Outgoing president reflects on progress and resistance to reform at Montville Village Association

At the conclusion of the Montville Village Association’s Annual General Meeting on 22 October 2025, President Wayne Parcell PSM formally stepped down from his role after two years and from the Association, closing a chapter of leadership defined by both operational progress and increasing internal division.

In a prepared statement delivered at the meeting, Mr Parcell thanked the outgoing Management Committee for their dedication to community service and their role in advancing key reforms. Under his leadership, the Association made significant improvements to compliance, governance, and community engagement – bringing long-overdue structure and transparency to its operations.

“We addressed regulatory gaps, we brought processes into line with expectations and we opened the door to new ideas through consultation with the wider community,” Mr Parcell said. “But meaningful change depends on more than policy – it requires a willingness to grow.”

He noted that while the Association experienced a rise in membership, it matched a rising unwillingness to change. The appetite for genuine reform was met in many quarters with resistance often driven by “fear of change” rather than thoughtful consideration of its benefits.

“Progress was not stalled by a lack of ideas or effort, but by a reluctance to let go of outdated habits and narrow interests,” he said. “The cost of that fear has been community division, and the marginalisation and silencing of those who came forward with energy and good will.  The unwarranted personal attacks directed at me demonstrated an inability to engage in respectful fact-based discussion.”

Mr Parcell’s resignation leaves the role of President vacant until it is filled by the new Management Committee, in accordance with the Association’s Constitution. His simultaneous resignation from the Association also leaves the Immediate Past President role unoccupied.

Mr Parcell encouraged members to reflect not just on rules and roles, but on the deeper values that shape a community’s future.

“Montville deserves an Association that reflects its full diversity – not just in name, but in spirit. That won’t happen without courage. Without it, even the best intentions will be lost to the weight of familiarity.”

“Ultimately, I believe the culture of any organisation matters. It has to align with your values, or you're simply occupying space. The direction in which a vocal minority now seeks to take the Association does not align with my values.  The broader community needs to make some decisions about the Association’s future direction.”

Wayne Parcell: "The appetite for genuine reform was met in many quarters with resistance."