony Thornton and consultant Malcolm Bulley, and the circulation of Member Packs to all Full Members of ANDRA in February.
The new constitution will replace the National Control Council with a Board made up of seven Directors (3 Division Directors, 2 ADRPA representatives and two independents). The three Division Directors sitting on the Board will be appointed by the full group of six, who will continue to be elected by Full Members in each Division. This group will meet separately from the Board.
The change means ANDRA will now operate as a true national organisation. At a sporting level this has been the case in the past, but the new status means the company will be able to pursue state and federal funding. The company structure will also bring with it higher levels of reporting and financial operations, and director responsibilities..
“This has been a long process but today’s decision is a milestone for the organisation.” said ANDRA CEO Tony Thornton. “There will be no negatives for members and the new strategic direction that goes with the change will generate increased member benefits and a stronger position for the organisation and our great sport.”
The next step in the process is to lodge confirmation of the members’ decision and the new constitution with the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs (SA), so the change may be endorsed. Applications to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission will be made at the same time and the changeover should occur over the next two months.
The new constitution may be downloaded here.