ClubsACTion Magazine January 2023 Edition

2022 WRAPS AS CLUBSACT GEARS UP FOR A BIG YEAR

The past year was a hectic one for the ACT Club Industry. A lot of rebuilding was necessary after the Pandemic lockdown years. Rebuilding business operations, re-establishing relationships with patrons and focusing on the damaged employment market in the industry have been a key focus for ClubsACT and our members. In many ways the industry has become stronger and more resilient as a result of the difficult period created by COVID and our engagement with Government and focus on the future of the industry has sharpened through these experiences.

ClubsACT is anticipating 2023 to be a big one for the industry and we are committed to renewing our strategic priorities to developing and advocating a longer term plan for the Club Industry in the ACT. A plan that will focus on growth for the industry, expansion of our community focus and relationships and the development of more effective and innovative approaches to gambling harm minimisation.

Before we tackle these challenges in the coming months its worth briefly reviewing a couple of the issues we ended the past year dealing with in anticipation of 2023..

Harm Minimisation – ClubsACT Micro Conferences a success

ClubsACT held another successful micro-Conference in November on Harm Minimisation. With two international speakers and some excellent local talent (Lou Glenn and Markus from Relationships Australia). The feedback was very positive and the themes touched on have proved useful in discussions with Government and the regulator in the period following the event. We believe some of the issues touched on will be useful for consideration at our strategic planning session. We are tweaking the model for these micro-conferences with each new event, our next event is scheduled for 23 February as a microconference on AML and Financial Management and the keynote speaker is Mike Phelan the just retired former head of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and our other key speaker will be Michiel Brodie from Addisons who has extensive history in RG compliance and risk.

CMS Reference Group

The Reference Group established by the ACT Government to investigate and review the CMS, bet and load limit proposals has been progressing matters well and the group is taking a methodical and detailed approach to progressing through the issues and the complexity of options involved in the subject. The draft legislation originally slated for August 2022 to introduce the $5 bet limit proposals has now been deferred until some point in the future yet to be determined. ClubsACT and the industry are being well represented by the 6 club representatives we have on the Group and Gaming Technologies Association is playing a key technical role.

The developments in NSW arising from the Crime Commission Report have altered the landscape significantly and may inform developments in the new year. There has been a general concession that the cost base issues we identified in our submission are more realistic and closer to the mark than the original government position.

We have been exploring in the meetings discussions on other better harm minimisation outcomes than the limits model being promoted by the Government. The complexity of the issues is broad and the Government now understands this better than they did before.

RSA – Recognition Issues

We are seeking meetings with Chris Steele the ACT Education and Skills Minister over the ongoing issue of the RSA differential with NSW and the refusal to accept the last two years of those qualifications if being used in the ACT. The simple solution would

seem to be to increase ACT RSA certifications to 5 years and better align them with the NSW practice. This is the objective we are seeking to achieve Minister Steele’s support for.

ACT Government Draft Precinct Plans

Although we have had very little feedback on this issue, I am seeking to secure a briefing from ACT Government reps on the precinct plan proposals. This will hopefully occur in Late January.

Ginninderry SPARK Program Summary

Our Second SPARK Training program completed as the year was finishing, being 4 weeks training program and 1 week work experience in venue. We have still not done the joint assessment of the program with SPARK; however, the anecdotal feedback has been quite positive. I would like to thank all our participating members who have been involved in this program and we look forward to the next program currently scheduled for March 2023.

Facial Recognition Technology Update

This issue has been going around and around now for some time. We have started a clean slate approach with the ACT Government and the Gaming and Racing Commission to try and finalise negotiations. We have asked for a definitive position from the

Minister on his support or otherwise for the trial so that we can either proceed or cancel the trial. At this stage the Trial is not viable without ACT Government support for the trail through facilitating access to the 600 or so self-exclusion data base. Hopefully we can get this either on track now early in the new year.

Summary

2022 was a very busy year, however, I think that we are well positioned on our major issues going into the new year. At the end of 2022, the organisation is in good shape and we continue to make productive alliances and increase our broader standing in the Canberra scene. We won a training award in 2022, picked up a couple of new member clubs, and managed to unify the industry in response to the CMS, load and bet limit issue.

ClubsACT is excited about the coming year and we look forward to working closely with all our members, friends and partners to make it a big one for the ACT Club Industry.

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Members first

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super fund. We’re also an industry super fund, so profits go back into the Fund to benefit members.

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1. As at 30 June 2022. Investment returns are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

2. As at 30 June 2022.

3. Thinking Ahead Institute and Pension & Investments joint study, September 2022. Sponsored by AustralianSuper. This may include general fi nancial advice which doesn’t take into account your personal objectives, fi nancial situation or needs. Before making a decision consider if the information is right for you and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, available at australiansuper. com/pds or by calling 1300 300 273. A Target Market Determination (TMD) is a document that outlines the target market a product has been designed for. Find the TMDs at australiansuper.com/TMD AustralianSuper Pty Ltd ABN 94 006 457 987, AFSL 233788, Trustee of AustralianSuper ABN 65 714 394 898.

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Manage your super

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Take control and set up your super for long term success by: • Managing your super • Consolidating your super References 1. Brand and market survey conducted by Nature on behalf of AustralianSuper 1 January 2022 – 31 March 2022. 2. Before making a decision to combine your super, consider any fees or charges that may apply, and the effect a transfer may have on benefits in your other fund such as insurance cover. We recommend you consider seeking financial advice

Sponsored by AustralianSuper

This may include general financial advice which doesn’t take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision aconsider if the information is right for you and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. A Target Market Determination (TMD) is a document that outlines the target market a product has been designed for. Find the TMDs at australiansuper.com/tmd. AustralianSuper Pty Ltd ABN 94 006 457 987, AFSL 233788, Trustee of AustralianSuper ABN 65 714 394 898.

You work hard for your money – and that includes your super too. So, you want to make sure it’s working to help deliver your best future.

Your future, your super.

December 2022

Dear ClubsACT members,

The current ClubsACT members electricity contract with ActewAGL will expire in December 2023. Ahead of this, ActewAGL are seeking to provide you with a market update as we begin talks with ClubsACT members for the group renewal.

The current contract with ActewAGL has provided ClubsACT members with a secure price path and has safeguarded members from the recent and significant wholesale electricity price rises.

The current contract was strategically locked away with ActewAGL when the market was at its lowest point in recent years. Since then, after a gradual trend upwards, we have seen considerable rises in recent months relating to wholesale electricity prices which your current contract with ActewAGL has protected you from.

Please note as we enter the next contracting cycle in the 2024 period, we will be looking at higher prices compared to the last few contracting periods however we will be working closely with ActewAGL to optimise timing to market.

The factors pushing wholesale electricity prices up are linked to coal plant generation outages, domestic gas supply shortfalls and hydro generating constraints linked to sharp increases in international commodity prices.

There are no immediate actions to be taken as it stands. We will continue to liaise closely with the ClubsACT board and provide updates while also monitoring the market on your behalf.

Finally, the ActewAGL Energy Solutions team can assist to reduce your carbon footprint and energy costs. ActewAGL can engage with you individually to identify areas to help save and improve your energy efficiency by identifying opportunities relating to:

• Solar PV and storage systems;

• EV charging infrastructure and consulting;

• Energy efficiency advice and electrification services

Please reach out directly to the ActewAGL Sales Manager – Lyle Wharren on 0436 850 666 or lyle.wharren@actewagl.com.au

Yours sincerely,

ClubsACT ActewAGL

Craig Shannon- CEO Sean Davis – Group Manager

THE BEST PLACE FOR LIVE SPORT IS RIGHT HERE

Dear ClubsACT Member,

Introduction of new SKY Commercial Model for ClubsACT members:

Tabcorp and ClubsACT are pleased to announce the introduction of the new SKY Retail Commercial Model.

Below outlines changes to the current SKY Commercial Model that further recognises the changing landscape of the retail wagering business and media landscape.

Tabcorp and ClubsACT have for many years, enjoyed a mutually beneficial partnership working together to deliver many positive outcomes for members such as the SKY rebate and discount program, introduction of the digital commission program and recently, the introduction of the new TAB App.

The introduction of the new SKY commercial model further en hances our strong working relationship and demonstrates Tabcorp’s commitment to the sustainability of the ACT club network.

We are delighted to confirm that from 1 December 2022, TAB will fully rebate the cost of SKY Racing Subscription Fees for ClubsACT Members who are exclusive TAB venues.

ClubsACT Members will receive the rebates if they deal exclusively with TAB in the wagering category

Off the back of the launch of the new TAB App, we are committed to continuing to innovate with a pipeline of new digital products coming soon.

Tabcorp values its strong relationship with ClubsACT member clubs and looks forward to continuing to build the TAB brand in ACT clubs for the benefit of members and customers.

For further information on the above, please contact your TAB Wagering Sales Executive.

Regards,

Paul Carew – COO Wagering – Tabcorp

Craig Shannon – CEO – ClubsACT

PUT THE SIZZLE INTO SUMMER WITH KENO PROMOS

Keno’s venue-driven promotions are hugely successful, and summer is a fantastic time to give your customers more reasons to play.

Summer has arrived and clubs are gearing up for one of the busiest trading periods of the year. Keno is an important part of clubs’ entertainment mix and creating the most rewarding Keno experience for customers during this time is an essential element of holiday season preparations.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your club’s Keno presence and enhance its entertainment value year-round is through Local Area Marketing (LAM) In Venue promotions.

These flexible, “build your own” promotions, increase the fun of playing, which in turn helps drive product awareness and uptake.

Keno’s 2021 survey revealed venues believe LAM is the best way to promote Keno. More than 60% of venues who have run a LAM promotion consider them to be important or very important. Their effectiveness is evidenced by the rapid pace at which their popularity is growing. Venues ordered

More than 60% of venues who ran an In Venue Promotions considered them to be an important way to promote Keno.

almost 1,000 promotions in the first quarter of this Financial Year. By comparison, a total of just over 1,380 promotions were ordered in the whole 2022 Financial Year.

Promotions ordered so far in the 2023 Financial Year will run for more than 6700 weeks, with an average of 5.2 weeks per promotion.

New summer prizes are here!

Keno’s new summer range is now available from Keno Connect.

There’s still time to order for January and February promotions. But venues are encouraged to order as early as possible to keep the summer sizzle going into the new year, after the Christmas rush.

The Camping Pack is sure to be popular, with its Oztrail six-person tent, Weber portable BBQ, 26 litre cooler, camp wagon, and two Coleman camping chairs.

Listening to feedback from our venue partners, we are launching new Holiday and Club Gift Cards, which allow the winner to choose from over 800,000 clubs in Australia and around the world, as well as flights, and experiences.

Top ongoing prizes chosen by venues are the Weber BBQ, Garden Care Kit, and DIY Handyman Kit – all with strong customer appeal and relevancy over the summer months.

To ensure customer desirability, most Keno In Venue Promotion prizes are tested in focus groups.

A great option for venues seeking to maximise customer engagement and turnover throughout the holidays are Recurring Prize Promotions – simply select one of several prize bundles that can be run over four weeks, with one prize drawn weekly.

Also ideal to create momentum are Major/Minor Prize Bundles, consisting of four minor prizes and one major prize run over five weeks, with the major prize given away in the final week.

Gift cards are perfect to run as a bundle; they give players more chances to win and enhance customer engagement during the promotion period.

Head to Keno Connect <www.kenoconnect.com.au> to order today or work with your KSE to create a bespoke promotion plan for summer.

Harnessing service efficiency with superior venue design

PAYNTER DIXON

As a market leader in the design and construction of hospitability venues, Paynter Dixon is acutely aware of the issues facing clubs today – including the current staffing crisis.

“We are speaking to clubs on a daily basis, and there is an emerging interest in the consolidation of services, with more clubs revisiting their floor layouts,” says Kirk Bolte, General Manager of Southern NSW and ACT.

The focus on food and beverage may also see venues streamline menus, reduce the trading hours of inhouse restaurants and eateries, or in some cases temporarily close them until staff levels increase.

Various industry peak bodies and commentators are also calling on federal government to reform visa requirements of migrant workers to widen the labour pool. With the crisis showing no sign of easing in the near future, clubs are exploring their options.

In this current climate, Kirk highlights the importance of design expertise and experience.

“The consolidation of service areas should be approached carefully. High quality design solutions are crucial to creating a connected environment where services flow efficiently through multiple spaces.”

With almost 30 years of industry and project management experience, Kirk recently returned to Paynter Dixon after a 16-year spell with leading

property and infrastructure firm, APP. Overseeing the delivery of projects across various sectors, he went on to oversee and grow APP’s Southern NSW and ACT business.

He is committed to building new relationships with ACT-based clubs in a complex, fast-paced environment.

“Canberra has more hatted restaurants per capita than any other Australian city, which underlines the culture – and competition – of hospitality here. There is pressure on venues to find their point of difference in the market.

“Paynter Dixon has operated in the ACT for a number of years, and I am looking forward to expanding that presence.”

Paynter Dixon is renowned for working closely with clubs to ensure the solution fits the business goal.

“Operating from our Canberra office, we access inhouse expertise in design, architecture, engineering, master planning and interior fit out. We bring that depth of knowledge and problem solving into every partnership.”

Contact Kirk Bolte: kirk.bolte@paynterdixon.com.au.

MEMBER CLUB LISTING

AINSLIE GROUP

• Ainslie Football Cub

• Gunghalin Lakes Golf Club

AUSTRIAN AUSTRALIAN CLUB

AUSTRALIAN CROATIAN CLUB

BELCONNEN BOWLING CLUB

CANBERRA CLUB

CANBERRA DEAKIN FOOTBALL CLUB

CANBERRA SOUTHERN CROSS CLUB

• Woden

• Tuggeranong

• Yacht Club

• Jamison

CANBERRA IRISH CLUB

CANBERRA SERVICES CLUB

CROATIA DEAKIN SOCCER CLUB

FEDERAL GOLF CLUB

EASTLAKE GROUP

• Eastlake Football Club

• Eastlake Calwell

• Eastlake Gungahlin

HARMONIE GERMAN CLUB

MAGPIES GOLF CLUB

MURRUMBIDGEE COUNTRY CLUB

NATIONAL PRESS CLUB OF AUSTRALIA

RAIDERS GROUP

• Belconnen

• Weston

• Gungahlin

ROYAL CANBERRA GOLF CLUB

RMC GOLF CLUB

SPANISH AUSTRALIAN CLUB OF CANBERRA

THE MAWSON CLUB

THE RUC AT TURNER BOWLS

THOROUGHBRED PARK

VIKINGS GROUP

• Erindale

• Town Centre

• Chisholm

• Lanyon

YOWANI COUNTRY CLUB

Associate Members

THE REX HOTEL

CAPITAL EXECUTIVE APARTMENTS

HOPSCOTCH BAR

Kindred Organisations

CANBERRA BUSINESS CHAMBER

WOMEN IN GAMING AND HOSPITALITY AUSTRALASIA.

Reinvest this time into value add activities like Customer Service or pocket as reduced labour costs.

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