The AGM will be held at the State Fencing Centre on May 18 at 7pm.
If you plan to attend the AGM via zoom, please register using this link:
There are three positions on the board up for re-election.
We have received six expressions of interest from community members wishing to join the Board.
To vote, attend the AGM on May 18th or you can nominate somebody else who will be attending to vote as your proxy.
To nominate a proxy, please download and fill out the proxy form and email to communications@fencingvictoria.org by 7pm on May 17th at the latest.
2026 Nominees
Alicia Rendell
As the current Treasurer of Fencing Victoria, I have worked closely with my fellow Board members to guide the organisation through the challenges of COVID and its recovery, culminating in a profitable result in 2025.
With more than 20 years of experience as a CPA accountant, including roles within a multinational company listed on the IBEX 35, I bring extensive financial, strategic, and governance expertise. I am committed to ensuring Fencing Victoria remains financially sustainable while continuing to uphold and strengthen our core values.
As the mother of a passionate young fencer, I have a strong connection to our community and understand the importance of creating a supportive and sustainable environment for athletes, families, coaches, and volunteers alike.
I welcome the opportunity to continue serving on the Fencing Victoria Board and contributing to the ongoing financial strength and future success of the organisation.
Cen Shao (Sylvia)
Cen Shao is a Melbourne-based business director with over 15 years of experience in the construction industry. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Economics and Trade from Taiyuan University of Science and Technology.
Since migrating to Australia in 2009, Cen has built extensive experience in business operations, financial management, and strategic planning. She is passionate about community engagement and multicultural inclusion, and is fluent in both English and Mandarin.
Through her children’s involvement in fencing, she has developed a strong connection to the sport and a deep appreciation for its values and community. She is committed to supporting the growth and accessibility of fencing in Victoria and contributing to the development of the sport at all levels.
John Varano
My journey with Fencing Victoria began several years ago as a fencing parent, and for the past two years it has been a privilege to serve our members as a Director on the Board.
There is still much to be done, and I am putting myself forward to continue that work.
My focus for a second term centres on developing a new organisational strategy — one that gives us a clear vision and a shared sense of direction for the years ahead. I am passionate about helping to shape FV’s strategic future: empowering the organisation to foster and promote fencing across Victoria, and ensuring it is equipped to meet the evolving needs of our membership.
I would be grateful for your continued support and the opportunity to serve on the Board once more.
Matthew White
My name is Matthew, I’m 27, and I have been involved in fencing since 2017, starting at La Trobe University Fencing Club, until I changed clubs to Fioretto. I was voted in as the president almost unanimously, in November 2019, same again in 2020 and in 2021, I received more proxy votes than there were people who turned up to the AGM. This speaks to my effectiveness, as not just any committee member, but as a person with significant responsibility in a challenging and extraordinary time for everyone.
What did I do when I was president? I was responsible for a shift in the culture of the club, a change in how our sessions were structured and partly responsible for a re-branded beginners course. We used to be an epee only club, and through the beginners course that Jay and Derek assisted with, along with some of our senior fencers, we begun seeing more foil fencing happening, and had more new members join, than the previous 3 years combined. With Rudi as our coach, we developed a nice sabre program that saw group attendance consistently in the double digits. I was also fortunate to have a large training area – larger than the downstairs area at FV! Everyone was able to do their own thing, fence any weapon they wished because there were plenty of people to bout with, and we even had members come from other clubs to try us out (and subsequently joined as well).
As an added bonus, I successfully applied for multiple travel grants and equipment grants from the state government and local councils, totalling $17,000!
My time as the president taught me so much and has put a much wiser head upon my shoulders; dealing with certain personalities, clashing agendas, maintaining a strong culture, planning for the future, but most importantly, it taught me that prosperity gives you friends, but adversity will prove who your friends are.
I am now at Fioretto Fencing Club, which is a really great community fencing club and I enjoy being able to give back to the club – primarily through finances such as applying for grants and running sausage sizzles at Bunnings.
I am an accredited referee in all weapons at state level, and nationally accredited in epee and sabre. I referee when I can, supporting the community by doing my best to provide the young ones, especially first-timers, a positive experience that makes them want to come back for more. All our referees can also attest that I have their back and do not tolerate abuse to our referees – especially when they’re underage!
The entire community will benefit from my work ethic and tenacity, alongside my leadership experience, supported with a more mature and wiser head.
Sophie Shi
My connection to fencing began in 2022 when my daughter took up the sport. What started as supporting her quickly developed into a genuine passion of my own.
Through this journey, I have come to appreciate fencing not only for its athleticism, but also for the discipline, focus, and strategic thinking it fosters in participants. Being involved as a parent has given me valuable insight into the importance of a supportive and well-structured sporting environment, particularly for young athletes and their families. I am keen to contribute to the continued growth and positive development of fencing within the community.
Professionally, I am an accounting specialist currently working in the construction industry as an Accounts Payable officer, with previous experience in both Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable. I bring strong attention to detail, organisational skills, and a commitment to accuracy and efficiency in financial processes.
Outside of work and fencing, I lead an active lifestyle. I enjoy skiing, going to the gym, and riding bikes with my family. These activities reflect my belief in maintaining a healthy balance between professional responsibilities, personal wellbeing, and family life.
Zoe Lim
Hi! Zoe here, I’ve been fencing for a while. I originally came over from Singapore for university, and I was brought back into the sport after I chanced upon the wonderful fencing community here. I take great pride and love being able to participate in any way I can, through photography, volunteering at competitions, or competing myself!