Outgoing President Michael Richardson has been credited with saving the organisation from 'oblivion', as Skot Barnett picks up the leadership reins at the Gay Auckland Business Association. Richardson received a warm ovation at the group's AGM after 18 months in the post, and GABA Charitable Trust Chair Gresham Bradley says "Michael must be thanked for saving GABA from oblivion. He brought the skills we needed to help create a successful, enduring organisation." GABA membership is now at its highest for many years and on target to reach the 1,000 member milepost. GABA says Richardson also leaves the Presidency with the association financially secure. Richardson himself paid tribute to the many volunteers who had helped GABA during his time in office saying: "The development of a shared leadership model has made proper succession planning possible. "I have been supported by a dedicated team whose skills and strengths are evident in the fantastic things we have achieved this year. I wish Skot, the new President and his team all the best for the next stage in GABA's growth and want to remind them that they will need a keen wit and sense of fashion to do the job properly." He adds: "The AUT Business Series, GABA Auction, Big Gay Out VIP tent and the Pride GlamStand are major events that would have taxed any organisation and our team delivered to our members and raised the brand profile of GABA to its highest ever level, reflecting a dynamic business association able to support the needs of its diverse community." Robinson has also thanked AUT for its support and encouragement and pointed out that the contribution of retiring Vice President Andy Jalfon had been an invaluable steadying hand upon the tiller. New Chair Skot Barnett is a longtime GABA supporter and the group's Executive Events Team Leader. "I am passionate about what we do and what we can do in the future," he says. "In community there is strength and I want GABA to be a platform for the wider LGBT community. We have to be very clear about what we are and who we stand for, which is a diverse rainbow community. In particular GABA is a positive force for LGBT business in Auckland." Treasurer Roger Hiscock was re-elected unopposed and new member Josiah Hickey voted in as GABA secretary. They are joined on the new executive by by Peter Boyes, Craig Bonnington, Janet Mays, Jamie Jing, Stuart Angel and Heather Carnegie. The new GABA executive is now looking for volunteers to help build on its success. "With Matariki we start a new year and we're looking for new members and for old members who would like to put something back into our Rainbow Community," Barnett says. "We really could do with expertise in the following areas, events, communications and membership services. But whatever your skills we need you."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 21st June 2013 - 3:25pm