The non newsagent Director position on the VANA board has become a contest with Trevor Mason being nominated to challenge the long term incumbent Robert Wade.
Wade has served as non newsagent and independent Director for many years. He outside the channel view has been useful as VANA has navigated some complex issues.
Mason was behind the Futures Project which sought to use newsagent funds to embark on a commercial venture that, in my view, had no relevance for an industry association. He has gone on to establish a similar venture outside of VANA. I would expect that some VANA members will want to know whether he will seek to reignite the Futures Project or anything like it if he is elected.
As I resigned from VANA in April last year, my right to an opinion is somewhat diminished.
I am highly suspicious of this move by a FACTION in VANA and will reveal more as I am made aware of the big picture. Thanks for bringing this to the forefront of newsagents debate. There is certainly more to come.
As long as VANA are entirely transparent and also declare relationships between Directors of VANA and also the First Advantage group and the futures project I would be happy to consider. However there is a lack of transparency on the funding. Commercial enterprises should not be funded with association money. The money involved here is humungous. Members need to be made aware of all details and hidden agendas
I will be voting for Robert Wade. I am surprised that Trevor Mason has the required people to support him.
Excuse my ignorance, but How is Trevor Mason involved with First Advantage, and why would he want to use Vana members money to fund his Group?
Its more tribal than anything. If you ask around you’ll find out the real story. $400 thousand is a lot of money to come out of association members coffers.
Warren,
Is that right? 400k?
For what?
Hopefully he is not another snake oil salesman? Consultant?
VANA members be vary wary.
What is interesting is the lack of disclosure from some elements of the VANA board. I believe all directors have newsagents interests at heart, BUT there is a massive lack of disclosure here from a FACTION. We need to make sure we have transparency. Whilst the push for this new director is being done for what is considered the right reasons, not all information has been disclosed, which is what I have a problem with as VANA members need to know exactly what is being planned for the future with this proposed change. I also know that the futures project has been voted against before. If this is a move to reignite that project, TRANSPARENCY is required and expected by all VANA members.
Willie,
Does T. Mason run a marketing group? How many members in it?
If what you say is on the money then does this Faction within Vana expect members, who many would be part of other Marketing groups, to fund this Factions Agenda??
Surely there would be MASSIVE conflicts of interest on the board if this person got up in the election?
I couldnt imagine him trying to get onto the board for altruistic reasons. There must be other hidden Agendas, and his group must be struggling for money, and probably hope to pinch VANAS money. Who ultimately gains here??
I would like to see a position published by the other directors so that I understand where Mason and Wade sit in terms of supporting the other six Directors. Given that this could well be the deciding vote it is important that VANA members like me are fully informed.
Helen, I totally agree. As Vice Chairman of VANA, I cannot speak on behalf of the board during the election process, only as a newsagent, like yourself. As owner of Patterson Road Tatts News and Post and as a member of VANA I have lots to say. I would like to wait until next week when members have recieved their ballot papers and the election in open. Stay tuned.
Hi Gearard,
When can you tell us your position on the Vana Election, and what it means for us ordinary members?
(A different David to the last comment.)
I am concerned about lobbying for Trevor mason by Gary Tribe and his coterie od VANA Directors. If Mason gets in they they could vote as a block and wreck VANA.
So what interest does Gary Tribe have in Trevor Masons Group?
Is he a Director of the group, or is someone else who he is closely associated with a Director of Masons Group? I can only see massive conflicts of interest. The board will not be able to Function.
Does anyone know who nominated Trevor Mason, and who his supporters on the board are??
Well said Gerard and thank you for speaking up. There is definitely something going on here. Look out VANA members you will lose control of certain elements get to vote as a block. Money will run out of your bank accounts for the supposed future of the industry. Be careful and I repeat ask for full disclosure form all VANA directors on this matter and ask what the links to other bodies such as the Futures project and Newsagents First. BE OPEN AND HONEST VANA DIRECTORS.
This is clearly a hotly contested election for Victorian newsagents. With statements from the candidates now public it will be interesting to see how newsagents vote.
sorry everyone, busy running a newsagency…like everyone else !!. I will be making a comment throughout the day today.
VANA has the financial resources necessary to save Victorian newsagents but the board has been blocked for the last two years. Elect Trevor Mason and we can turn VANA into a commercial success by VANA owning resrouces newsagents rely on every day. This is a day of reckoning for Victorian newsagents to secure their future with a VANA board which gets the job done.
Hi Everyone,
As stated here already, the election for a non-newsagent director of VANA is a very important decision for Members to make. Members must not sit on their hands and do nothing. We need to vote and send the paper work back to the electoral commission now!
My problems with Trevor Mason’s nomination are as follows –
1. He has stated he wants to spend VANA’s dollars…Dollars that VANA does not have. Any funds VANA has are used for the day to day running of the association…the alternative here is higher fees, and none of us want this. If he spends it all today…what is left to fight tomorrow’s battles.
2. He is running the First Advantage Newsagents group, which is great if you choose to be apart of this group, but VANA is there for everyone…no matter which group you belong to. VANA resources’ are there to benefit all. Last year Trevor wanted VANA to borrow HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS to fund the Futures project, in an advisers roll. Again, this was never going to benefit all members, and I’m not sure if that’s VANA’s role in the first place???? Luckily …this was stopped, with the Board passing a motion earlier this year not to deal with Trevor.
3. Three VANA Board members are apart of Trevor’s marketing group, including on of their sons being a director of First Advantage Newsagents. This has conflict of interest all over it…and it’s disappointing and I feel it’s important others are aware of this.
4. Trevor needs to be encouraged for supporting Newsagents, but not at the expense of all VANA’s resources’ it has built up over many years. VANA today can walk into any Publishers and or supplier to help, encourage and support a newsagent without prejudice, because it stands for all newsagents. A marketing group cannot, and this is where the real danger lies….conflict of interest … damaging the representation of an association that deserves better.
Robert Wade is VANA’s Finance director, and has done so for many years. He gives a responsible and non-bias approach to member’s dollars, making sure that Board Members willingness to “save the industry” is not put in front of irresponsible management of member’s funds. He offers an independent view and common sense approach to any initiative put to the VANA board.
So members need to VOTE and I encourage you all to Vote for Robert Wade…the only candidate that can offer a non-conflict and responsible approach to their position as a non-newsagent director.
Gee Gary,
You want Vana to be a commercial success, but under your guidance and watch you have stuffed up the investments, have you not?
So how can you and your MATE Trevor Mason be trusted with MEMBERS money, which is needed to provide member services for all, not just the half a dozen in your First Advantage Group.
Basically, you want to fund Trevor Masons Marketing group with other peoples money.
If you think it could be such a success, use your own money, and let Vana carry on its Association Duties, which is to represent its members and provide services.
Its cahrter is not to borrow money, and copiuos amounts of it, to fund other Marketing Groups.
I donot think its in VANAS job description to own Wrapping MAchines, Computers, Software, and any other resources that you throw up.
Gee Gary, you sound like you have something to gain (personally) from Trevor Mason? COuld it be Financial Gain?
IS your son a Director of Masons Group?
You must be very conflicted with all this?
Gary, you have stated “VANA has the financial resources necessary to save Victorian newsagents”… Could you please let all members know where these funds are???…because this is news to me.
And when was it an initative of VANA’s to ” turn VANA into a commercial success by VANA owning resrouces newsagents rely on every day.” Can you please indicate what resourse you would like VANA to own???
Please note: this ‘Gary’ is not Gary Tribe, and his comments on this blog are not to be representative of him. Gary Tribe has not commented on this blog at any stage.
Darren Tribe
Yarrawonga Newsagency
GNS for starters Gerard. There there are oter companies which supply newsagents. We need to take control of suppliers and drive newsagents costs down. Victorian newsagents are the strongest in the country and it is time for us to step up and show the industry how it is done.
Darren are you Darren Tribe a business partner of Trevor Mason?
Helen, you can call me at Yarrawonga Newsagency to verify.
I am a Director of First Advantage Newsagents. Trevor Mason is an advisor to the FAN Board.
Gary, on the VANA web site it states..
“At VANA, our mission is simple. We represent Victorian newsagents and provide leadership and advice to our members on all issues relating to the success of your business.
When was it VANA’s role to turn our indusrty partners into competetiors???
I Beleive this may be the roll of a marketing group , but not an association.
I suppose i better say something, seeing that i am a director.
For those that no me, know that i tell it the way it is and I dont bullshit!
When i came onto the board i was faced with the Futures project that Gary Tribe was involved with along with Craig Lawlor.
What i found was that this project was in a trial phase. At the end of the trial phase Trevor Mason was to come back to the board with the results.
Let me say that the results were (in my opinion) ZERO.
It cost VANA thousands money to have this CONSULTANT Trevor MAson.
Before the board voted Gary and Trevors project down, they had asked for Hundreds of thousands of dollars for funding.
Mason got desperate, and started tweaking his SPIN around the edges.
Then the price for the FUTURES PROJECT mysteriously came down several thousand dollars.
Yet when they initially sought VANAS money, which VANA would have had to borrow, Mason was adamant that to be a success, the Futures Project needed every bit of the initial claim for money.
After seeing the poor results from the trial, if VANA had borrowed this money it would have been a disaster.
Apart from the obvious conflict of interest here, which is undeniable, and even ASIC would have issues with this whole scenario.
It is apparent that this is a blatant Cash Grab of members funds, and both Gary and Trevor MAson have admitted this.
Have no fear, they will borrow in VANAS name, hundreds of thousands of dollars, and when it all goes pear shaped they will walk away and leave VANA destroyed and in a mess.
I would urge all VANA members to strongly support the election of Robert Wade, an independent solicitor, who provides a good check and balance on the board.
The only people i can see who will benefit from the election of Trevor Mason will be Trevor Mason, (his company) and anyone else associated closely with him.
Chris Samartzis
Reservoir
Darren Tribe is a forward thinking newsagent with a plan for helping newsagents.
This industry has spent too long with people getting in the way of progress. VANA could help Victorian newsagents save money if we can get smart people onto the VANA board like Trevor Mason.
VANA has plenty of money tied up in its property which could be released for newsagents.
Hi Gary,
Yeh sure, plenty of money in its premises to be pissed up against the wall !!!
By irresponsible, and selfish, greedy, ego driven people.
Chris
Reservoir
gee glad im in qld and we have the QNF looking after us. Cant belive vic newsagents would even contemplate allowing vana to get involved with this, and now i see someone wants to latch onto some of your (vic newsagents) assets as well to suck some cash out.
All i can say in remember Bill Express, that should be enough to keep vana out of commercial enterprises, can only end in tears.
To Darren again.
Do you not think it is a conflict of interest that you are a director of this newsagent marketing group which wanted VANA to put half a million dollars into its buiness in return for what now looks like doubtful consulting. Just what have first advantage newsagents made? Not much from what I hear and there has been a resignation or two as well.
If your dad gets Trevor Mason voted in then what stops him getting VANA to invest money in your side company, First Advantage, as you would like? Nothing I suspect.
You made your position on FAN clear in FIJI at the ACP Connections conference.
If Trevor Mason gets voted in I sus[ect VANA will see a rush of member resignations.
Rick,
You are spot on, and i hope very newsagent, and Vana Member read this thread to get a real handle on what is proposed if Trevor Mason gets up.
Spin doctors, and hidden agendas, will destroy a healthy Association that meets ALL members needs, not just a select few.
Chris
Reservoir
Rick,
Whatever i say, i say as a newsagent, and i feel strongly about the industry and its Association to give a damn, and not let a few destroy something which has been built up over 100 years.
Chris
Reservoir
Chris and Gerard, well done for standing up for VANA members. Syphoning off money to start a new entity is commercial suicide and frought with danger. They need to declare fees they wopuld get from the project. I bet he charges like Macquarie bak as well. Be up front guys and tell us how much in fees will be extracted from VANA members.FAN and the futures projects should be funded as any commercial entity. Why don’t the directors of those bodies fund it rather than using VANA money? The directors who want bthis project can put their newagencies up as collateral. If they did that then maybe I know they really believe in it and I would support it. DO NOT USE ASSOCAITION MONAY, HANDS OFF ROGUES, FUND IT YOURSELVES WITH YOUR OWN FUNDS AND USE YOUR OWN COLLATERAL.
Sorry for all the spelling mistakes, getting a bit passionate here. I forgot to mention that we can all resign from VANA and start a new association if PROJECT SUICIDE IS VOTED IN.
I saw the Licensed Post Office Association go through this many years ago. A buying group was set up “at arms length” to the association and failed miserably. It was a clear conflict for the association to get involved in the commercial aspects of the industry. THIS IS NO DIFFERENT. VANA is to the industry what the state and federal governments are to the nation and as the goverment have no place competing with private industy, neither does VANA. Its role cannot be fulfilled with integrity if it has a commercial interest in the industry as well. I am so glad that I resigned from VANA last year due to my lack of confidence in the organisation. To win dissafected newsagents back they need to perfomm thier core duties with integrity.
Brendan, thats eactly what some of us are trying to achieve. As with all things, we always need to keep standing up for what is right. All members can do the same by voting for Robert Wade.
Brendan,
Very well said, and i could not concur more.
It is imperative that Robert Wade is voted in, and those who want to take VANA down the commercial suicide road, are told in no uncertain terms, that their AGENDAS, using newsagents money will not be tolerated.
I like Gerard urge all members to vote for Robert Wade, and lets let the Association do what its charter is to do. NOT BE INVOLVED IN COMMERCIAL SUICIDE.
Chris
Reservoir
I would get the government watchdogs involved here, there seems to be a clear lack of disclosure from certain directors of VANA which is illegal. The members should ask for a special AGM and all directors spill and elections held or at least be held to account. This is a huge issue.
I agree with Willie let Gary and trevor put up their houses as collateral and maybe I will support it. Beware vana members this could be the end of the association. If they are so confidnet, the directors pushing this can stump up collateral for this project. I’m all for innovation and change but not when a pilot or trial has failed.
I would like to see a public debate organised for this given the importance of the election. Vic newsagents have invested too mucy in VANA for a director with a conflict and a new director to seek to gain from this.
I feel like a mushroom. Kept in the dark and fed bull#@*!. Thank you to mark Gerard and Chris for commenting on this. Having the guts to speak their mind here is what we need. I am still waiting to hear for the other VANA directors. Personally I want an election to sort this out. From what i have been told this is a massive SNOWJOB! I am even thinking of running now. I love this industry and wont have it hijacked form some self appointed white knights.
Rise up Vana members and make your voices heard, make sure we have a sustainable industry supporting the collective, embracing the difference and harnessing the independence of this mighty channel. FULL DISCLOSURE FROM THE SYPHONERS IS PARAMOUNT. Silence may be golden but in this instance it is incriminating.
the words COMMERCIAL SUICIDE have been used here. I agree that the futures project was a failure and needs to be rethought and represented but not at a huge expense to VANA.
If the business plan is that good it can be externally funded. go and get some venture capital if it is that good.
I think I’m in groundhog day. Substitute ANF for VANA and we have the same thing happening as happened at a national level with ego and power driven directors thinking that they could do whatever they liked with no accountability to their members. I left the ANF for that reason because associations’ mission has always been to make decisions to “protect the newsagents and their investment in the industry”
Beware of Greeks bearing gifts!!!!!
Robert Wade will have my FULL Support, if he is not voted in VANA will have my immediate resignation for Seymour and Beechworth.
Chris has a Greek heritage, and he is a top bloke? I can’t believe the hide of this faction of directors wanting to squander $400,000 plus!
I am interested that only two VANA Directors have responded here. Three if you think that the Gary commenter is gary Tribe.
Here is by two cents…
Trevor Mason and Gary Tribe, through Gary’s son, have a business relationship. That right there says that mason should not be elected to the Board of VANA.
The trouble is that it is up to newsagents. Based on the lobbying I have heard I expect that mason is in front.
At the end of the day Victorian newsagents will get the association they deserve.
Keith,
You are right. It should be a no brainer.
Massive conflict of interest by the chairman.
Anyone can throw stones from the sidelines and make statements of SAVING newsagents.
Where is the substance??
Is it in the SPECIAL relationship that Trevor MAson has with Gary Tribe???
Gee, if VANA members cannot see what is instore if Mason is elected, then, maybe newsagents deserve to have their pants pulled down!
I have read Mason’s email, and there are so many unaswered questions from him, that all he tried to do is turn the argument off himself.
What Assets does he want Vana to buy??
What are his future plans to supposedly SAVE newsagents from ARMAGEDON?
What Tools can he give newsagents to SAVE THEM.
Are they the same tools as our Marketing groups give us to be better retailers??
Is this so called Saviour to our Industry doing all this becasue he loves newsagents?
I think not!
What is dissapointing in what should be a democratic electoral process, is that you have two VANA directors actively attempting to influence the election result – what an absolute disgrace.
These so-called industry ‘leaders’ have not mentioned once about the future of newsagents. Surely as many members struggle with magazine oversupply, low product margins, supplier influence and distribution pressures; that these directors can offer members some insight on how they will tackle these issues.
Nope. Nudda. Zilch.
Instead, collectively they are waging a campaign of fear against a candidate who actively talks about the future.
VANA members deserve more.
What ARE these directors’ plans for the future? IS there a blueprint, or are members faced with more of the same? How will this ‘business as usual’ attitude address the negotiation imbalance we experience with key partners? How will it help to combat the intense competition we incur from the supermarkets, post offices and convenience stores which are eroding our core business?
This is not time for personal politics. This is the time for this industry to stand up for itself and fight for what it believes in. It is time our representative bodies introduced talented professionals with the skill set and networking capabilities to address the underlying problems that have beset this industry for the past three decades (if not more).
Over the past few days, there has been some wild assertions and innuendo regarding the involvement that myself and family members have in this industry. I wish to set out some facts.
I am involved as a Director of First Advantage Newsagents, a not-for-profit newsagent co-operative owned exclusively by its members. I, nor any other director have any financial involvement in this co-operative. The only investment made is our considerable time and energy in finding solutions that plague newsagents everyday.
First Advantage is a ‘shared-services’ model, meaning that the co-operative and the newsagent shares its resources for the common good. It cannot be sold. Ever. Profits are pooled to develop strategic assets for members to ensure their future.
There are no asserted ‘conflicts of interest’ with my directorship and my father’s directorship at VANA. We are prefessional enough to observe proper corporate governance as according to ASIC regulations.
First Advantage has three newsagent directors, with an independent Chairperson. This Chairperson has experience in the baking, printing and coffee industries. We have a management advisory group to assist in developing these key assets. These people are highly skilled in areas of financial management, information technology, marketing, e-commerce, retail standards and distribution logistics.
We are well on the path to developing strategic assets, which include private labels, distribution optimisation software amd data analysis – assets which our competitors such as Officeworks, Australia Post and 7-Eleven already possess. Not real estate, share portfolios and term deposits – these will not ensure our future.
Take a look at what a successful association model looks like. The National Federation of Retail Newsagents based in the U.K. has a solution for their members (www.nfrnonline.com). VANA should aim to provide this and more.
But these assets we feel should be available to ALL newsagents. The INDUSTRY should be developing these products.
Only then can newsagents control their own destiny rather than have it made for them.
Would you want VANA to invest in your future?
Darren did you write that of your dad?
Go get em tiger.
Maybe you could say who is making the consulting fees out of first advantage.
Oh, and why is first advantage at the centre of a vana election. Is this a planned takeover to get access to the vana resources.
Gary?
Million Dollar babies should spend the inheritance they have been handed on a silver platter. Maybe daddy won’t let them put the farm up as collateral. There’s one thing taking newsagents into the future, its another thing to lead them into the abyss.
If Project Swallow VANAs Assets is to get off the ground why don’t the people involved put up their own assets.
Why not get a commercial analysis done and a feasibility study done and publish it to the VANA member base?
Darren,
I’m a member of VANA …your not. This gives me the right to speak up. Together with all members, these assets and funds that you speak about are ours…not yours, that also gives me a right to speak up.
VANA does have a plan, lead by your father, our Chairman. This plan has been in place for the last 12 months, with all directors giving up their valuable time every month to assist our Chairman on this plan.
I have no problems with First Advantage Newsagents trying to give their members a future. As with Nextra, newsXpress and Newspower. They are all there to give their members the best possible chance of making a success of their business. Where you lose your way is you are asking VANA to fund these opportunities.
As I keep saying, Vana is there for all, big, small, good and bad. Not for the benefit of a chosen few that decide to belong to a particular group.
Attention VANA members….put this serious argument to bed and VOTE for ROBERT WADE. Then we can all get back to work and on with the job.
Gerrard, Darren
I know nothing about the politics of VANA however my ruppence worth is that Associations should stand for ALL newsagents -no bias or groups-ALL and they are there like Govts. to basically do for their members on an individual and collective base what their members cannot do for themselves.
Darren,
Very well written, and you made some great points.
You spoke of optimisation. logistical distribution, financial management.
All big words that mean many things. It sounds very impressive. I take it you put that all together yourself??
I have one question for you, and your father, who has repeatedly stated that the Futures project is dead and buried !!! As far as Vana was concerned.
Why dont you put YOUR BALLS ON THE LINE and borrow the funds you need to achieve this model which Officeworks and other majors use??
If its a success, I will be the first to join up!!
But to use VANA money, which both you and Mason have stated is your objective, is a bit rich, dont you think??
If it goes PEAR shaped once you have borrowed all you need, what happens to VANA??
BUt if you put your own assets up like your (house or shop) for security, then only you will lose money, not the members of VANA.
In any case like Gerard stated, VANA with your Father as Chairman, have made plans to address many of the issues US MEMBERS and newsagents face.
He was instrunmental in those plans sitting on the executive.
Are you telling me know that he was BULLSHITTING all that time, approx 18 monhts, waiting in the wings to pounce, and drive home his hidden AGendas???
I cannot believe you that your Father who is intricatly involved with Trevor Mason would do such a thing? Would he?
So now that we have established that your father while Chairman of VANA has been working with the other Directors on Strategic Plans Nationally and within Victoria to ensure that Newsagents are well represented at state and federal level, have adequate representation when dealing with the publishers, and ohters central to out industry.
Example of your Fathers good work on VANAS strategy is ensuring the newsagents get increases in home delivery fees., amongst many other wins, which if anyone needs to know about can jump on the Vana website.Another example is the Fair work Aust.
We really need to know, WHY not use your own money for your VISION. OR even better, let Trevor Mason, who supposedly is a guru use his own money.
SOmething really STINKS here !!
So Darren,
Continue to chase your First Advant News model, and you may even crossover into some similar things that other marketing groups do. Just maybe.
But keep your hands of VANAS funds which are there to run the Association, not take risks on commercial ventures.
Chris
reservoir
Well well well.
Nothing seems to change from year to year.
As a previous Director of VANA I resigned because of the dicatorship of one person at VANA.
The question that should be asked is where is the Corporate governance and when will Directors that are elected by their members agree to abide by their Charter?
There is a conflict of interest here and in my view the Chairman should resign from the Board BUT what does my comment count for as I saw this coming two years ago and a leopard does not change its spots overnight if at all.I resigned as a member in disgust.
What hurts me now ( as a non financial member of VANA) is that people I respect have to come onto a blog site to put their case when in reality common sense should prevail.
Very sad to see all this bitterness.
Get back to the job at hand VANA