Noosa Surf Club board members met on Tuesday night where they discussed an article which appeared in a News Corp publication telling of a “toxic culture” involving bullying and infighting, departures of staff and star athletes and the appointment of an independent investigator.
Club president Ross Fisher said the article had been discussed at the meeting but he would not make a statement on the matter.
He said it was a club issue and they would await further advice from the governing body.
Mr Fisher said a new complaints system had been introduced in which individuals could confidentially lodge complaints directly to SLSQ.
SLSQ CEO Dave Whimpey said independent investigator former Queensland Police Service assistant commissioner Andy Henderson had been appointed last Friday and Noosa SLSC welcomed the independent review.
Mr Whimpey said the terms of reference for the investigation were still to be finalised.
He said SLSQ was a volunteer organisation in which conflicts arose.
In Noosa there’s some history there and a small number of people involved in conflict in a club of more than 2000 members, he said.
“We’re trying to help Noosa deal with conflicts,” he said.
“A lot of people enjoy the club and wouldn’t know about it.
“It is a safe club for juniors and members.”
Mr Whimpey said SLSQ operated as a large association with modern governance practices and a zero tolerance policy, particularly when it came to protecting females and young children.
“I’m taking a strong stance against these matters.
“We are certain we have the right policies in place to capture issues and deal with them properly.”
Mr Whimpey said they looked forward to the outcome of the independent assessment.
