CLUB NEWS

Welcome to the first Newsletter of 2010. On behalf of the Board of Directors I wish all members and patrons a healthy, happy and rewarding year.

In the last issue I welcomed new Directors. For those who were not at our AGM those new Directors are Pam Maitland, Jean Thomson, Neil Guntzler and the return of Denis Prout in the role of Bowls Director.

Jean Thomson is on an extended leave of absence due to ill health. Jean went into hospital early November for a minor procedure and is still in Princess Alexandra Hospital. I’m sure all members join with us in wishing her a speedy recovery.

Furthermore, we needed to say farewell to Director Helen Geary. With Ian’s failing health Helen has resigned from the Board and they have elected to return to Brisbane to be closer to their extended family. Collectively Helen & Ian have 9 years service to the Club as Board Directors as well as many years in club & district bowls administration. Members of their ilk are hard to find and they will be sorely missed.

With Christmas behind us for another year it was pleasing to note that our monster raffle was a resounding success. This success is in no small way a reflection of the dedication of all volunteers who assisted in the selling of raffle tickets, as well as running the Club’s Christmas Party generally.

It is a pity that some members cannot accept the enormous, selfless contribution that our volunteers provide to our Club – without them our Club would not be anywhere near the success it is. All clubs have “knockers” and we accept that they are an important part of club culture; providing their criticism is constructive they keep us on our toes. However, our volunteers should be above such attention and criticism - it is too difficult to recruit them without having a minority drive them away.

A new loyalty reward system has been introduced; refer Secretary Manager’s Report. Members are encouraged to use their card with every purchase so as to participate in the rewards on offer.

Our Bowls Administration Committee continues to impress with our Convenors obtaining good attendances on the green despite the hot weather. It was impressive to see our Australia Day Carnival entries sufficient to fill all greens, prior to Christmas, with reserve teams on standby – this must be a first for some time and is a testament to the hard work and incessant lobbying of our Bowls Convenors.

For those interested in our future redevelopment we can advise that whilst we have approval to proceed with the lounge extension we have had further negotiations with Sunshine Coast Regional Council in an effort to have their Contributions Clause reduced. For those that are not familiar with this terminology it should be explained that it is now apparent that our rates, including all ancillary charges, are no longer sufficient to fund our “Super Council” or the infrastructure for our ever expanding community. As such commercial developments - of which we (notwithstanding that we are a not-for-profit community sport and recreation facility) are included, are required to contribute additional funds – hence “Contributions Clause” – I have my own thoughts on this procedure but will not express them here, I have enough problems with Club politics without getting involved in local politics.

Notwithstanding all this, your Board is working hard in an effort to have the extensions completed and open prior to the winter carnival.

Despite a poor Christmas trading result (and I understand from industry insiders that this was statewide) we are trading profitably and consider that we are poised to take advantage of any economic recovery.

Your continued support of the Club and our sponsors will assist.

Neil Masters

Chairman