A Legacy of Leadership: John Bollom Reflects on His Tenure as Bacta President

As bacta marks its 50th anniversary, the association also prepares to bid farewell to its President, John Bollom, who delivered his final address at today’s bacta Convention. Reflecting on his impactful three-year tenure, Bollom highlighted the milestones achieved during his presidency and looked ahead to a promising future for the organization under the leadership of Joseph Cullis, the current Vice President.

Guiding bacta Through Transformation

Bollom began his address by humorously likening his time as president to “a contestant on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here”—challenging but rewarding. With sincerity, he acknowledged the support of Cullis, bacta members, and staff, noting their contributions to the successes achieved during his tenure. He also underscored the significance of bacta’s golden anniversary as a moment to honor the association's history, past campaigns, and industry icons.

Central to Bollom’s leadership was the modernization of bacta’s structure, a priority he successfully championed. The transformation included replacing the former 40-member National Council with a leaner, more efficient 11-person National Council Board that meets monthly. This streamlined governance model has improved decision-making and fostered more dynamic leadership. Bollom also praised the creation of the Amusement Council, led by Dean Harding, and the Gaming Council, chaired by Peter Davies, as key steps toward better representing members’ diverse interests.

Enhancing Services for Members

Under Bollom’s guidance, bacta has introduced modernized services and systems that directly benefit members. Highlights include the launch of the bacta reward scheme, providing discounts to members, and significant enhancements to the self-exclusion portal, now administered by RBW. These developments reflect bacta’s commitment to improving operational efficiency and social responsibility standards, with further upgrades to be unveiled at the EAG International Expo.

Championing the Industry Amid Political Challenges

Bollom also spoke candidly about the challenges of navigating political roadblocks, particularly the delays to the much-anticipated gambling white paper caused by a snap general election. Despite these setbacks, he emphasized the importance of continuing to advocate for the industry’s growth by engaging with political stakeholders and pushing for the full implementation of the white paper’s recommendations.

“We must persist in ensuring that the policy changes we need are delivered as a package. It’s the only way to support growth across our sector,” Bollom stated.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Giving Back

Bollom’s presidency has been marked not just by structural improvements and member-focused initiatives but also by a strong emphasis on giving back. During the Convention, an update on bacta’s Charitable Trust showcased its impactful initiatives, including the “50 wishes for 50 years of bacta” campaign in partnership with Rays of Sunshine. The campaign invites members to help grant wishes for seriously ill children, reinforcing bacta’s dedication to its charitable mission.

Other successful fundraising events during Bollom’s tenure included the bacta Golf Day and the bacta Ball, with funds supporting various causes. The introduction of a new capybara plush toy, with proceeds going to Rays of Sunshine, further highlighted the association’s innovative approach to fundraising.

Looking Ahead

As Bollom prepares to pass the baton to Cullis, his final address serves as a powerful reminder of his contributions to bacta’s evolution during a pivotal moment in its history. His leadership has left the association stronger, more modern, and better equipped to face the challenges and opportunities of the future.

For Cullis and bacta, the foundation laid during Bollom’s presidency promises to propel the association into its next chapter of growth and advocacy. As bacta celebrates its 50th anniversary, it also honours the legacy of a leader who has tirelessly championed the association and the industry it serves.

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28 November 2024

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