NSWBA Transition

Wishing you happy holidays

As we reach the end of what has been a big year for NSWBA, I wanted to thank you for your support in 2023, and tell you about the exciting new year ahead.

Making the case for change 

The need to separate the NSWBA’s responsibility for the wider bridge community from its club operation (SBC) function has long been recognised. The separation of these two functions will lead to the creation of an independent, focused and transparent peak body (BNSW) dedicated to the growth and development of the wider bridge community and support of all clubs in NSW.  It will also enable the SBC to focus on turning around its finances to again become a profitable and vibrant centre for bridge. 

Putting the plan into action 

From 1st January 2024, we will put into place the operational and financial separation of the two functions, within the existing legal structure of the NSWBA. At the AGM on 28th February 2024, we will seek member approval to make necessary changes to the NSWBA constitution, which would enable us to go ahead with legal separation and the creation of a new legal entity for BNSW later in the year. 

The draft Explanatory Memorandum, including the proposed constitution changes, is currently before the NSWBA Council for review.  We look forward to sharing this before the AGM, so that members have the information they need to vote on the motions at the AGM. 

To support independent BNSW operations which focus on the wider bridge community, BNSW has advanced recruitment of a part-time Executive Officer. We will communicate more on this once the recruitment process is finalised, which we expect in January. 

Thank you to our people 

I want to say a big thank you to the employees and numerous volunteers who worked tirelessly for the NSWBA in 2023. While the valuable contribution of a few people is obvious, there are many others behind the scenes delivering services to the bridge players of NSW including our NSWBA councillors, Proxy Board members, the Transition team and the skilled volunteers that have contributed to the transition project.

I also want to thank the myriad of others who support our community of affiliated Clubs, where the vast majority of the work on such things as managing clubs, recruiting new members, teaching beginners and organising local congresses is undertaken by amazing teams of energetic employees and volunteers.

Thank you too, to all our players for supporting bridge and making it the wonderful community of like-minded people that it is.  This wonderful community makes my job worthwhile. 

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to our outgoing Chairman John Scudder who has dedicated many years to making the NSWBA successful, and continues as a volunteer for us today. Thank you John. 

We look forward to having you join us around the bridge table in 2024. Keep safe.

Mary Anne Loveridge 

Chairman NSWBA