2024 Annual Report - Burleigh Bears Group by burleighbearsgroup

MANAGEMENTCOMMITTEE.

Laurie Oar President

Wayne Spelleken Vice President

Bill Ross Treasurer

Frank Balkin Secretary

Michael Toomey Committee

Daniel Brunt Group General Manager

RUGBYLEAGUECOMMITTEE.

Paul Khan Rugby League Committee President

Craig Hudson Rugby League Committee

Scott Smith Rugby League Committee

Jamie Windley Rugby League Committee

Matthew O’Flynn Rugby League Committee

RUGBYLEAGUESTAFF.

Dr Nicci Drew Club Doctor

Dr Josh Noble Club Physiotherapist

Bill Ross Club Solicitor

Vincent’s Auditors Club Auditor

THE TEAM.

Damian Driscoll Chief Executive Officer

Luke Burt Head Coach

Jodie Berkers Well-Being & Operations Manager

Matthew Robinson Commercial & Events Manager

Roy Leoni Pathways & Development Manager

Tanya Martin Administration Manager

John Haviland Maintenance & Groundsman

LIFEMEMBERS.

Andrew MCCARRON

Bill ROSS

Bob SINGH + Brian SWADDLING + Joe TANGATA-TOA

Keith KENNEDY

Laurie OAR

Lawrie PHILLIPS

Marie & Neville ROWLAND + Michael EVANS

Paul KHAN

Peter GALLAGHER

Peter SHAW

Ray MCCARRON + Stephen FIELD

Wayne HOMER

FOUNDATIONMEMBERS.

Bob SINGH + Carley PHILLIPS

Eileen & Peter GALLAGHER

Gene & Pat HAWKINS + Glenda PEARSON

Jill PHILLIPS

Lawrie PHILLIPS

Linda BOHMER

Pat & Yvonne KELLY + Ray & Carol MCCARRON + Rodney SALAN

Thomas BIRMINGHAM

Wayne & Glenda PEARSON

BRICK MEMBERS.

Andrew MCCARRON

Bruce LANG ESM

Carl GLOWASKI

Danielle WOHLING

David ROYLE

Frank BALKIN

Greg LINDORES

Ian AMOS

Justin CHRISTIE

Mark CONLON

Mark WILSON

Michael TOOMEY

Mick HEERY

Mick REARDON

Peter SCARLETT

Robbie DAY

Robert PURVIS

Robert TAYLOR

Rod ANDERSON

Rodney WALSH

Ron STROHFELDT

Ruth OAR

Sean GREGORY

Shane KACHEL

Shane REAY

Shane TAYLOR

Steve FOSTER

Wayne SPELLEKEN

LAURIE OAR. President Report

In 2021 the management committee commenced planning refurbishment of the Leagues Club and Sports Club, with the aim of broadening our appeal to the local community. The 2024 club financial year was our first full year of trading after renovations were completed and the surge in trade is clearly evident in our financial report. This has been particularly pleasing in our known 100th year of playing rugby league on the coast.

Imagine the countless hours of volunteer work, that has gone into establishing and supporting the club over all these 100 years. I would like to recognise the efforts of all those who have helped over the years and thank the current volunteers who keep the dream alive.

Thank you to all our staff who do a great job being the face of our club. Special mention to our General Manager Daniel Brunt and assistant Daniel Hearn.

To our Rugby League committee headed by Paul Khan, a big thank you. The demands on this group managing a very large league operation is particularly onerous, I will leave it to Paul to elaborate on the overall club achievements they have overseen this year.

To my fellow committee members thanks once more for your dedication to a rather thankless job. We don’t always agree on the path we should take but our goals are definitely one and the same.

Wishing all members and supporters a safe and merry Christmas break and hope to see everyone back in the new year.

BILL ROSS. Treasurer Report

The 2024 financial year has been another exceptional one for the Club, with continued strong performance across all areas of the business. Both the Burleigh Leagues Club (BLC) and Burleigh Sports Club have maintained positive momentum, benefiting from steady growth and strong customer support throughout the year.

The Club achieved record revenue of $27.6 million, an increase of 15% compared to last year’s $24 million. Net profit reached $2.8 million, reflecting the success of our strategic focus on operational excellence and customer engagement. EBITDA also saw an increase, reaching $4.35 million, up from $3.69 million in the previous year.

A significant milestone this year was the full repayment of the NAB loan, which had been taken to support the renovations at the BLC. This marks a key achievement in strengthening the Club’s financial position. The Club ended the financial year with net assets of $16.2 million, up from $13.5 million last year, showcasing the robust financial health of the organisation.

These results highlight the Club’s ongoing commitment to investing in facilities and operations while maintaining a solid foundation for future growth. Thank you to the Management Committee, staff, and members for their support throughout the year.

I look forward to another year of progress and success for the Burleigh Bears and the wider Club community.

DANIEL BRUNT. Group General Manager

I am proud to share this year’s annual report, highlighting the achievements and milestones of the 2023-2024 financial year. It has been another fantastic year for our clubs, both on and off the field.

This year, we made significant upgrades to the bathroom facilities at both the leagues club and the sports club. We also began much-needed back-of-house improvements, including a new administration office. These changes are part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing our facilities for members, guests, and the local community.

The club’s financial performance has been strong, with solid growth across key areas. Poker machine revenue increased by $2.58 million, reaching $14.38 million. Our food and beverage areas also performed well, with total sales growing by $873,000 compared to last year. These results reflect the dedication and hard work of our team.

The Burleigh Sports Club continues to play a vital role in our financial success, contributing over $1 million to our net profit. I’d like to thank Venue Manager Lisa for her excellent leadership and efforts in achieving this.

On a broader financial level, the group reached new revenue heights of $27.6 million and a net profit of $2.81 million. Our operating profit (before depreciation and donations) is also very strong, reflecting our focus on growth and sustainability.

I want to thank the Management Committee—Laurie, Bill, Wayne, Mick, and Frank—for their ongoing support and guidance throughout the year. I also want to recognise Group Operations Manager Daniel Hearn for his hard work and commitment.

This year, we celebrated 100 years of rugby league for the Burleigh Bears. Congratulations to Paul, Damian, and the rugby league team for a fantastic year during this important milestone.

Finally, to our team of 140 employees—thank you for your dedication and effort. Your hard work truly makes a difference. To our members, your support and involvement are key to everything we do. We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to another successful year for the Burleigh Bears.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season.

Men’s Report -

PAUL KHAN. Chairman

Season Standings

Hostplus Cup - 7th

BMD Women’s - 3rd

A Grade- Minor Premiers, Preliminary Finalists

Reserve Grade - 3rd

U20 - Minor & Major Premiers

QLD Statewide Comp - Club Champions (second year running)

Total Participants - 300 approx (players, staff, admin)

100 Years Old! Congratulations Burleigh Bears, it’s a privilege to file my report in such a special year. The results this year ended a little disappointing with our Q Cup side and 2023 Premiers BMD Women’s team finishing 7th and 3rd in respective major competitions however, with the much improved performance of our pathways sides, which included a grand final appearance from the Mal Meninga Side, the Burleigh Bears were crowned the QLD Major Comps Club Champions for the second year running! High standards also extended to our local sides, finishing minor premiers in A Grade, semi- finalists in Reserve Grade and Minor and Major Premiers in the U20 comp. This meant we also won the Rugby League Gold Coast Senior Club Champions in the Local Competition, effectively crowning the 100 Year Old Burleigh Bears the Best Club in the State. On behalf of the Rugby League Committee I’d like to thank Luke Burt and all the coaching /support staff/players for their efforts this year and we look forward to continuing to strive to improve our club next season.

Of course, we wouldn’t be able to do it without the support of all our wonderful sponsors , stakeholders and club supporters. Clubs don’t get to be 100 years old without the collective commitment, effort and passion from its members, it’s people right across the club, no matter what role or involvement that you may have that makes this place, the great place it is today and, we the thank you all.

A special mention to Patty Politini and Hayden Schwass who have decided its time to hang up the boots (we won’t judge if you decide to change your minds). Both have been club stalwarts, each playing over 150 games for the club, been fantastic leaders, great club men and, a big part of our success over the last 8 years, thank you.

To Laurie Oar and the Leagues Club Committee, GM Dan Brunt and his staff, thank you for your ongoing support of Rugby League and, congratulations on the wonderful business that seems to go from strength to strength.

To Rugby League CEO Damian Drisco, his team and, my fellow Rugby League Committee members, you’ve all done a great job as per usual. I’m pleased to say from an administrative view we have come in under budget, well done team on a great job.

The 100 Year Celebration Dinner was for me, the highlight of the year. It was a great night to honour, remember and toast past and present club members, memories and successes. For everyone who attended it was a reminder of the hard work and passion that has built what we see today. Personally, it made me feel extremely proud and fortunate to be part of. The only thing I have left to say is, collectively, let’s get cracking in preparation for a bigger, better and successful 101st Year!

Paul ‘Russ” Khan Rugby League Chairman

SCOT T COOKE. Women’s Coach

Firstly, thank you for giving me the opportunity to write on behalf of the Senior Women’s Burleigh Bears BMD team.

The 2024 season presented many new challenges for the Burleigh Bears BMD team, after a such a successful season in 2023, the feeling early was that we would kick off right where we left off. Initially our playing roster was looking full, with most of the team returning from the previous year, including current NRLW players and new players coming to the bears looking for an opportunity to play in this great team to progress forward.

Nonetheless, the season didn’t go exactly as planned, with the team earning a spot in the semis after having to win our last game against Easts to qualify, finishing third for the regular season. The loss to Norths in the preliminary semifinal ending our season falling short of another Grand Final birth. We would have loved another opportunity to challenge for the premiership, but it was not to be unfortunately.

The win against Easts to make the semis was most memorable when looking back at the season, we gave ourselves a chance after a solid performance from all players, right across the park. Our side had all Origin players – Zahara Temara, Sophie Holyman, Loz Brown & Taz Rapana ruled out after a tough clash against the blues, we had to rely heavily on our other senior players and many inexperienced players to get the job done. A win that we can look back on in years to come with a smile – a great feeling. Another notable win during the year was our win against eventual premiers the Cutters. At full strength we were hard to beat, and the Cutters had no chance on this day, their only loss of the season – 22-10 Bears way.

After the season, we saw many players return to NRLW teams, others earnt NRLW contracts, and some were lucky to go onto earn State of Origin jumpers which is a real testament to the Burleigh Bears women’s program and the culture they have engrained and continue to uphold as the Bears continue to develop pathways and promote players through to higher levels out of this sport.

Big Congratulations to Chelsea Lenarduzzi who had and outstanding season and went on to earn another maroon jumper after collecting our players player & player of the year award. Congrats to other award winners Montana Clifford, Sarina Masaga & Ivana Lolesio on exceptional seasons.

Lastly, thank you to the Burleigh Bears for having me over the past 3 years and to staff members, Ali Brown, Dawson Aramona, Andrew Horcicka and Ash Harvey for their hard work during the year, we could not have achieved without your commitment to the team – thank you all!

Cheers Cookie.

The 2024 season saw the Burleigh Heads RLFC celebrate 100 years of Rugby League. From humble beginnings in 1924 out of Rudd Park, the Club has grown into a powerhouse of QLD and Gold Coast Rugby League. For the second straight season the Club took out the State Club Championship which signifies the most successful overall club in the State.

Thank you to Paul Khan, Laurie Oar, Daniel Brunt, the Management and Rugby League Committees for their continued support. This support allows us to create an environment for the players to perform at their best.

DAMIA N DRISCOLL. Chief Executive Officer

Running nine senior teams and being the largest and most successful Senior Rugby League Club in QLD can’t be done without the support of many people.

Luke Burt (Hostplus Cup) and Scott Cooke (BMD Women’s) led their respective teams into the finals for the sixth straight season. While the ultimate goal of premiership success eluded both teams, we look forward to what the 2025 season holds.

The Bears pathway programs led by Roy Leoni continues to go from strength to strength with 2024 seeing the Mal Meninga Cup (U19) team make the Grand Final for the first time. The Cyril Connell Challenge (U17) team and both female pathways teams also had strong seasons narrowly missing out on the finals.

All 3 Gold Coast teams represented the Club with distinction winning the RLGC Senior Club Championship. The U20 and A Grade teams took out the Minor Premiership with Jason Bradfield’s U20s team ultimately taking out the premiership.

We bid farewell to club legends Hayden Schwass and Pat Politoni. Both Pat and Hayden played over 150 Qld Cup games for the Club, winning 2 premierships and many individual awards along the way. Both Pat and Hayden are quality people whose contribution on and off the field won’t be forgotten and I wish them all the best in their retirement from the game.

Off the field the club continued its outstanding work in the community raising money and awareness for a number of Gold Coast charities and organisations. These included Walk With Us, Boots for One and All (Indigenous Round), Burleigh RSL and GC Legacy (Anzac Round). The Bears annual Ladies Charity Lunch was again a highlight of the year with The Kelly Wilkinson Foundation this year’s charity partner.

The Rugby League administration staff of Matt Robinson, Tanya Martin, Jodie Berkers, John Haviland and Adam Flier excelled again in 2024. Whilst they didn’t lace on a boot, they are as pivotal to the club’s success on and off the field as the players and coaching staff.

We wish and thank all players and coaching staff who are moving on at the end of the season all the best. For those returning in 2025 we look forward to more success at the Bears.

Regards, DAMIAN DRISCOLL

LUK E BURT. Head Coach

I feel very privileged to be in the position to write the Rugby League report on behalf of our coaches and support staff at the Burleigh Heads Rugby League Football Club. Season 2024 has again been a successful one with teams playing finals footy.

I’d like to congratulate all teams who worked tirelessly in 2024 for the Bears – Scott & the BMD Women’s team, Spencer & the 19’s Women’s team, Tait & the 17’s Women’s team, Ben & the MM team, Ryan & the CC team, Michael & the A Grade team, Danny & the Reserve Grade Team and Jason & the u20’s team plus, all the support staff that helped with these teams. Thank you for your time & commitment this season, it doesn’t go unnoticed. On the back of the above efforts, we won our second consecutive QRL Major Competition Club Championship and won the Rugby League Gold Coast Senior Club Championship.

During the Hostplus Cup season, you could say there were two halves of the year. With the preseason commitment to training and buying into what the staff were implementing, we couldn’t ask for anything more! That transitioned to the early part of the season, we were playing well and finding a way to win on the back of some gritty defence and patient attack. Unfortunately, the second half of the season didn’t go to plan and had a run of tight losses. We limped into the finals and unfortunately, the Capras beat us in another tight loss. I said last year that the best team doesn’t always win, and I believe that was the case in this final, but we couldn’t be any prouder of the effort the team put in, right up until the final siren. We will be back in 2025 bigger and better!

Individuals were rewarded for their great seasons at the QRL Awards and Burleigh Bears Awards night. Sam Coster for a third year in a row was named in the Hostplus Cup Team of the year. Sam also won the Burleigh Bears Best and Fairest and Players Player at our Bears Awards Night. Josh Patston won the Best Forward & was rewarded with an NRL contract. Kea Pere won the Coaches Award for his huge efforts throughout the season in playing every minute of every game in 2024. We also unearthed younger players, Saxon Innes who re-signed with the Broncos was rewarded with the Rookie of the Year at the Bears Awards Night.

In 2024, several individuals achieved significant milestones: Guy Hamilton played his 150th game in the Queensland Cup. Sami Sauiluma, Sam Coster, and Patty Politoni also reached 150 Queensland Cup games while playing for Burleigh Bears. Congratulations to all of them for these outstanding achievements. Having their experience in this squad is truly priceless.

A huge thank you to coaches Michael Witt, Clay Harris and Michael Robertson who brought passion and innovation to our football program and to Lachlan Clifton, Lincoln Shrubb and Seana Crosby our High-Performance Staff. Our trainers Colin Hooker, Adrian Van Der Stok & Sean Stockholm, Team Managers Jodie Berkers & Damian Driscoll, doctor Nicci Drew, physios Josh Noble & Mark De Gallo, and Tony Priddle all added total professionalism to our team this year.

In the QRL Major Competitions, our Mal Meninga squad had a great season finishing third on the table in the regular season and then playing some entertaining footy in the finals to make it to the big dance. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the result we wanted in the grand final but, it was an outstanding performance and a great reward for players & staff.

The Cyril Connell team had a good year but unfortunately missed the finals by 1 point with a few tight games that they were unfortunate not to win. The experience these players got from this season will help them contribute to the Bears in 2025 with the majority of them making our Mal Maninga squad or backing up for another season of Cyril Connell.

In the Gold Coast Rugby League competitions our A Grade team led by Head Coach Michael Robertson had a great year finishing as Minor Premiers but, unfortunately going down to the two grand final teams to be eliminated in the preliminary final. After a tough start to the season, Robo and the team finished off the year in great fashion and along the way blooded many young players, players stepping up from our DLC, 20s, and our Mal Meninga sides. Aston Bai had an outstanding year and was rewarded with the A Grade Best & Fairest and the Best Forward awards. He was well supported by Sam McIntyre who was named Players Player and Michael Walit who won the Coaches Award.

Our RLGC DLC squad led by Danny Hess had a good year but with several changes to their team week to week due to injuries and players being promoted throughout the club, were beaten in the first week of finals.

The RLGC under 20’s team under the coaching of Jason Bradfield had a fantastic year and were the dominant team all year and nothing changed in the Grand Final with a dominant performance against Runaway Bay winning 40 – 10. Congratulations to all involved.

Congratulations to our three female teams who once again had successful campaigns. Unfortunately, the BMD squad just fell short of a Grand Final birth. However, the development and progression across all three grades was outstanding, culminating with several players progressing to higher honour’s at NRLW, State and International levels.

To the coaches, medical staff, all the support staff and families that allow everyone to contribute to the Burleigh Bears Club, we thank you for the commitment and passion you show every week and hope you will be back again in 2025. Thanks to Laurie Orr, our management committee, club President Paul Khan, and the football board for their unwavering support of the football program. Thank you to GM of the Leagues Club Daniel Brunt who’s support for our Rugby League program is outstanding. A huge thank you to Damian Driscoll and the football operations team for their support and hours of commitment, all the above achievements wouldn’t be possible without all your contributions.

Lastly, I would like to mention two club legends retiring in 2024. Hayden Schwass debuted in 2015, played 170 games and won 2 premierships. Pat Politoni debuted for the club in 2016, played 161 games and won 2 premierships. It is impossible to replace this experience. Schwassy and Patty, thank you and congratulations on an outstanding playing career, enjoy life after footy and please remember you are a Bear for life and are welcome around the club/team anytime!

Thanks,

LUKE BURT

OURTEAMS.

COMMUNITYOVERVIEW.

Burleigh Leagues

Club has contributed $887,200 to sport and local community in 2023/2024

Burleigh Leagues Club has proudly contributed over $217,200 in community donations during 2023-2024 and an impressive $670,000 to our football department. We are incredibly proud of our commitment to community engagement and will continue to strengthen these connections for many years to come.