Forman elected as YRBA president

The Yarra River Business Association (YRBA) has a new president, after executive members elected Red Rock Leisure’s John Forman at September 10’s annual general meeting (AGM).

Mr Forman becomes the seventh president in the YRBA’s 16-year history and replaces Publican Group co-founder John Ahern, who has held the position for the past seven years.

Having long served on the executive committee, Mr Forman said he was excited to be able to spearhead the group’s ongoing work.

“I’m very proud to be elected YRBA president and I wish to continue the great work that has been accomplished to date,” he said.

“We have a professional executive committee and high quality members from diverse businesses.”

Mr Forman said he was looking forward to addressing the following objectives:

• Highlight the tourism and business opportunities of the Melbourne waterways;
• Continue to support recommendations of the Lower Yarra River Use Future Directions Group (LYRUFDG) – specifically governance, upgrading facilities and the health of the Yarra River; and
• Focus on local business engagement and opportunities.

Outgoing president John Ahern remains on the executive committee and will remain the association’s representative on the LYRUFDG.

Bill Blakeney (Federation Square) remains vice-president, Paul Sullivan (Venice on the Yarra) is again secretary and Peter King (Quest Southbank) is treasurer.

Emily Carter of Hospitality One came as the only new face to a smaller executive committee, with Emma Cullen (Eureka Skydeck 88), Philip Hill (Greenco Straits) and James Gantidis (Melbourne River Cruises) not continuing.

Jeremy Vincent (Arts Centre Melbourne), Allan Cayzer (ARC Marina Management/Marina YE), Harley Moraitis (Crown Hotels and Restaurants) and Jo Gartner (Southgate Melbourne) remain on the executive committee.   

The YRBA will host its next luncheon at the Arts Centre on November 30, in what will be a Q&A style forum with Lord Mayor Robert Doyle.

For more information visit
www.yarrariver.info