President's Half Year Report

Iwould like to say that the past six months have been extremely rewarding and productive for the ongoing growth of our Club.

Membership

Membership in the past twelve months has increased from 773 to 825 (6.7%). In the 2019/20 year we had 693 members so it can be seen that we continue to make good progress in this area. A big thank you to Geoff Murray for maintaining our membership renewals and providing statistical information to the Governing Council for regular review. Geoff has decided to pass on the baton to Denis Croker. I thank Denis for taking on this role and I also thank Geoff for the professional way he managed this position for the past seven years.

Major project.

The synthetic green project is due for completion within the next five months. VP Operations, Wayne Gray on behalf of the GC and all members has been involved in numerous discussions with the City of Joondalup to ensure that the City provide a facility that suits the needs of our members. At this point these discussions are ongoing. The City of Joondalup have put the project out for tender. Wayne Gray will be in further discussions with the City during this process.

The estimated cost of our synthetic green is $468,000. As the City of Joondalup are managing the project, this figure includes professional fees, contingencies, and cost escalation. The Club's one third component is estimated at $170,000 which may include any price rise between now and the project completion. The GC has discussed numerous options for the funding of our contribution. With $60,000 to come from the Club's Capital Works programme, the balance to be 4

raised by offering Club debentures. Details of the issue of debentures are yet to be finalised.

This will be the Club’s contingency plan if the funding request of $180,000 from our Federal member Mr Ian Goodenough is unsuccessful. We are still awaiting the outcome of this request.

Grant Funding

I have mentioned previously about the importance of grant funding for the ongoing financial sustainability of our Club. Whilst securing grants requires a high level of effort and expertise, no grant will be successful without the support of all members. To date we have been successful in obtaining two Federal Grants assisting with the updating of the Club's internal light system. I want to thank Life Member Brian Lucas for the time and effort he has put in, in submitting these applications.

Volunteers

Our “Volunteers Appreciation Evening,” held in early December, was an enormous success. A big thank you to all our volunteers. You are valuable members who give up hours and hours of your time, enabling our Club to be the great Club that it is and always will be. Thanks to Ken Giles for coordinating our volunteers.

Sponsorship

Barry Stewart has continued in the role of coordinating our sponsorship portfolio. We are incredibly lucky to have committed sponsors, so please use our sponsors when you require anything our sponsors provide. Thank you, Barry,

Marketing and Communication

Ongoing commitment by our Marketing and Communication team ensures that members are kept well informed with all Club news. We

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all appreciate the mighty efforts of Neville and Denise Odell for their continued commitment in presenting the quarterly news magazine. Also, Wendy Flack for her commitment, dedication, and professionalism in preparing and maintaining our website, weekly enewsletter and Facebook page.

Covid 19

The objective of the Club’s processes is to ensure compliance with the ever-changing government Covid-19 restrictions. Covid requirements are set by the Western Australian government not the Sorrento Bowling Club. Ongoing processes being implemented are designed to ensure our Club is compliant. On behalf of the Governing Council, I would like to thank all members, guests, and friends in complying with the Governments changing Covid restrictions. Your support makes it easier for the Governing Council in implementing ongoing changes as advised by the Government.

Bar and Greens

I would like to acknowledge the professionalism shown by our Bar Manager Ian Lucas and his staff; Chloe, Rikki and Anthea. Over the past 6 months we have had an extremely high number of people and groups hiring our facilities for private functions. There has been nothing, but praise, be it verbal or written to Ian and his team. Our lawn greens still rate highly by our members and visitors. I compliment Alan McFayden and his team for maintaining our greens to such a high standard.

Thank you

I would like to thank my Governing Council colleagues for their support and commitment over the past 6 months. We have managed to lead this Club to the best of our abilities, and I can assure everyone, that the ongoing success of our Club is our top priority.