Committee
The Committee is responsible for the decisions on policies and general operations of ANZBGF.
Shane McNally (SA)
President
“But for the sky, there are no fences facing.”
Breck McCormack (NSW)
Vice President
“The odds are there to beat”.
John Symon (NSW)
Secretary
“It just keeps getting better and better.”
Kevin Jessup (VIC)
Treasurer
Greg Ash (ACT)
Committee Member
“Sometimes with Yuki, sometimes riding, sometimes playing backgammon - never all three at once”
AJ Marquette (NZ)
Committee Member
“Backgammon is the oldest and most youthful board game in the Global Village.”
Andrejs Liepins (VIC)
Committee Member
“Should I stay or should I go now?”
Ethics Committee
Shane McNally, Chair
Breck McCormack
Advisors
Grant Hoffman (NZ)
Mick Dyett (NSW)
Statement from President
Following social media-driven concerns about what led to Melinda Kelf resigning as President of the Australia New Zealand Backgammon Federation Inc (ANZBGF), the committee feels obliged to clarify the situation.
In April, a member complained to Mel about the transparency and process in the way in which she selected ANZBGF’s team for the World Backgammon Internet Federation (WBIF). Mel also registered a formal complaint with ANZBGF’s Ethics Committee about the way in which the member spoke to her over this matter.
The Ethics Committee investigated, found in Mel’s favour, and the member was officially censured in writing and issued with a caution against future indiscretions.
Despite the manner in which the member first raised the issue, the committee did find some merit in his argument that the process was not transparent. As a result, changes have been made to combine results with PR, which we believe is the fairest method.
Ultimately, Mel’s resignation came about over a more recent episode with the same member. She and the remainder of the committee had a difference of opinion over whether, as web administrator (and President), she had the right to remove this member's results from ANZBGF’s WBIF page.
Mel felt that she was not supported by the Committee. She is entitled to that opinion, but it is not borne out by the facts.
In closing, the ANZBGF committee members reiterate their genuine regard for Mel and appreciation of the work she did as president. She has been a tireless, effervescent and valued committee member. Her contribution carries a charismatic penchant for the game we love to play, and we hope she will continue to be an active member of our backgammon community.
Shane McNally ANZBGF President
Following social media-driven concerns about what led to Melinda Kelf resigning as President of the Australia New Zealand Backgammon Federation Inc (ANZBGF), the committee feels obliged to clarify the situation.
In April, a member complained to Mel about the transparency and process in the way in which she selected ANZBGF’s team for the World Backgammon Internet Federation (WBIF). Mel also registered a formal complaint with ANZBGF’s Ethics Committee about the way in which the member spoke to her over this matter.
The Ethics Committee investigated, found in Mel’s favour, and the member was officially censured in writing and issued with a caution against future indiscretions.
Despite the manner in which the member first raised the issue, the committee did find some merit in his argument that the process was not transparent. As a result, changes have been made to combine results with PR, which we believe is the fairest method.
Ultimately, Mel’s resignation came about over a more recent episode with the same member. She and the remainder of the committee had a difference of opinion over whether, as web administrator (and President), she had the right to remove this member's results from ANZBGF’s WBIF page.
Mel felt that she was not supported by the Committee. She is entitled to that opinion, but it is not borne out by the facts.
In closing, the ANZBGF committee members reiterate their genuine regard for Mel and appreciation of the work she did as president. She has been a tireless, effervescent and valued committee member. Her contribution carries a charismatic penchant for the game we love to play, and we hope she will continue to be an active member of our backgammon community.
Shane McNally ANZBGF President