Stars future on the line

By Brad Kingsbury
A WORKING party of nine with an as yet unnamed, independent chairman will decide the future of Garfield Football Club in the coming weeks.
The hastily convened subcommittee, which includes club president Judy Bishop and West Gippsland Latrobe Football League general manager Chris Soumilas, was formed in response to discontent with the club’s position as a West Gippsland Latrobe Football League affiliate.
Unrest at the club’s move to the singletier WGLFL has simmered since the breakup of the Western Division competition at the end of 2004 but, after the recent departure of several younger players, an approach was made to Ms Bishop on behalf of a group of members who felt a transfer to the neighbouring Ellinbank and District Football League should be sought.
“It came to a head two weeks ago,” she said.
“Initially there were rumblings of unrest, but now we have set up the working party everyone is fully committed again.
“We will meet and discuss the situation and make the best decision for the future of Garfield Football Club.”
Ms Bishop would not name the members of the working party or the nominated chairman, saying that it had to be discussed by the Stars’ committee before she would make that public.
However, club life members Trevor Riches and Soumilas have been confirmed as part of the panel, which includes seven football club and two netball club members.
Turn to page 8 of the Footy liftout for more.