Venues NSW Chair Tony Shepherd steps down

High-profile businessman Tony Shepherd has resigned from his role as Chair of Venues NSW, the body responsible for NSW’s major stadia, stepping down from the board as of this week.

Reports in News Corp Australia titles and the Sydney Morning Herald suggest that Shepherd, who reportedly has strong links to the Liberal Party, was likely to replaced after the 25th March NSW election, irrespective of which part is voted into government.

Shepherd, the former Chair of the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust, which merged into the Venues NSW agency in 2020, is also Chair of the GWS Giants.

In a letter to SCG members to outline his situation, Shepherd wrote “I write to let you know that I have resigned as chair of Venues NSW and the Sydney Cricket Ground and will formally finish after this week’s board meeting.

“One of the great honours of my life has been to serve as a trustee and chairman of the Sydney Cricket Ground and then a board member and the inaugural chairman of the new Venues NSW.

“As deputy chairman, Rod McGeoch will assume the responsibilities of chairman, so Venues NSW is in the safest possible hands. He has been a trustee and board member for 25 years and counting and is hugely experienced in all areas of our business and well beyond. He and Kerrie Mather make a great team to continue Venues NSW’s growth in the future.

“There will be plenty of time for farewells of course, but I deeply value your support and commitment to Venues NSW and to the very special places that we manage.

“The loyalty of the members knows no bounds and getting to know you, and representing you, has been the most important part of the job.”

Credited as being the “driving force behind the building of the $900 million Allianz Stadium” by the Sydney Morning Herald, reports suggest that there had been tensions between Shepherd and the NSW Government over parking at Moore Park, prompted by the plan to remove more than 2600 parking spots on the grass outside Allianz Stadium and the SCG by the end of 2025.

Shepherd is understood to believe that the 1500-space multistorey carpark to replace the grass parking is not big enough.

Acknowledging Shepherd's role, NSW Minister for Sport, Alister Henskens stated "I wish to thank Tony for his outstanding leadership, expertise and contribution to the development and operation of our state's cherished sporting facilities, and the many hours he has dedicated to this role.

“Among his many achievements, Tony was instrumental in the planning and delivery of the new world-class Allianz Stadium, which has cemented NSW as the nation’s premier sports and entertainment destination.

“With the creation of Venues NSW, Tony has been responsible for a diverse portfolio of infrastructure, including stadiums and indoor venues across Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.”

Venues NSW is the owner, coordinator and promoter of publicly-owned sports and entertainment venues including Sydney's Accor Allianz and CommBank Stadiums; the Sydney Cricket Ground; McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle; the Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Showground and the WIN Sports Stadium and Entertainment Centre in Wollongong.

Image: Tony Shepherd. Credit: snowyhydro.