AusLeisure

​A new chairperson and five new board members have been appointed to lead Western Australian venues management agency VenuesWest, with longstanding chairperson Graham Partridge replaced by former Tourism WA Chief Executive Richard Muirhead.

The changes, which were made on 1st July, followed revelations earlier this year that two VenuesWest board members misused Katy Perry concert tickets - giving away eight tickets to the US pop star’s Perth Arena concert to family and friends.

While the board members weren’t asked to resign, Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies has moved decisively to ring a series of changes to the VenuesWest board.

In addition to Muirhead (pictured), Dean Farmer, Stephanie McManus, Robert Kennedy and Professor Paul Johnson have joined the board, replacing Narelle Finch, Giles Nunis, Rowan Maclean, Mike Hussey and Wayne Cox.

Commenting on the changes, Minister Davies stated "I'm pleased ... that Richard Muirhead has accepted the role of chairperson and brings extensive executive experience within State Government, having been chief executive officer at Tourism WA and the Department of Commerce and Trade.

"Richard was appointed State director for CHOGM in 2011 and is currently serving as chairperson for the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority.”

Commenting on the other new board members, Minister Davies stated "their expertise covers a range of industries including business planning, sport, media, financial services, tertiary education and the public sector.”

Minister Davies acknowledged the contribution of outgoing VenuesWest chair Partridge, stating "Graham joined the VenuesWest board in 2007 and under his stewardship, the VenuesWest portfolio has grown from four venues to 13, including Perth Arena and the new Perth Stadium.

"During Graham's time as chairman, VenuesWest's self-generated revenue has increased due to the success of commercial operations. This is in line with significant growth in attendance across the venues, from two million per year to just under four million in 2015/16."

Earlier this year, VenuesWest was one of two Western Australian Government agencies caught up in issues relating to corporate event ticket use.

The other agency, Healthway had its board disbanded over the issue while at VenuesWest, the two board members who gave away the Kate Perry tickets, who have not been named, were told to repay the cost of the eight tickets worth $200 each.

VenuesWest is Western Australia's provider of premier sports, recreation and entertainment venues and its portfolio includes the new and world class Perth Arena and the redeveloped nib Stadium as well as the new Perth Stadium to be completed in 2018.

4th July 2015 - HBF STADIUM TO GET A NEW LOOK

8th April 2015 - VENUESWEST IMPOSES STRICT RULES ON BOARD AND STAFF PERKS

5th March 2015 - NEW QUESTIONS OVER TICKETS MISUSE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

6th November 2014 - HBF ARENA USAGE GROWS BY 50%

2nd November 2014 - HBF HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTRE RECEIVES ANOTHER FITNESS AUSTRALIA GOLD AWARD

23rd July 2014 - VENUESWEST FACILITIES CELEBRATE HBF NAMING RIGHTS DEAL

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