Thursday 3rd September 2026
Formal Response to Member Notice
Dear Williamstown Football Club (WFC) members and extended community.
On 25 August 2026 the WFC received a notice requesting the Board to convene a general meeting of the Club (Member Notice).
As a Member, you may now have also received an email from a group of members called the Action Group.
Having reviewed the Member Notice, the Board has no option but on legal grounds to reject the Member Notice as invalid and not to call or hold a General Meeting as requested.
The Member Notice has numerous irregularities and fails to meet the rules of the WFC Constitution. It was with great disappointment that the individuals behind the Member Notice declined an earlier written invitation from the Board to meet and discuss any and all concerns they have with the Board prior to issuing the Member Notice.
We are further disappointed that they then chose to continue the process during the men’s and women’s football finals programs – particularly given the VFLW were playing for second Minor Premiership which they won.
The Board rejects the mostly operational assertions made in the email and remains unaware of any specific and substantial grievances.
A letter containing a detailed explanation for the rejection has been sent to representatives of the Member Notice. The rejection was the only proper and legal way the Club is able to respond given the nature of the Notice. For transparency, a copy of that letter is available here.
Any Club members wishing to seek election to the Board should do so by the procedure set out in clause 12.5 of the Constitution.
This is the same procedure followed prior to each AGM, where positions on the Board must become vacant. A copy of the Constitution is available on the Club’s website, and any direct enquiries regarding applications or the procedure may be made to the CEO/Secretary of the Club.
The Club anticipates that the next AGM will be held in the latter part of February 2027 (following similar timing to the AGM held earlier this year). Formal nominations must be received 35 days prior to the date set for the AGM, which will be duly notified by the Club well in advance.
Should any members have any queries, please do contact me by email at: [email protected]
Yours sincerely,
Merryl Dooley
President, Williamstown Football Club
