Some members of the Cyprus Community of NSW raise concerns ahead of AGM

·

Some members of the Cyprus Community of NSW have raised a number of concerns around the current Board and its recent actions ahead of an Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for Sunday, August 27.

According to a press release issued by ‘Concerned Members of the Cyprus Community of NSW,’ some members “hold grave fears for the future of this 94-year-old community organisation.”

Members said in the press release they were concerned about:

  • The current Board’s failure to hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) in February this year according to the Community’s Constitution, as well as not providing members with the 2022 Financial Statements;
  • The Board’s failure to provide the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission (ACNC) with the 2022 Financial Statements and Annual Information Statement by June 30; and only three of the seven directors on the Board have been registered with the ACNC. Members said this jeopardises the Community’s status as a charity.
  • The lack of an Audit Committee, as required by the Constitution, since two members of the Audit Committee resigned to take up positions on the Board.
  • The rate of 15 per cent per annum interest currently being borrowed by the Board from Cyprus Capital.
  • Whether the Board is following the requirements of Liquor and Gaming NSW in relation to its 60 poker machine licenses.

Concerned Community member, Mary Antoniou, said “these are extremely serious and urgent matters.”

“It is not unreasonable for members to have concerns and to be demanding answers from the Board – but any questions we put to the Board are ignored,” Ms Antoniou said.

Another long-term member, Nicos Mavrakis, added that “we have grave concerns for the future of the Community.”

“The assets are now valued at $65 million, at the very least, and these should be leveraged to deliver ongoing community services for all and securing the financial future of the Community. What are this Board’s plans and the current financial position?” Mr Mavrakis asked.

The Cyprus Club at Stanmore.

‘These concerns will be addressed’:

In response, the President of the Cyprus Community of NSW, Andrew Costa, said these concerns would be addressed at the AGM on Sunday, August 27, at 3pm at The Cyprus Club in Stanmore, Sydney, and he encouraged everyone to attend.

With regards to the specific concerns mentioned above, Mr Costa told The Greek Herald they had been addressed “in the Community’s three newsletters during the Board’s first year in office and in the Annual Report now received by members.”

Mr Costa further clarified that:

  • Financial statements and notice of the AGM were posted as part of the Annual Report on August 3 this year and should have been received by today.
  • There is an Audit Committee of three members as per the Constitution.
  • All seven directors are registered with ACNC and ASIC.
  • Board members share member concerns around borrowing and club debt.

The debt originated from the purchase of the six houses which consolidated our property holdings and has proved to be a very wise investment. The Cyprus Capital loan was entered into by the previous board, when the club was under immense financial strain. The rate of interest was equivalent to private loan rates at the time. Banks would not lend any further money because prior to the re-zoning approval, the land was valued far less than it is now. Cyprus Capital prospectus was offered to all members.

  • The requirement for DCP and VPA and dedication of a large portion of our property to the Council was removed by Planning NSW as part of our re-zoning approval, saving the community tens of millions of dollars and many months or even years of negotiations with the Inner West Council. 

A future DA proposal using our land can now by-pass council and go straight to Planning NSW.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Crete bears the brunt as severe storms slam Greek islands for second day

Severe storms continued to wreak havoc across Greece on Tuesday, April 1, with Crete bearing the brunt of the heaviest rainfall.

Melina Haritopoulou-Sinanidou: Redefining what it means to be a woman in Neuroscience

From Athens to Australia to the cutting edge of spinal cord research, Melina Haritopoulou-Sinanidou has never taken the easy road.

PRONIA responds to allegations by President of Victoria’s Greek Elderly Federation

PRONIA has responded to serious allegations made by John Kostoulias, President of the Federation of Greek Elderly Citizen Clubs in Victoria

The Cyprus War of Liberation: Honouring the sacrifice for a united and free island

It was to be a bloody cruel war, as the dwindling might of a fading empire became desperate to retain its global status.

Greek Rock to take over Sydney with rousing concert

The realm of Greek Rock is set to take centre stage in Sydney as IHO NYX prepares to thrill with a lively concert.

You May Also Like

HACCI event addresses domestic violence on International Women’s Day

The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) departed from typical International Women’s Day (IWD) platitudes.

Greek Orthodox Bishop Paul of Christianoupolis passes away in Adelaide

The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia announced the passing of Bishop Paul of Christianoupolis on Tuesday.

EOC President Spyros Capralos receives highest Japanese honour available to foreigners

The European Olympic Committees President, Spyros Capralos, was awarded the “Order of the Rising Sun” at Japan’s Embassy in Athens.