The Committee in accepting the resignations of Mrs Chirnside and Mr Bourke paid tribute to their outstanding service to the Victoria Racing Club and the Victorian Racing Industry.

Mr Bourke was elected to the Committee in 1983 and served as Chairman from 1991 to 1998, during which time he oversaw the Racing Industry's role in the privatization of the TAB, and the production of the first Victorian Racing Industry Business Plan "Towards 2000". Mrs Chirnside was the first woman to be elected to the VRC Committee in 1991.

In recognition of their significant contribution to the Club the Committee resolved that both Mr Bourke and Mrs Chirnside be awarded Life Membership of the Victoria Racing Club.

Having considered its responsibility to ensure that there is a balance of skills and broad expertise on the Committee, the Committee in accord with its Code of Conduct and the Rules of the Club resolved that Mr Paul Leeds be appointed to fill the vacany created by the retirement of Mrs Chirnside.

An election of Members, a date of which is yet to be determined, will be conducted to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Mr Bourke.

Mr Leeds appointment reflects the Committee's strong view that the Club needs to have within the Committee a Member with specific expertise in the fields of media, technology and marketing. Mr Leeds is currently Chief Executive Officer of Starcom World Wide, a leading media agency. He is also non-executive Chairman of Radio Sport 927, a position he will relinquish upon taking up his VRC Committee position.