On Sunday the 16^th of June, MWVA held its 32^nd Annual General Meeting.

The Annual Report was presented for the 2023 year. We remain in a strong financial position as a club and are ready to tackle what’s ahead! 

During the meeting, some significant changes were announced regarding the composition of MWVA’s Board of Directors.

Ray La Peyre, retiring as President

After six years of leadership, Ray has decided to step down as President of MWVA to spend more time with his family, after welcoming his daughter Olivia in May.

While we will miss Ray greatly in his capacity as President, he will continue to be an active member of the MWVA community and advisor to the Board. Ray has been part of MWVA for several years, and a board member since 2015. Ray took on the job of President in 2018, shortly after MWVA's previous longstanding President, Chris Proffitt, moved to South Australia with his family.

Ray has always had a strong focus on junior development, with the Juniors Program seeing exponential growth and maturation under his direction. Ray’s key contributions have included helping introduce improved technology to facilitate bookings and player admin, seeing the club in and out of the COVID-19 period, engaging with the club's external stakeholders and community, and captaining and coaching the club's first Men's representative SVL team in at least a decade. As President he has always been willing to step in as needed, and even took up the role of social coach for a time.

Ray is known for his level-headedness, and has taken a balanced and diplomatic approach to all ideas brought to the Board, helping drive clear, considered and fair decisions. These qualities will certainly be missed! Thank you Ray!

Dave Martin, nominated as President

In Ray’s place we welcome Dave to the role of President! Dave played his first game for MWVA back in 1988 and came up the ranks during a time when the Sunday night competition was bustling and filling every court! He wants to see MWVA reach those same heights over the next several years.

Dave brings a wealth of volleyball experience to the Board, having represented NSW at Junior and Senior levels, securing several national championships and individual player awards, representing Australia at various levels, playing Club Volleyball in Europe and coaching champion national school and junior teams.

Since joining the Board in 2022, Dave has a been a driving force behind improving the operation of the representative program, with heavy focus on junior and elite player development, and has himself been a passionate coach of junior representative girls teams during 2022 and 2023, helping bring up the next generation of MWVA players.

We welcome his drive, passion and experience as he takes on the next phase of MWVA! Thanks Dave for taking the big step up!

Emma Milsted, stepping up to Vice President

With Dave leaving a void in the Vice President position, Emma (an existing Board member) has elected to step up to this role. Emma is a well-known and highly active member of MWVA. She’s the longstanding Captain of the Women’s Reserve Team, a consistent presence at our Sunday social competition, and will frequently fill in as a coach for various activities including our bustling Sunday Junior Program. She brings a wealth of volleyball and professional experience to the club. Thanks Emma!

Remaining Board

The remaining Board positions have been largely filled with existing Board members, who decided to re-stand in 2024. We thank you all for your continued service!

David Rankin, Treasurer

Chloe Valtorta, Director and Club Administrator

James Valtorta, Director

Shelley Owens, Director

Danika Groen, Director

Due to Ray stepping down from the Boards, we do retain a casual vacancy. We’d love to hear from any adult MWVA members who have a desire to contribute to the Board. Please contact the club email or any of the above Directors for a chat and to get an understanding around what’s involved.