Thank You Mel!

Mel in action after being elected President in 2007 (Photo courtesy of Roger Barnes)

Something happened at Nationals this year which went by a little too un-noticed. Only the few brave souls that attended the AGM may have realised that our fearless president of the last 3 years, Mel Gangemi, stepped down from the role. Mel was president from 2007 to 2010 and has stayed on the board moving to the Secretary position.

Before too much time has passed I wanted to publicly acknowledge the truly amazing amount of time, effort and sheer passion that Mel has put into this role. From every AFDA member to Mel, thank-you! As Mel is still so active in the playing and administration of our sport I know she will go on to contribute much more, and will, I am sure collect many more accolades along the way. This milestone though deserves to be recognised and celebrated.

During Mel’s tenure as president the AFDA achieved a great many things and faced and few challenges as well. One of the first things Mel did was to produce the AFDA Orientation manual for new board members and employees. This manual will prove invaluable in the future and help all new volunteers and staff fit into and contribute to our sport effectively.  During her first year she also reviewed all current AFDA policy and created a comprehensive review schedule and identified potential gaps. Jonathan Potts set up the AFDA’s extensive policy bank and Mel ensured that legacy was kept alive and relevant.

Mel oversaw significant changes in staff with the resignation of Jonathan Potts and the appointment of Simon Wood as the first full time AFDA employee. Jonathan was always going to leave an enormous hole when he stepped away from the administration of the AFDA and Mel handled the transition well. The appointment of Simon has made a huge difference to the responsiveness and quality of the AFDA’s work.

Financially Mel has left the organisation in the best position it has ever seen. The windfall gain to the AFDA from World Clubs in Perth has been established as a capital fund. From this capital and operating profits many new initiatives to enhance player numbers and membership experience have evolved. The biggest of these is the Grants program.  This has now completed two successful rounds and is hopefully a permanent feature on the landscape.

As the President is responsible for the whole of the AFDA, they often have to fight fires, and help out other portfolios when they need help, and deal with unpleasantness that distracts them from their core dreams.  Mel unfortunately had more than her fair share of fires to fight during her tenure and those who are intimate with the confidential details of that work are more than appreciative of the diligent, professional and untiring way she approached such tasks.

There are many other wonderful initiatives that have taken place during Mel’s tenure , without her vision, leadership, encouragement, gentle reminders and all-round enthusiasm many of these projects may not have left the launch pad. Ironically, one of these was to further volunteer recognition, and then  we neglected to acknowledge her tenure as president at the completion of Nationals 2010! Mel ensured all previous Rob Hancock Awardees received further recognition now that the organisation was financially able to do so and she was key to instituting the Volunteer of the Month awards.

Finally Mel has left the presidency with the new 2009 to 2012 Strategic Plan in place. This plan (read it if you haven’t!) is an excellent document in its clear, concise statement of the strategy that AFDA will be following. It provides the incoming board with a template to follow with a large degree of scope for putting their own stamp on the AFDA’s direction and achievements in the future.

As a fellow board member I have been amazed by Mel’s capacity and seemingly endless enthusiasm for the role. Sometimes, I must admit, it was even annoying when I just couldn’t find the time or the energy to get something done, but always she was warm hearted, well meaning and provided just what you needed to motivate you to get going again.

Next time you see Mel at league, a tournament, on e-mail, text message, facebook, say thanks, cos as an AFDA member I promise this lady has done a lot for you over the last few years! Thanks again Mel, good luck in your new role.