A message from the new QTF Chairperson, Graham Quinlivan:
To the Touch Community of Queensland:
My name is Graham Quinlivan and as of this week I am the new Chair of Queensland Touch Football. I am in the process of getting up to speed on everything that has been happening recently and to that extent, I am forwarding the following message to you all as key stakeholders...
I do not claim to have any of the answers, but if you want to know where I am coming from, you might like to read my comments at the end of this Board statement?
The QTF Board fully acknowledges the issues raised at the AGM and subsequent Special Meeting held afterwards. The QTF Board met after the special meeting and again via teleconference on Sunday 6th April with the express purpose of creating an action plan to address the concerns raised. The Board are fully united in this approach and there is great enthusiasm and positivity about solving the challenges ahead.
The following provides a summary of the progress and focus areas;
- Resolution and subsequent appointment of independent director and chair - Graham Quinlivan; Complete
- 2. A Board meeting is being held on Friday night (11/04) and Saturday morning (12/04) to resolve / finalise the following
- DO Program Review / Restructure;
- Review recruitment of Critical Development Support Staff;
- QTF roles and accountabilities to support effective operations;
- New and improved Communication Plan / Framework;
- Gap closure on Priority Governance and Management areas;
More detailed communications will be sent with the outcomes from the meeting this weekend.
Below are contact details for the QTF Board members should any member which to contact any particular Board member for a perspective or an update.
Graham Quinlivan 0418194596 grahamq233@gmail.com
Tony Parsons 0419642265 tp.ree@bigpond.com
Mark Western 0437340983 m.western@cqu.edu.au
Rod Bruce 0402241932 r.c.bruce@hotmail.com
Kathy O’Brien 0458357792 bkmdobrien@bigpond.com.au
Matt Gilbertson 0409924461 mathew@tabletpc.com.au
Richard O’Connor 0419776706 Richard.G.OConnor@team.telstra.com
My story…
To those of you who do not know me yet, I make regular appearances at Touch events like NTL, State Cups and local competitions supporting numerous teams and even on occasions participating as a social Touch player.
I am aware that Touch in Qld has been going through some tough times and I am under no illusions that the job I have accepted will have it’s challenges.
For a long while, I have had a personal view that the success of our sport relies heavily on the capacity of the 3 major powerhouses (Queensland, NSW and NZ) to provide an environment where Touch can flourish. I still hold that view...
My first exposure to real competitive Touch was the World Masters in Brisbane in about 1992(?) - this was also my first experience of a perfect carnival 10/10 second places ! A feat I have now just about perfected.
Other highlights include winning an NTL with the Cobras over 55s in 2007 and… that’s about it really!
I have served a stint on TFA. I am a former Board member of BMTA and I was Chair of the All Hallows Touch Club for a number of years.
I have managed junior rep sides, Open Men's and Women's Rep teams including an Elite 8 team at NTL.
I am currently appointed to manage the Qld Men's 30's team for this year's SOO and I have previously managed an Australian Under 18s Mens team (around 2011). I still manage an open Men's team (CCC) in the Friday Metro Cup.
As for coming on the Board - I am passionate about our sport and seek to help when and where I can.
What I bring is about 30 years experience in the law - I currently sit on QCAT, which gives me a chance to get most regions around the state. I may just appear at an affiliate near you some time… I also lecture at the College of Law.
My family has had experience of Touch on the Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Gympie, Redlands and Brisbane... I think that covers 4 regions...
I currently play in the Monday night Redlands over 35's men's comp... and I will be lining up for a back to back victory at the Pan Pacs this year with the Barbarians (over 60s) from Redlands...
I value feedback and I am looking forward to working with each of you, so that Touch in Qld becomes the model for the rest of the Sport...
Cheers Graham…