By REBECCA BILLS
COMMENTS in last week’s Mount Evelyn Mail by former Morrisons CEO Jan Simmons shocked current board members.
Last week Ms Simmons said she was extremely sad and shocked by the news of the house’s closure.
“It sounds like something serious has happened in their lives -when I left Morrisons it was looking all right.”
On Thursday 6 March Morrisons Board Member Geoff McPherson said in a statement at the METIC meeting Ms Simmons’ response was surprising as Morrisons had made operational losses in the past two years due to a range of factors.
These factors included funding arrangements for the provision of some education services.
“This resulted in the depletion of the cash reserves and concern for the viability of some programs,” he said.
“At the annual general meeting in 2013 Morrisons reported a loss of around $500,000 – the 2013 results, subject to audit, will also report a loss for the year.
“Ms Simmons would also be aware that a multitude of significant compliance and risk management issues were identified in late 2013.”
Mr McPherson when on to say that these issues had been present during Ms Simmons’ watch.
Deputy mayor, Councillor Maria McCarthy said Ms Simmons has been a huge community figure in Mount Evelyn for many years who had done some great things.
“Mount Evelyn, Morrisons and Jan are three words that cannot be separated – Jan’s legacy will always be there,” she said.
“Jan was part of an era that put Mount Evelyn first.
“Jan was part of a movement that created and fostered strong community values.”
Cr McCarthy said she along with council respected the decision of the board and the council would do its best to help in the transition to new service providers.
