Commodore’s Report

From the Commodore

Ken Wood

Hello Members,

This issue of the Tide kicks off 2023 and our 50th year as a Club. This is a big milestone for us, and we plan to celebrate it in style. Our Sections and staff are putting events in place, so browse the website, check your emails and watch this space for the announcements.

Marina Development

The latest update from DevelopmentWA forecasts the completion of the breakwater, dredging, land reclamation and inner harbour seawall to be complete in mid-2023. The relocation of ORSSC and Marine Rescue Whitfords remains two years away, with tendering for our new facility expected in 2023. The civil construction work that surrounds the Club has exposed us to a lot of sand and dust, and the project has responded to our request to enact dust-suppression measures. It’s been a challenge to stay on top of the dust and we continue to communicate our issues with the construction to DevelopmentWA.

To recap:

• The ORSSC will continue to occupy the current building until completion of the new facility.

• The City of Joondalup will own the new facility, and the ORSSC will be the tenant.

• Marine Rescue Whitfords will occupy a facility adjacent to the ORSSC building.

• The Club has provided input, including provisions for the RSL, in the design of the new facility. I am impressed and grateful for the effort and participation by the 2022/23 Committee. They have taken on the challenges as they arise, including:

• Managing capacity – Our facility is limited by size and staff as to how much quality hospitality we can provide. The demand for memberships has put pressure on our Club, and the Committee regularly monitors members’ bar and dining experience to see if there is a need to control membership capacity. So far we have held off implementing membership caps, but we’ll keep an eye on it.

• Club access – related to controlling capacity,

Vice-Commodore Graham Hindley has led the

Committee in implementing regular membership checks to ensure non-members are properly accompanied by members when visiting the

Club. The response from members has been very positive, and checks will continue as needed.

• New Club Facility – Vice-Commodore Paul Phipps has taken on organising working groups providing input into the design the new Club facilities. Their work is ongoing, and preliminary layouts for the future facilities will be provided to members when completed by DevelopmentWA.

• Club Manager – the departure of the Club Manager in November required the Committee to address the short-term and long-term need to fill the position. A Sub-committee was formed to address that need, and the result of their work will be announced to the members when completed.

In addition to managing the Club business, your Committee members organise their Sections, sell-out the raffles, and do the draws. They are almost always present and are an integral part of providing members a link to the running of their Club.

Staff

We are fortunate to have a core of dedicated staff that provide the service and hospitality expected by members. It’s never going to be perfect, but it’s pretty good. As we move into the summer months, the pressure on staff to deliver will increase. In the past I have asked for, and they have received members’ patience and understanding.

I’m looking forward to our 50th year, and anticipate sharing a weekly sherbet or two. Stay safe everyone.

Best regards,