From: Brain, Dave Sent: Wednesday, 9 October 2019 10:28 AM To: Fiona Harvey; James O'Hanlon Cc:
committee@thecovefc.com Subject: Cove Complex [SEC=UNOFFICIAL]
UNOFFICIAL
Good morning Fiona, James,
I read this morning the disappointing news that as feared the Marion Council have decided to ‘review’ their decision not evict the AFL club and bow to public pressure.
Personally I find this a disappointing decision. The Cove FC (soccer) have until now kept quiet and in an attempt to work with the Marion Council and have not liaised with local media. This morning as a result of a tabloid article, local radio 5AA has absolutely ‘slaughtered’ the soccer club on air, without the right to reply.
I will now take every opportunity to protect my club and my members as allowing a review now only enforces the belief the AFL club are untouchable, they clearly do have ‘people in high places’ as is their boast!
The allegations that were independently investigated, those being alleged sexual harassment, intimidation and bullying and a suggestion that the Marion Council did not act lawfully in evicting now appears to show the media/SANFL/SFA/public belief that the AFL club are the victims in this saga.
I am also disappointed the Marion Council unwilling to support the true victims of the above complaints, this will lead to further incidents when alcohol is served at the complex as no doubt the President will not be present at every function. Council employees and the other members of the Community complex deserve to work/visit an environment that is free from this type of behaviour. However a few empty promises by a clubs President appears to have pressured the Council members to ‘about turn.’
The above allegations and the financial investigation currently being undertaken must surely be made public?
As stated above, the ‘free for all’ on the soccer club via the media will now finish, I will be available for public comment to protect my club, its good upstanding community name and brand. As I previously reported (on Councils recommendation) the actions of some in collecting these signatures appears to have included intimidation and false information yet this appears to have been overlooked. The actual petition was signed to get the Marion Council to overturn its decision not addressing the alleged behaviour.
I was of the belief that the Marion Council meeting was to be held behind closed doors, however allowing the AFL President to attend, explain the AFL clubs actions and ‘promise’ not to do it again, is yet another example how seriously the Council have taken these complaints?
The atmosphere within the club over the past month has been fantastic, this is could be attributed that the AFL have not been there!
Kind regards
Dave Brain