Major cricket association posts deficit, changes name of league

The Warrnambool and District Cricket Association will be now be officially known as Warrnambool Moyne and District Cricket Association after a notice of motion was passed by clubs with 83 per cent approval at the league's annual general meeting on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

WMDCA chairperson Gordon McLeod said as the league moved into the future it was important to recognise its growth but also acknowledge its rich history.

"As the board explained on the night, with the almost 100 years of history in the association and with the number of changes now occurring, geographically there's now similar clubs in Moyne as is in Warrnambool city," he said.

"It's relating to the environment of the association now and we felt it reflects where the clubs come from.

"We thought it was appropriate to change the name with the changes that are occurring in the association."

McLeod said the association was working on a new logo and would need to still go through the formal process with Cricket Victoria and Consumer Affairs.

"It's been something in the last couple of years that we've looked at, and as times have progressed, the landscape has changed and we felt it was to reflect our true geographical areas," he said.

McLeod said the league also remained in a strong financial position despite posting a deficit of $4061.07 at the annual general meeting.

He said it was a "pretty good outcome" with challenges of increasing costs playing a part with the balance sheet remaining strong with a total equity of $141,355.

The financials show revenue increasing by $5000, with expenditure increasing by $14,000 largely driven by increases in general manager salary costs, accommodation, bus hire, player apparel and consultant fees.

"It's not as much about making profits but balancing the books in this association and maintaining a balanced budget," he said.

"It's a small deficit but it's certainly not a worrying deficit at all. It's not something we're too concerned about, it's just about good management.

"Obviously by appointing a general manager as well, there is finances attached to that, so considering things like that, overall it's been a pretty good outcome.

"Support from our sponsors and the community are really important but we're conscious of balancing the books. That's our objective outlined in the constitution."

In other matters on the night, Rob Johncock officially joined the WDCA board with all others retaining their place, which includes executive board members McLeod, senior vice-president Bruce Membrey and junior vice-president Terry O'Keefe.

Jeshua Ross, Andrew Bridge, Jason Mungean, Ingrid Bellman and Hannah Meates retained their position on the board.

McLeod said while he was open to moving on from the role - potentially in the next twelve months - stability at board level was important for the association as it moves into a new era.

The experienced cricket administrator said it was integral to finish the work done at board level, including finalising mergers, player points policies and a new-look divisional structure.

"There's a lot of change happening and it's important we have stability at this time, especially throughout this five-year strategic plan," he said.

"I've been there for five years now as president, it's probably time to consider someone else in the next 12 months but at this point in time there is stability at board level and all of the executive members will continue which is a good thing.

"It's almost a 365-day job at times now with the size of the league and the changes we're making."