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VPA Letter to Members
11 Sep 2023
Dear Polo Community
As you may be aware the Victorian Polo Association (VPA) Board of Directors has had many discussions over the past months relating to the future of Werribee.
Melbourne City Polo Club
The VPA has decided not to renew the license for Melbourne City Polo Club and will take governance of the asset back.
We would like to acknowledge the significant efforts of the committee of the Melbourne City Polo Club and thank them for the last three years of work to keep Werribee running, under very tough circumstances.
New management structure for Werribee
Given the current trading environment, the cost of maintaining the fields and the number of clubs in Victoria, the current model is not sustainable. The importance of ensuring the long-term sustainability of Werribee has not diminished.
The VPA want to get the whole community supporting Werribee and to play a part in the future growth of polo at Werribee. There will be no charge for mid week chukkas at Werribee and members of all seven clubs in Victoria are encouraged to come and participate. Weekend chukka fees will be payable by all participants.
Funding the new structure
The Board will be developing several initiatives to help fund the maintenance and operation of the fields at Werribee. The VPA is asking all members of the polo community to support Werribee and further help with the required income generation needed for improvement of the facilities and the creation of a “community” hub for polo in Victoria.
Melbourne Cup Polo & Fundraising events
The season will get underway with Melbourne Cup Polo in November, with several social and fundraising events. The Board is of the view that the creation of a community hub is desperately needed and therefore looks forward to the support of the entire playing community to assist in that regard. If you have ideas, want to be involved or can lend a hand, please do not sit idle – ask what how you can help - the more hands the better!
VPA Polo Manager
The VPA will also be employing a Polo Manger to run the day-to-day operations of the Werribee Polo Fields, all tournaments at Werribee and licensed tournaments throughout the season. This initiative is critical to improve the overall product offering at Werribee and to create structure and consistency.
We look forward to getting the season under way and seeing everyone at the first social event just prior to Melbourne Cup. More details to follow.
VPA Board of Directors
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