annual report 2011 - Blacktown RSL

ANNUAL REPORT 2011
Chairman’s Report 2011
On behalf of your Board of Directors I wish to present this year’s Annual
Report. Against the constant challenges being posed by changes to the
political forum, tightening economic conditions and the increasing variety in
ways to spend ones leisure time we have endeavoured to deliver quality
facilities and services with friendly service. This we are determined to
continue to do.
Despite both major parties giving assurances to the industry that clubs would
not be adversely affected by any policy changes, since the outcome of the
Federal Election the Club Industry has become a major focus. The proposal of
Mandatory Pre-Commitment for all gaming machines will have a significant
impact on the viability of all clubs and we will be no exception. The sheer cost
of installing such a system runs into millions of dollars, and that is before the
predicted, up to 40% as stated by the schemes proposers, reduction of revenue. The most
concerning aspect is that this is not a proven method of addressing the target issue of problem
gamblers and is seen by many experts in the field as having no benefit. Addiction is a terrible thing
and clubs have introduced a number of very effective measures to assist these people over recent
years such as voluntary exclusion and counselling services. With the introduction of this intrusive,
unproven scheme many jobs, both in clubs and suppliers, facilities and services to members and
the community and support to local sports, schools and charitable groups will be lost.
Your support and patronage has allowed the club to overcome the negativity seen daily in the
media to again post a profit from trading operations throughout the past year. The net profit for
continuing operations before tax for the year amounted to $557,598 compared with a profit of
$1,078,874 for the prior year. This resulted after charging $1,094,758 (2010: $1,050,506) for
depreciation and before charging $41,937 (2010: $73,718) for income tax. The decreased profit
before tax of $489,495 is mainly due to a decrease in gaming clearances of $852,062 offset by
reductions in gaming duties and other operational expenses.
During the year your Club undertook a complete renovation of its catering facilities. From this we
now have the wonderful new EAT restaurant offering a selection of Steaks, Ribs and Seafood. I
would encourage all members to come and try this new dining experience, one we believe will
become the best in Blacktown.
Your Club is also introducing strategies and technologies which help reduce our energy and
resources usage and our impact on the environment. As this report goes to print we are installing a
100kw solar energy system. Along with the environmental benefits it will help control the increasing
power costs into the future.
I would like to thank my fellow Board members for their commitment to the role and responsibility
over the past year. Your Club would not operate in the manner that it does without their dedication
and commitment. I would especially like to thank Bob Durbin, who started the year as your
Chairman, but due to his profession had to resign his role during the year. Bob’s presence in the
Boardroom will be sorely missed.
Heartfelt appreciation must go to all our wonderful Staff, led by our General Manager Alan
Middleton, Your friendliness and welcoming manner make it a pleasure to come to the Club. You
continue to provide great service to our members and their guests. You are an integral part in the
ongoing success of the Club. I believe you are amongst the best in the industry.
Many thanks should be given to David Brand and his team at Thompson Lawyers, and our auditors
and accounting team from PKF lead by Paul Cheeseman. Their counsel and services throughout
the year plus guidance and assistance has been greatly appreciated.
To the sub-Branch members and committee, the Women’s Auxiliary and the Bungarribee Day
Care, a special thank you. The support and service you provide to our veterans and general
community is tremendous and embodies the spirit of mateship and our ANZAC traditions.
And to you the members, we thank you for your involvement and patronage over the year and hope
to see you enjoying yourself more often at the Club in the future. The future is likely to bring many
changes. Whilst these will be challenging, they should also be exciting as we continue to seek
improvement in all aspects. Together we can continue the great work of this club.
Lest We Forget
Gary Ohlson
Chairman
BLACKTOWN RSL CLUB LIMITED - where friends love to meet
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