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Kevin Lynn Honoured as Inaugural Life Member of South West Regional Football Development Council
Omodei appointed New Chairman of South West RFDC
FORMER State Cabinet Minister and Liberal Party leader, Paul Omodei, has taken over the leadership of the South West Regional Football Development Council after Kevin Lynn stepped down as Chairman after six successful years.
Omodei has a great passion for the game with strong links to the Lower South West Football League and in particular with Southerners Football Club in Pemberton. Born in Manjimup, he attended St Joseph's School in Pemberton and later became a Manjimup Shire Councillor, serving as Shire President for four years.
He progressed to State politics with the Liberal Party and was responsible for portfolios including Local Government, Water Resources, Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, Disability Services, Forest Products, Emergency Services and Regional Development before announcing his resignation last year.
The task ahead for Omodei as SWRFDC Chairman will be to continue the successful introduction of initiatives outlined in the 2008 South West Future Directions report and work in conjunction with leagues and competitions at all levels to achieve these outcomes.
His experience and influence in the political arena and strong business background will equip Omodei to lead the South West football community into a strong position for the future and carry on the outstanding work of the SWRFDC and outgoing Chairman Kevin Lynn.
Lynn, who is a South West Football League life member and one of the most well known and respected figures within local sporting circles, signed off on his last meeting as Chairman last Friday, November 27, where he was also appointed as the first SWRFDC Life Member.
Ray Pulford, Umpire’s Coach and current SWRFDC member said Kevin was renowned for his dedication, commitment and service to the Council and football throughout the region for over 23 years.
“Kevin has done so much for the South West League, particularly putting forward new ideas, new law changes and also drafting up proposals for grants to assist umpiring, indigenous players, AFL matches and WAFL matches,” Pulford said.
WAFC Country Development Manager, Dale Ballantyne, echoed Pulford’s comments, saying Lynn had stepped up when the WAFC was looking to take its football model to regional WA.
“He has held his position as Chairman of the SWRFDC and also President of the SW Football League with distinction and has overseen a number of changes which will hold Australian Rules Football in great stead as the Bunbury and Lower South West regions continue to grow into the future,” Ballantyne said.
South West Regional Development Manager, Shane Atherton, said the South West had been a strong football region for many years thanks to wonderful volunteers such as Kevin Lynn and now Paul Omodei.
“I am delighted the South West region will have another very well regarded Chairman in Paul, a man who has a passion for the game and also extensive networks within the region and also the State. There are many exciting projects and opportunities looming for football followers in the South West and Paul’s leadership will be of great benefit during these dynamic times,” he said.
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