Our Committee

The Melbourne Chargers is managed by a committee of nine volunteers, elected by club members at the Annual General Meeting and led by the President. The committee is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the club and appointing our coaching and management team in addition to fundraising, events and other duties. The coaching and management team is responsible forrugby operations and make operational decisions at arm’s length from the committee.

The club committee meets from time to time (usually monthly) and distributes a summary of outcomes from each meeting to all members.

You can contact the committee using at committee@melbournechargers.org, or you can email any member directly.

The Chargers Committee held a planning day in December 2021 at the Victorian Pride Centre to map out the 2022 priorities and activities.Members

President - Silas Palmer

Silas is the primary spokesperson for the Melbourne Chargers, representing the club to the wider community. Silas chairs the committee and is responsible for ensuring that the club’s priorities and are in line with the wishes of the membership. Email: silas@melbournechargers.org

Vice-President - Scott Davis

Scott supports the President in managing the committee. Scott leads on operations, managing the committee’s relationship with our coaches and team managers. Scott also leads on operations and logistics for our domestic season and contributes to fundraising and events planning. Email: scott@melbournechargers.org

Secretary - Aaron Hawton

Aaron is responsible for club record-keeping and memberships. The Secretary also ensures that the club’s activities are in accordance with both the rules of the association, and Victoria’s laws. Aaron is a keen baker, often providing snacks and sweet treats for away games. Aaron also supports organising fundraising and social events and LGBT community engagement. Email: aaron@melbournechargers.org

Treasurer - Luke Coster

Luke is primarily responsible for financial administration, ensuring that the club’s accounts are correct and that all income and expenditure is recorded and reported on regularly. Additionally, Luke is the custodian and manager of the Warwick Ramsden Player Support Fund. Email: luke@melbournechargers.org

General Committee - Pete, Derryn, Martin, Chris and Josh

Pete Ryan is primarily responsible for the Chargers’ website, social media and email communications. He also assists with operations and is a big contributor to the calendar of social and fundraising events. Email: pete@melbournechargers.org

Derryn Pert is one of the Chargers two Player Liaisons. He is a first point of contact for any players who have questions or concerns about playing training or coaching. Derryn also contributes to planning and organising social and fundraising events within the club. Email: derryn@melbournechargers.org

Martin Commons is the chair of the Bingham tour subcommittee and is primarily overseeing much of the logistical and organisational work to get the team and supporters to Ottawa in Canada in 2022. Martin is supporting the President on a values and strategy refresh to serve the club into the future. Email: martin@melbournechargers.org

Chris Pezet is leading the club’s efforts to attract and retain sponsors that share in our values and want to support inclusive sport. Chris also supports organising fundraising and social events for the club. Email: chris@melbournechargers.org

Josh Foster is one of the Chargers two Player Liaisons. He is a first point of contact for any players who have questions or concerns about playing, training or coaching. Josh also contributes to planning and organising social and fundraising events within the club, sponsorship attractions and relationships and is responsible for planning our activities in regional Victoria. Email: josh@melbournechargers.org