Cricket ACT and AFL Canberra wish to extend their appreciation and thanks to Paul Walshe, who has elected to stand down as Chair of the Phillip Oval Management Group after serving two two-year terms at the helm of one of Canberra’s premier community sporting venues.
Paul has been instrumental in increasing awareness of, and investment in this special precinct, particularly in terms of his advocacy at a federal and state government level.
He facilitated the creation of the PO Master Plan and oversaw the implementation of the majority of stage one of this important plan, and has for years continued to lobby the ACT Government and Icon Water around the ability to access non-potable water at Phillip Oval.
POMG is yet to secure a cost-effective watering solution for the playing surface, and it remains an ongoing issue that has affected sporting bodies and golf clubs across the ACT since well before the COVID pandemic struck.
A passionate and proactive Chair, Paul has and will continue to ask this important question of government. And his point remains the same: POMG isn’t looking for free water; it just wants a fair deal to maintain the ground to levels expected of a top tier sporting venue.
“I’ve loved my time as Chair, it has certainly been challenging and there is always more that can be done, but it has been pleasing to help the only green space in central Woden become a true boutique venue for top level football and cricket and cater for representative and international teams,” Paul says.
“I’ve been so lucky to have the support of Steve Mahar, James Allsop, and Olivia Thornton, as we have made improvements around seating and facilities for the precinct, as well as ensuring ongoing investment and feasibility of the venue remains a genuine partnership between the ACT Government, AFL Canberra and Cricket ACT.”
Stepping into the very big shoes Paul vacates will be Michael Brady, who will take over as POMG Chair at the Group’s December Annual General Meeting.
Michael is a highly regarded and respected member of the ACT sporting community and has maintained a healthy involvement in numerous local sports in the ACT for many years.
“It will be prudent for the Management Committee to continue to provide the foresight, persistence, and purpose Paul Walshe has embedded, particularly the integrity he has placed in the relationships with stakeholders, and the master plan and asset management plan for Phillip Oval,” Michael says.
“As a self-managed asset, it will be important that Phillip Oval is pivotal helping AFL Canberra and Cricket ACT achieve their respective aspirations. That the Oval remains well supported by the ACT Government. Finally, the Committee being able to assist these two parties continue to work collaboratively with their competing needs and priorities of the precinct.”
Cade Brown will also be standing down as a Director at the AGM, having similarly served on the board for two terms.
Like Paul, Cade has lobbied government on behalf of POMG and has provided support to AFL and cricket in many ways, including through the establishment of our Asset management plan.
POMG welcome Michael to the Board as Chair and look forward to working with him for many years to come, while simultaneously thanking Paul and Cade for their extensive local knowledge, leadership and advocacy over their time involved with the Group.
Image courtesy Jacko West.
Article by Brett McKay