Special Thanks to a Club Legend

The major cost increase has been the retaining wall. The cost is beyond the Club’s finances and we have been in discussion with the City of Joondalup to try and resolve this impasse, including requesting them to provide additional funding and/or possible scope changes that would reduce the cost. The City of Joondalup is currently looking at the cost saving option of reducing the Green’s East / West length from 40m to 38m, thereby removing a substantial amount of retaining wall required along the eastern boundary.

On a more positive note we have received a Grant from Ian Goodenough to • Replace and widen the existing entry gate • Provide new illuminated signage over the gate • Relay the brick paving. We are currently reconfirming pricing from the Contractors and hope to start the project in the near future.

I would like to thank the other members of the Governing Council, committee members and especially our volunteers, without their support and commitment the Club would not survive and prosper. In conclusion, I would like to thank all members for their support. – Wayne Gray – Acting President

Special Thanks to a Club Legend

Sorrento won’t seem the same following the recent resignation of John Abercrombie (Abba) from the position of Club President. John was serving a record sixth consecutive year in this role.

Sadly, John felt that in the current environment and Club culture, and for family reasons, he was not able to continue in an official capacity. Abba has made a significant contribution to the success of Sorrento

since joining in 1998, which includes four years as Men’s Bowls Captain (2002/3 and 2012/13 to 2014/15) and six years Club President (2003/4, 2004/5 and 2016/17 to 2021/22).

Many members may not fully appreciate the complexities of leading a large club like Sorrento. The past three years dealing with Covid is an example, trying to accommodate the ever changing requirements of government regulation while at the same time trying to accommodate the needs and desires of a diverse group of 800 members. The following list may give members a better appreciation of what a President is expected to deal with:

Regulation and compliance

• Incorporations Act, Club Constitution and By Laws • Occupational Safety and Health laws and regulations • Equal Opportunity Acts and regulations • Leases and contracts • Liquor Licensing requirements • Racing and Wagering Requirements • Industrial Laws and regulations and human resources laws • Financial regulation, taxation and audit compliance • Association Rules (Bowls Australia, Bowls WA plus sporting associations)

Operations

• Planning for the future, meeting local, State and Federal government objectives • Meeting the diverse needs of 800 members • Running bowls, croquet and dart competitions throughout the year (scheduling games and venues, selecting people, managing teams, umpiring and officiating, member's safety etc.) • Maintaining and improving a clubhouse, five greens, the croquet

courts and our beautiful surrounds • Operating a fully licensed bar with two cool rooms and appliances, large stock inventory • Providing meals and entertainment • Managing a $950,000 a year business that is largely cash-based, employs staff, manages over 100 volunteers, pays taxes, and is accountable to members and stakeholders

Systems

• Point of sale • Membership Management • Scheduling and Resulting • Marketing and Communications • Volunteer Management • Room Bookings • Finance • Office Products • CCTV and Security

In dealing with these types of issues and demands, Abba has always performed his duties at the highest level, always putting the welfare of our Club first. In the last six years, whilst he has been President, Sorrento has achieved: • “Bowls WA Club of the Year” on three occasions • “Clubs WA Club of the Year” on four occasions • Included in “Clubs WA Hall of Fame” in 2019 • Named as the “Second Best Bowling Club in Australia” in 2020.

Well done, Abba. Your contribution is very much appreciated, and we still get to see your smiling face around the Club enjoying the new found freedoms of an ordinary Sorrento member.

– Brian Lucas