PRESIDENT’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
Ground Upgrade –
Progress has been made with respect of the ground upgrade at Gore Hill. At the recent council meeting, a tender was accepted, and a contractor appointed to commence the works. So what does this mean for the club? The bottom line is that there is a $38,000 shortfall in funds due to the fact that Energy Australia will have to put in a new power kiosk to assist with capacity of the lights.
These funds will be met from North Shore $10,000, Willoughby Jnrs $10,000 and the remaining $18,000 will come from an additional NSW community grant. So in the short term we will need to come up with the additional $10,000 by March 2012.
Training –
The first block of preseason training has almost finished. Those that made it will show the benefits as Jon and his team have put together a well structured program. Another positive is a number of new experienced players and talented juniors that will add value to the existing playing list. The coaching staff are in the process of arranging practice matches, preseason camp etc. Preseason will recommence Tuesday 17th January.
Social –
Our first social function was held last weekend and was attended by 39 happy campers. Whilst we were rained on and we did have thunder and lightning to contend with, the food and company was excellent. The band – Raggety Anne – kept all entertained with music all afternoon, and they were even assisted by Jamie, Adam and Jase for a couple of songs towards the end of the day. Thanks to those that came along, hope to see more of you at the next event. A social calendar will be produced ready for distribution when preseason training recommences.
Finance –
We have already had the first instalment from Bendigo Bank sponsorship deposited, this is the first of our new association with this group and one that we hope will be beneficial for both parties.
Sponsorship –
Patrick Wall has been very busy (even from the USA) making contact with past and future sponsors and when he returns (Dec 19) I am sure that he will have lots of exciting news to share with regards to all our sponsors. Remember if you have a potential sponsor, please give their details to Patrick.
Looking Forward –
There will be a special meeting in February to adopt the new constitution and to make a decision on the naming of the club for the future – Bears or Bombers. The decisions made at this meeting will be final, so I urge all of you that have something to input to make yourself available at this meeting so that we can put these matters to bed once and for all. Thank you to Patrick Wall for all of his work on updating our constitution and bringing us up to speed with the rest of the world.
At this time I find it necessary to remind players, supporters etc that in the survey that you all undertook last season, it was made very clear that there were changes and improvements that needed to be made and that all of you were willing to put your hand up and do your bit. I am now asking you all to back up your statements and lend that hand. If we all do a little and spread the load it will be much easier on us all. As a committee we are addressing all the issues that were raised in the survey, tiny steps, but we are moving forward. However, we cannot do it without your help and support. Please consider volunteering for a role, many hands make light work.
It was also mentioned that you wanted better social functions and something to be able to support along with partners, etc. For future Social Events and it would be great to get everyone attending and assisting the Club raise much needed funds to keep us on the field every week during the 2012 year. Always happy to take suggestions for social events – please email Dylan Ross on dylan.ross@y7mail.com
Finally, on behalf of the committee I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year. We look forward with anticipation to the recommencement of preseason training and the beginning of the season proper.
Take care, regards
Liz Fitzgerald
President
Last Modified on 03/03/2012 20:18