Shaw is sad to be going

AFTER becoming Portarlington’s Football Netball Club’s first female president just 18 months ago, Linda Shaw has stepped down from the role ahead of the 2021 season.

Shaw, who took over the position in April last year, recently decided to not renominate for the presidency.

The mother-of-three (pictured) said she was departing the role and the club committee with a “heavy heart”.

“It (being president) was one of the most difficult, yet rewarding things that I’ve ever done,” Shaw told the Addy.

“Being the first female president has been an honour and a privilege and I hope this helps in some small way to encourage more females to take up roles within a sporting club environment.

“There is absolutely some sadness that comes with it, I’ve been on the committee level for seven years.

“It’s a bizarre feeling when you are invested in something for so long and then let it go.”

Shaw said although she would no longer have an active role on the committee, she would continue her involvement with the club.

The Geelong Advertiser understands that along with the presidency, another five committee roles are now vacant, including the secretary and finance director.

Shaw said although there were several reasons that led to her decision, there was no bad blood between the club.

“I know there are people that try to find controversy within clubs, but there is no big story here,” Shaw said.

“A few people have decided to not renominate for the committee, but it’s all in the best interests of the club.

“I’m a very big believer that in order for clubs to grow, you need to continue to have fresh people come in. I’ll always be there if, and when, the time comes when they need or want some input.”

Portarlington, which is the oldest club in the Bellarine Peninsula Football Netball League, revealed last year that it was financially strapped, with the possibility of shutting its doors.

Now 18 months on, Shaw said she was “satisfied” she had left the club in the “best position it has ever been” – both financially and structurally.

“The club was on the brink of closure and in serious debt, but is now debt-free and with more than $80,000 in the bank, all during a season crippled by COVID-19.

“I am proud of my team and I – to come out the other end with that sort of money is a massive achievement.

“Now there’s an opportunity for others to come through and provide more ideas about the club’s next phase.”