PORT Albert Progress Association (PAPA) formed a new committee during a meeting on February 15 after the previous committee had dissolved.

Chris Smith had served as treasurer until PAPA’s dissolution.

“Following a number of resignations from the executive and committee, there was not a quorum at the last Port Albert Progress Association meeting in January,” Mr Smith told the Gippsland Times.

“It was resolved to declare all positions vacant and hold a new election at the next meeting to be held on Wednesday 15 February. I was the treasurer and was nominated as the administrator until the meeting to deal with any immediate financial matters and to facilitate the election.”

At the extraordinary meeting on February 15, a new committee was formed with all executive and committee positions filled.

Wellington Shire Councillor Marcus McKenzie, officiated the meeting. Mr Smith returned to the Treasurer position.

 

The new committee is made up of:

President: Jenny Smith

Vice president: Sharon Radon

Secretary: Sandra-Lee Davie

Treasurer: Chris Smith

Committee: Warren Curry, Emma Kilgower, Collin Kirkpatrick, Brian Parsonage, Kez Pickard, Scott Sigley.

 

Incoming President Jenny Smith thanked past committee members for their great work and was looking forward to leading PAPA until the annual general meeting (AGM), expected to be held before the end of the year.

“It was agreed at the extraordinary meeting to concentrate on delivering four events between now and the AGM: Anzac Day, Easter Sunday, Christmas Lights Competition and the New Years Eve Fireworks,” Ms Smith said.

Whilst the events are being organised by the PAPA committee, the local community will be surveyed to ask what they think PAPA should be doing on their behalf, and the top five priorities for the coming years.

Ms Smith said a plan will be developed by the committee to follow moving forward after the AGM.

“We want to keep the plan relevant to our current population, new people are moving into town all of the time so it’s important to take a current snapshot of Port Albert needs,” she said.

“Details of the survey will be announced in the coming month or two. PAPA’s main focus for the next two months is organising the Anzac Day event and also an event in Rutters Park on Easter Sunday.”