New Committee Members for 2020

JASON RAFT

My name is Jason Raft. Victorian AFL supporter by birth but Rugby Union fan by choice. My son has played at GPS since U6 and is heading into U16s in 2020.

During the 2019 season I undertook the role of age coordinator for the U15s. Working with a group of motivated coaches and parents we were able to build a positive program to reintegrate our entire year level from what was a dysfunctional model for some years previous.

My major focus on the club committee would be to help build a transition process for the junior players into the senior teams. With junior numbers dropping we need to work on engagement plans for local state schools to increase our membership reach.

PAUL STONE

GPS has been a mainstay of our family life since we moved to Ashgrove in 2012 and like all great rugby clubs, it represents to me and the community so much more than what happens on the field.

Now is a pivotal time in the club’s history with the impending new development project about to be realised. I see it as a call to arms for all those members, like me, who have benefited from the club over the years.

With my 30 years’ experience in business management, marketing, communications and PR, I’m looking forward to building on the success of the GPS brand.

BEN WHITTEN

I’d like to help GPS Rugby show the Australian Rugby community and political influencers that it is the best family club in Brisbane and Queensland, by setting and abiding by the highest principles of good management of our young women and men who choose to play and enjoy this great game.

The point of distinction of Rugby to all other competitive codes must be the production of skilful, confident but humble players with self discipline in all aspects of life, the ability to fulfil the playing dreams of players of all shapes and sizes, a realistic emphasis on safety in the context of a contact sport, along with building impeccable role models for younger generations.

Jason, Paul and Ben will support current board members, Liza Hammond, Darren Dowse and Michael Taylor.