BFNL board shake-up as former chair misses spot

FORMER Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) board chair Carol McKinistry has been voted off the board at the league’s annual general meeting.

Five newcomers were appointed to a nine-member board at last week’s meeting, with all requiring six of a possible 10 votes, with each of the league’s nine club’s possessing one vote each and the 10th coming from the board.

With former board members Sam McGee and Andy Walker previously announcing their intention to step down, current board members Keely McDonald, Ellyse McNish, Todd Deary and Craig Findlay were all re-elected.

They were joined by newcomers Jeremy Brown, Brett Fitzpatrick, Caleb Kuhle, Colin Rosa and Rick Townsend.

Sensationally, McKinistry – who survived a club-pushed Special General Meeting to oust her from the board early last month – received just four club votes, not enough to secure a board spot.

The BFNL’s chair since 2015, McKinistry had served on the board since 2010.

She was the first woman to hold the position of chair.

In a statement issued by the BFNL, the league issued sincere thanks to its three outgoing directors.

“A pioneer of community sport governance, Carol (McKinistry) has been a dedicated board member for 12 years, including 10 years as chair of the board,” the statement read.

“Carol’s dedication, leadership and governance expertise has been pivotal to the BFNL’s progression and sustainability.

“A board member for more than 10 years, Andy (Walker) always advocated for clubs in all board decisions and was a key conduit between the league and the City of Greater Bendigo regarding BFNL club facilities.

“Sam McGee has provided the BFNL with more than 10 years’ service volunteering his legal expertise to the league and standing up for what was best for the league when required.”

A new chair will be appointed at the new board’s first official meeting early next month.

More than 30 people attended the AGM.

The BFNL insists the board’s focus in 2026 will be on “aligning governance and decision-making with the BFNL Strategic Plan”.

Key priorities include competition growth, financial sustainability, strong club support, participation pathways and the ongoing AFL Victoria RAC Strategies Project.