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Nominations received for 2023 State Management Committee
Nominations close 12.30pm Saturday 11 February 2023 - Nomination Form
* Note - form must be correctly completed including signatures (no typed signatures can be accepted)
* Note - this list will be updated as nominations are received and in order they are received. List current as at : 8.2.23
| Candidate: | Linda Henley |
| Nominated By: | Daryl King |
| Seconded By: | Margaret Boland |
| Bio: |
My passion for endurance started in 1997 when through my TAFE Horse Management course I got the opportunity to volunteer at the Watagans Tom Quilty. Not long after I met and started strapping for Paul Grieves at Shahzada and I was there when he got his last Shahzada and Quilty Buckles.
I went on to become a qualified rider and then started breeding Crabbet Arabians at my farm on the mid north coast. There are a few getting around the tracks now under the Wootton prefix. I also edited the NSWERA Newsletter for two years in the early 00’s.
I have been involved locally in Zone 6 for the last few years and am the Zone 6 Treasurer / Public Officer and the Ride Secretary for the Johns River Ride. I’m also a member of the NSWERA Promotions Sub-Committee. I'm often found in the office at various rides around the State or strapping for good friends.
For 43 years I've been in Publishing/Marketing helping to develop brands and grow businesses. I’ve worked with multinational corporates, small businesses, the arts, and also not-for-profits. I have been a self-employed company owner for 26 years.
I hope my skillset can help Endurance NSW develop an ongoing strategy to promote, grow and strengthen the membership base as well as the Endurance NSW brand. Let’s unite to bring the fun out and spread the word. Linda
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| Candidate: | Annette Bailey |
| Nominated By: | Jolene Cole |
| Seconded By: | Sonia Bonham |
| Bio: | BIO FOR NOMINATION - COMMITTEE 2023 I have been involved in endurance riding for nearly 40 years as both a current competing rider and ride organiser. I have been on the Executive committees of the Canowindra Tom Quilty (President), three State Championships, and Ride Secretary of the Bullio Cup and associated FEI events. Like all of us as members of Endurance NSW, I am passionate about my sport. My family is heavily committed to endurance riding as ride organisers, breeders of endurance horses and competitors in the sport. As 2022 Casual SMC Member, I implemented three sponsorship opportunities, including the 2023 Zilco sponsorship. I developed and coordinated the November Promotions Workshop. I am also proud to be sitting on the SMC Promotions Sub Committee which was formed out of the Workshop. I believe we have amazing ride committees. It is these committees that promote endurance riding to their communities and make the sport strong. It is my belief that the SMC can provide a more workable framework to assist these committees in staging endurance events. NSW Endurance social media platforms and membership services are key issues that need to be addressed as a matter of priority. I believe there should never be a time when information is not readily available to anyone wanting to join or know anything about Endurance in NSW. Whilst respecting the traditions of endurance riding, it is vital that all who participate must feel inclusive in the framework of the sport. The SMC is only as strong as the sum of its parts. Respect for new skills sets are required to make the necessary changes and to rejuvenate Endurance NSW. |
| Candidate: | Sarah Pollard-Williams |
| Nominated By: | Stuart Lymbery |
| Seconded By: | Anne Lymbery |
| Bio: |
I am a veterinary surgeon and endurance rider, currently co-ordinating the veterinary accreditation training package for AERA. ‘To complete is to win’ is my mantra, and the ride isn’t over until the horse is back at home. Vets have to process information, make decisions, prioritise, communicate, carry responsibility for their actions and record everything; skills which are transferrable to a committee. I can bring the committee veterinary input, extensive committee experience and understanding of good governance and decision-making procedure, Committees are places where the ego belongs outside the room. I think that the NSWERA SMC processes could be streamlined to be more effective, to the benefit of all members. If you have any questions lease phone 0427 231193. Thank you. |
| Candidate: | Clare Fleming |
| Nominated By: | John Davidson |
| Seconded By: | Ann Grace |
| Bio: |
My passion for endurance riding began in 2000. However, as a child, it was not unusual for me to set off in the morning on our 3600-acre property and return home at sunset. It is in my blood; and forms part of my heart and soul. My endurance experience encompasses riding both lightweight and middleweight; achieving three-star FEI status; representing both Queensland & New South Wales in different Tom Quilty’s and representing Australia internationally in both the Fauresmith marathon ride 207km [South Africa] and the Tevis Cup 160km [USA]. I have been a ride organiser for many years of the Green Valley Tingha Endurance ride and the president of the Northern Rivers Zone for two years. So, I bring a broad understanding and knowledge of endurance from my involvement over the past twenty-plus years. Alongside Davo, we have established Flemingo Endurance Arabians which encompasses both breeding and competing on our home-breed horses. We regularly mentor new riders in endurance, from young to old; from Australia and overseas. We sponsor numerous endurance rides each year. I come with an open mind and look forward to representing the broad endurance community in New South Wales to foster and develop a positive, ever-growing equine sport. Please come talk to me and share your ideas; initiatives or concerns and together let us unite to build a strong endurance family |
| Candidate: | Susan Woodward |
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Nominated By: |
Ian Dreghorn |
| Seconded By: | Peter Kelly |
| Bio: |
After 40 years of being an endurance rider both in Australia and in the UK, I’ve appreciated and benefited from all the hard work that ride organisers, volunteers and Committee members dedicate to our sport. It’s time now to step up and put my hand up to be involved in a different way. I would be honoured to be elected to represent the membership on the NSW SMC not because of any political ambitions, but because I would like to give back to the sport that has given me so much over the years. As well as my viewpoint and knowledge as a rider, I can also bring to the Committee a variety of skills – I have successfully Chaired a Committee dealing with complex legal, constitutional and governance issues for the past 5 years, I have extensive legal experience, have attracted generous corporate sponsorship to ride organisers and have a 20 year background in media. My focus as a Committee member is to make it as financially viable as possible for ride organisers to host rides – no rides equals no sport. Growing the membership is important too and I will work closely with other SMC members to introduce initiatives to attract new riders to our sport. |
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Candidate: |
Avril Cummins |
| Nominated By: | Andrew Bailey |
| Seconded By: | Talea Hasko-Stewart |
| Bio: |
I am a veterinary nurse and have had extensive experience within a variety of equine industries. I became involved in endurance six years ago primarily as a unique way of exploring remote areas of Australia on horseback which has evolved into a sport I am truly passionate about. I train, manage and run my own and other owner’s endurance horses. I would hope for our sport to grow so that many likeminded individuals would experience the same joy that our unique sport brings to many. I would love to be elected to the SMC as I am passionate about aiding the traditions but also the development of endurance and encouraging inclusivity in NSW. I would advocate for incentives to increase numbers at rides which in turn will grow our sport. My day to day exposure to many different equestrian sports provides me with a variety of skills that I am keen to utilise as a committee member. I also want to encourage an effective support framework for the ride committees through the SMC and provide proactive support for enhancement projects such as ‘The Challenge’ to help the growth of the sport. I understand that everyone is under a lot of time pressure, myself included. The decision to nominate myself has not been taken lightly so I will be committed to making a positive difference during my elected time. I am an organised, creative, honest individual that works well under pressure and in a team environment. I believe in and promote a “team environment” as Together Everyone Achieves More and that’s what I want for our sport. |
| Candidate: | Darryl King |
| Nominated By: | Renee Kirk |
| Seconded By: | Michelle Mercieca |
| Bio: |
I am a licenced Builder and for the last 25yrs have specialised in pre purchase building inspections and involved in expert witness reports for court. Trust and honesty is relied upon heavily in my line of work. Together with my wife Stephanie we formed our stud, Shanadarr Arabian Stud in 1983 focusing on breeding and showing until I caught the endurance bug and have now been competing for 26yrs while we still breed, break and train our own horses. I have competed in FEI 2 Star and represented New South Wales at a Tom Quilty. A highlight for us was when one of our horses, James Bonn, received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Endurance by The Arabian Horse Society of Australia. We have sponsored rides and zones under the banner of Equine King and Shanadarr Arabian Stud. I have served as President & Vice President on a committee with Hunter Valley Arabians in the past and my wife has threatened me with divorce if I go on another committee, so I am putting a lot on the line making this decision, thankfully I have her support (I think?). I am passionate about endurance, it’s all about enjoying rides with family and friends. What’s achieved is a team effort and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I would like to now give back to the sport we love and my aim is to have some input to help our membership grow and bring new ideas to the committee and hope that we can all work together as a team in harmony and bring back the fun in the sport. |
| Candidate: | Talea Hasko-Stewart |
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Nominated By: |
Jesse Buchan |
| Seconded By: | Ian Curtis |
| Bio: | I have been involved in endurance since 2001, completing my first 80km at 8 years old. I have since competed extensively, achieving 20,000km and soaking up as many aspects of endurance as I can. I have represented Australia overseas on multiple occasions, including competing at 4* FEI level (World Championships). I am a rider, strapper, TPR and ride organiser, meaning I have a well-rounded understanding of the sport. I was thankful to be voted onto the SMC in 2022 to fill a casual vacancy, and would love the opportunity to continue to represent NSWERA members in 2023/24. |
| Candidate: | Wayne Hegarty |
| Nominated By: | Kerry Fowler-Smith |
| Seconded By: | Kate Johnson |
| Bio: | I worked in the coal mining industry for 23 years, I then ran AAA Horse Riding and More for a further 23 years and am now finished with trail riding. I started endurance in the early 80s, a group of us endurance riders started Watagan Mountains Endurance Riders Club in the late 80s. We ran numerous rides, including NSW State Championships in 94 and the Tom Quilty in 97, of which I was President and also sat on the SMC during that time. I am hoping to get onto the SMC to bring the fun back into our beloved sport. |
2022 Annual General Meeting Notice
Venue: Club Forster – 19 Strand St, Forster NSW
18 February 2023
Program
Saturday 18 February 2023
From 11.30 am Registration and renewal of memberships
12.30pm – (approx.) 4.30 pm Annual General Meeting
12.45pm Committee nominee speeches
12.45pm Voting opens
4.30pm Voting closes
6.30 pm – midnight 2022 presentation and dinner dance
Agenda for AGM
- Apologies and attendance
- Election for committee vacancies – Voting closes 4.30pm
- Notices of special resolutions and motions – Voting closes 4.30pm
- Confirm minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting and Business Arising
- President’s report
- Secretary’s report
- Financial report
- Committee reports
- Life Members, Discussion items and SMC notices
- General business
The minutes of the previous AGM held 19 February 2022 are HERE
AGM Booklet can be found HERE
Attendance and voting
The NSW State Management Committee has chosen an online Election process to vote on motions and to appoint members to fill the positions on the committee, including Casual Vacancies as per the NSWERA Constitution (rule 16.4).
Any person can attend the meeting either in person or online. However, only current senior financial members (that is Ordinary Members and Life Members) are entitled to vote. If you were a senior financial member for 2022 or have joined as a senior financial member for 2023 you are entitled to vote.
All voting will be done via the online platform Election Buddy. A link to the online meeting will be sent out with the ballot notifications. All attendees joining online will be required to let the moderator know that they have signed into the meeting for attendance records, this includes multiple attendees joining via the one connection.
Plurality Voting will be used as per the voting process at the NSWERA 2021 AGM (held 19 February 2022). When casting their vote, voters are asked to select up to five candidates from the nominees and Yes/No for motions.
Ballot results will be announced at the AGM after the close of voting at 4.30pm and published on the NSWERA website as soon as possible.
The Committee Election Process
There are nine positions up for election, five to fill a standard two-year term until the conclusion of the 2024 AGM to be held in February 2025, and four to fill a one-year Casual Vacancy on the committee until the conclusion of the 2023 AGM to be held in February 2024. The newly elected committee members commence office at the conclusion of the 2022 AGM.
Voting will open 12.45pm Saturday 18 February 2023 until 4.30pm 18 February 2023. The five people with the greatest number of votes will fill the two-year vacancies. The four people with the next highest number of votes will fill the one-year casual vacancy. Any remaining nominees will be reserved in order of highest number of votes to fill any casual vacancies that may arise until the 2023 AGM.
Voting for motions/special resolutions will be conducted in the same ballot and voters will have a Yes/No option
Proxy votes
Each senior financial member who attends may hold up to five (5) proxy votes on behalf of other senior financial members. A copy of the proxy form can be found HERE. Please Note – all voting for committee, special resolutions and motions will be available to ALL voting members via the online voting platform Election Buddy. If you must use a Proxy, your electronic vote will be allocated to your nominated proxy holder.
Proxy forms must be received by the Secretary at least 24 hours before the start of the Annual General Meeting. Please note the contact details below.
Mail proxy forms to The Secretary NSWERA, 109 Sandy Creek Rd Mt Vincent NSW 2323 to arrive no later than Friday 17 February 2023. Please be sure to leave time for mail to arrive. Alternatively, forms can be scanned and emailed to the Secretary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrive no later than 12.30pm Friday 17 February 2023.
Nominations for Committee
An election of the new committee will be conducted. Anyone wishing to nominate must complete a nomination form, a copy of the form can be found HERE. Please include your name, membership number, a brief description of your involvement with endurance riding and reasons for seeking election to the committee. Please sign the form.
Nomination forms must be received by the Secretary at least 7 days before the start of the Annual General Meeting. Please note the contact details below.
Mail nomination forms to the Secretary NSWERA, 109 Sandy Creek Rd Mt Vincent NSW 2323, to arrive no later than Friday 10 February 2023. Please leave time for mail to arrive. Forms can be emailed to The Secretary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrive no later than 12.30pm Saturday 11 February 2023.
Expressions of Interest for NSW Delegates to AERA
Since NSWERA as an Association is a member of AERA, we need delegates to represent the Association. The purpose of the delegates is to attend and vote at AERA General Meetings, in particular the AERA Annual General Meeting. Delegate positions are separate to the Management Committee members. Our delegates are also encouraged to attend AERA Management Committee meetings, as observers and contributors, but do not have a vote at Management Committee meetings. AERA meetings are conducted electronically.
The SMC is asking for expressions of interest from 2023 financial senior members who are interested in nominating for a delegate position. If more expressions of interest are received than positions available, the delegates will be chosen from the expressions of interest by random draw.
An Expression of Interest form can be found HERE. Anyone wishing to lodge an expression of interest must complete this form. Please include your name, membership number, a brief description of your involvement with endurance riding and reasons for wishing to fill a delegate position. Please sign the form.
Expression of interest forms must be received by the Secretary at least 7 days before the start of the Annual General Meeting. Please note the contact details below.
Mail expression of interest forms to The Secretary NSWERA, 109 Sandy Creek Rd Mt Vincent NSW 2323, to arrive no later than Friday 10 February 2023. Please leave time for mail to arrive. Forms can be emailed to the Secretary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrive no later than 12.30pm Saturday 11 February 2023.
Please note that there is no option to fax forms.
Nominations for the Committee to be put on notice.
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Term ends February 2023 |
Term ends February 2024 |
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Noni Seagrim |
Kylie Jonkers |
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Andrew Jonkers |
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Tony Warren |
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John Howe |
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Belinda Hopley (casual vacancy) |
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Talea Hasko-Stewart (casual vacancy) |
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Sarah Pollard-Williams (casual vacancy) |
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(casual vacancy) |
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(casual vacancy) |
There are nine positions up for election, five for a full two-year term, four to fill a one-year casual vacancy.
Nominations must be made by two current senior financial members (quote membership numbers). The nominee must be a current senior financial member and must give his/her written consent. Nominations for election to the NSWERA Committee will be accepted by the Secretary up to seven (7) days before the date of the AGM (NSWERA Constitution rule 17.1).
If insufficient nominations are received to fill all vacancies, the people nominated as per rule 17(1) will be deemed elected and further nominations will be received from the floor at the Annual General Meeting (NSWERA Constitution rule 17.2). If insufficient further nominations are received, any remaining vacant positions will be deemed casual vacancies (rule 17(3)). The committee will attempt to fill any casual vacancies in accordance with rule 16(4)).
If the number of nominations received is equal to the number of vacancies, the people nominated will be deemed elected (rule 17.4).
If the number of nominations received prior to the meeting exceeds the number of vacancies, a ballot will be held at the meeting and the five people with the most number of votes will fill the vacancies (rules 17(5) and 17(6).
If further nominations are required to be taken at the meeting, and those nominations exceed the number required to fill the remaining vacancies, a ballot will be held. In this case, the number of people required to fill the remaining vacancies with the most number of votes will be deemed elected (rules 17(5) and 17(6).
Notices of motions
Notices of motion received are printed in the AGM booklet.. Please note that ten of the proposed resolutions are proposed as special resolutions because they involve alteration of the NSWERA Constitution
The Voting Process
The platform ElectionBuddy will be utilised as a professional and independent service. No voting will be conducted via paper ballot at the AGM.
The voting process has two stages to ensure security.
- Step 1: Each voting member will receive an E-mail and a SMS text message with a unique, single use link. This link is used to provide access to the code in step 2. The ballot may be accessed via either option, but the member only has ONE vote.
- Step 2: Using the link, each voter will receive a SMS text message providing a unique authentication code to access the ballot
- Plurality voting will be used and up to five candidates may be selected when voting for committee, Yes or No for motions and special resolutions
- Once the ballot has been submitted voters will receive a confirmation email.
- Reminders will be sent several times while the ballot is open to voting members who have not yet submitted their vote
- Results of the election will be announced at the AGM and available by re opening your voting link after the close of the election at 30pm 18 February 2023. Resultswill also be published on the NSWERA Website as soon as possible after the close of the election. Results are unavailable to either the NSWERA SMC or Voters prior to the close of the election.
- PLEASE NOTE – once your ballot has been submitted you cannot change your vote.
Awards Presentation
Please attend to celebrate the achievements of our members in 2022.
Dinner
Dinner price for adults is $40.00 per person, children $15.00
The meal is a two-course buffet including the following options, baked salmon, roast beef and tandoori chicken, with a choice of salads, vegetables, cakes, slices and fresh fruit for dessert. A children’s menu includes a selection from chicken schnitzel or fish with a side of chips or spaghetti bolognese.
Vegetarian and gluten free options will be available. When making your booking, please advise any special dietary needs.
The dinner booking form can be found HERE. Please send your dinner booking form and payment via one of the options on the form, to arrive no later than 10 February 2023 so we can give final numbers to the venue.
IMPORTANT: IF YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE THE RECIPIENT OF TROPHIES OR RIBBONS AND YOU WILL NOT BE ATTENDING THE PRESENTATION, PLEASE NOMINATE A PERSON WHO WILL BE COLLECTING YOUR AWARD/S FOR YOU, AND ADVISE THE NSWERA SECRETARIAT ON (02) 4938 0081 OR EMAIL This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Misplaced awards are not the responsibility of the NSWERA.
Summary of Key Information
Committee vacancies and nominations
"The Challenge" - for new to endurance & novice riders
NSW Endurance would like to share the below opportunity with our members. "The Challenge" is a private initiative* aimed at encouraging riders to participate in 40km and 80km rides during the 2023 endurance season. If you are new to endurance (you don't need to have completed any events yet), or are a novice rider, you will be eligible to participate.
* NSW Endurance is not affiliated with or involved in the running of The Challenge.
As a new endurance rider, you may also be eligible to participate in the NSW Endurance Step Up program. You can find out more information about the Step Up program, here. You can participate in both the Step Up program and The Challenge if you are eligibile.
Entries for The Challenge close on the 1st of February 2023, so register your interest now!
Find The Challenge on Facebook at the link here.
Please refer to the information flyers for The Challenge below:
