The meeting focused on who will own EMT’s assets, such as leftover cash, social media channels, websites and newsletters.
Legal adviser Hugh Melville, a director at Melville & Hicks, advised the group’s members of what would happen before EMT stopped trading on June 30.
To finish up by June 30, EMT must have less than $50,000 in assets, no legal issues and no debts.
If this does not happen, members will need to hire a liquidator, which is a costly process.
EMT will distribute remaining funds and digital assets, with some members pitching proposals at Friday’s meeting to manage the digital assets after June 30.
The digital assets are valued at around $480,000.
EMT chair George Santos emphasised that the funds should continue to promote tourism in Echuca-Moama.
“Our goal is to ensure the remaining assets remain in the community with the goal to develop tourism in the region,” he said.
There was confusion between the board and members. Members thought EMT would present five proposals for asset management, while the board members believed they were just providing next steps.
The board then invited organisations that sent in proposals to present them.
These came from Murray River Paddlesteamers, Echuca Moama Accommodation Association, McPherson Media Group and a combined Murray River Council and Campaspe Shire Council proposal.
Campaspe Shire Council tourism, arts and culture manager David Hughes and Murray River Council community and economic development director Sarah Ryan presented together, highlighting that they wanted to work with the community.
“We believe that working together is a stronger and more productive way,” Mr Hughes said.
Some audience members questioned the councils about their seeming withdrawal of funding for EMT.
The history between the organisation and councils was discussed. Poor communication and differences in opinion and priorities were cited as reasons for recent issues.
Murray River Paddlesteamers owner Craig Burgess proposed that a continued membership co-op scheme could contribute to a third party-managed website and social media content creation.
Echuca Moama Accommodation Association’s Debbie Egan emphasised her group’s 30-year experience and existing membership base as a good resource, especially as it was a not-for-profit organisation. She added that it would need to partner with another entity to manage the assets.
McPherson Media Group commercial director of sales Haydn O’Neale told members that their existing skills would equip them to continue to drive tourism with community support, but the group would support any future regardless of the outcome.
Paddock on Ulupna was not in attendance to make a presentation, and other members were not aware that submissions were open for proposals. Mr Santos assured them they could submit proposals.
During the question and answer time, there was some tension between the board and some of its members, particularly in relation to funding.
EMT has been part of the community for 40 years, and the members were disappointed to see it shut its doors.
“As Dean (Oberin) has said, ‘we’re at the end of the deck with no cards left to play’,” Mr Santos said.
The next meeting is to be confirmed. Members need to agree with a 75 per cent majority for a proposal to be implemented.
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