Investors farewell long-time head

AFTER almost twenty years, Betty Clarke-Wood, the woman who kept the boat afloat as convenor of the Ballarat Branch of Australian Shareholders Association is leaving Ballarat.

Ms Clarke-Wood and husband Alec Wood, who are relocating out of the district, were farewelled by the association members at a luncheon recently.

“We are a group of volunteers giving retail shareholders a place to meet regularly and discuss their shareholdings,” Gill Fryatt convenor of the Ballarat branch said. “Most of our members invest in Australian listed stock on the Australian Stock Exchange,” he said.

Australian Shareholders Association is the largest independent, not-for-profit individual investor association.

The organisation helps investors increase their knowledge through an annual conference, monthly meetings and discussion groups as well as one-off seminars and workshops.

Volunteers within the association regularly monitor listed companies by engaging with company directors, attending annual general meetings and write voting intentions and reports for the membership.

The national group advocates for the equitable treatment of its retail shareholders with regulators, government bodies and Australian Stock Exchange listed companies.

Ms Clarke-Wood served two terms as a director on the Australian Shareholders Association board.

As past convenor in Ballarat, she often led informal get togethers over coffee for members.

She facilitated discussing news and current trends in the market and advising potential members thinking about buying shares where and how to start.

“We wish you Betty and Alec, all the best in your new home and can’t thank you enough for everything you have done for the Ballarat branch,” Mr Fryatt said during a farewell speech.