GOSFORD RACE CLUB WELCOMES THREE NEW INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

At a Special General Meeting in February, Gosford Race Club members voted to approve the adoption of a new constitution for Gosford Race Club Limited allowing for the appointment by Racing NSW of three independent directors in addition to four directors elected by the membership. This was a precondition of $1.7m of funding from Racing NSW paving the way for Gosford to become a racing and training center of excellence.

Following a rigorous appointment process Gosford Race Club will welcome independent Directors Naseema Sparks AM, Peter Kernan and Mark Holton at the conclusion of the 2021 Annual General Meeting in October. The three appointees will bring a wealth of commercial, legal and accounting knowledge and experience to the board. They will join member elected directors Michael Cusick, Michael Griffiths, David Hassab and Reg Delaney.

Naseema Sparks AM will become the first female director of Gosford Race Club in its more than 100-year history. A former director of Racing Victoria and Vice Chair of Racing NSW she has extensive executive and board experience in business strategy, marketing, branding and consumer segmentation. Naseema currently holds a number of private and public company directorships and is a NSW Council Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Peter Kernan is a NSW Law Society Accredited Specialist in property law and is currently a director of well-known Central Coast law firm Aubrey Brown Lawyers. Having lived on the Central Coast for most of his life, Peter acts as honorary solicitor for many local sporting and community organisations. He has also held numerous positions on local school and club committees and is a board member of Central Coast Disability Options, a not-for-profit organisation that provides support services for young people living with a disability.

Mark Holton has over 40 years’ experience as an accountant and tax agent. As a Director of Smithink and Smithink Advisory he has considerable experience in both private and public sectors across the globe with specialised skills in corporate presentations and training. For over 25 years, Mark has been the Honorary Treasurer of Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney. He is also the Founding Chairman and Director of Audit and Finance of the NSW Central Coast Academy of Sport and Vice Chair of Bendigo Bank East Gosford, Kincumber and Lisarow.

Gosford Race Club appreciates the support of Racing NSW and is proud to be cementing the future of the club as a leader in racing and training.