 Our Club has been impacted by a downturn in revenue caused by the introduction of smoking restrictions together with increases in State Government tax.
More recently we have seen further negative results which can be attributed to the economic factors of higher interest rates and rising petrol prices.
The Annual General meeting was held on the 31st March 2008 where the members received and endorsed the Annual Report of the Board of Directors and the statement of financial performance for the financial year ended 31st October 2007.
A ballot for election of directors was held during March and Mr Martin Newman was elected together with the re-election of Mr Peter Black and Mr Jim Farmer.
Martin Newman is a well known and respected businessman in our community who I'm sure will make a worthwhile contribution to our administration.
Current Trading
The General Manager's report deals with the current difficulties being experienced by the licensed club industry.
Our Club has been impacted by a downturn in revenue caused by the introduction of smoking restrictions together with increases in State Government tax.
More recently we have seen further negative results which can be attributed to the economic factors of higher interest rates and rising petrol prices.
Rugby League Funding
Our budget for football club grants has been reduced by $2 million and as our General Manager has reported this is not a withdrawal of support but rather a reduction in our capacity to contribute.
The Leagues Club Association and Clubs NSW are working with the support of the NRL in seeking the State Government to provide taxation relief which should allow the Club to continue funding for sport and the local community.
The results of the 2007 Socio-Economic Impact Study of Clubs NSW prepared by the Allen Consulting Group shows that Clubs still play an important role in the sporting and social fabric of the State.
Clubs continue to play a relevant economic and social role in NSW; there is a clear case for supporting clubs, given their capacity to contribute to the social and economic being of NSW.
St George Dragons
After our traditional slow start to the NRL Telstra Premiership we are now making up ground on the front runners and expect to consolidate a top eight position in the coming weeks.
In contrast the under 20's Toyota Cup team is leading their competition after round 12.
Introduced for the first time this year the Toyota Cup gives an opportunity to showcase the young talent in our game.
This is an initiative which has been well received and is a pathway to the NRL.
Well done to these young men who are the future of our Club.
On Saturday 10 May, as part of the Centenary of Rugby League celebrations, a commemorative plaque was laid at Kogarah Jubilee Oval now known as OKI Jubilee Stadium.
As the home ground of the Dragons this historic ceremony acknowledged the deeds of St George teams over time which has enshrined the "Big Red V" in the history books of Ruby League worldwide.
Ground improvements are progressing on time at OKI and we all look forward to returning home in season 2009.
In the interim we need your support for our Leagues Club as we face the challenges created by Government decisions and the present economic conditions.
Warren Lockwood
Chairman
|
St George Leagues Club
LEAGUES CLUB JOURNAL
