Welcome to my latest Quarterly General Manager Update.
Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that this update is later than usual. The delay was intentional, as we wanted to ensure we could provide members with meaningful updates on several important initiatives that have recently been completed or progressed.
It has been a busy and productive start to the year, with the Board and Management team dedicating significant time to planning for the future of our Club. I am pleased to share a number of exciting updates with you.
Strategic Plan Launch
Over recent months, the Board and Management team have dedicated significant time to considering the future direction of the Club. I am pleased to announce that this work has culminated in the completion of our Strategic Plan, which will be available to view on the Club’s website shortly.
The Strategic Plan establishes a clear direction for our Club and reflects our commitment to remaining relevant, sustainable and community-focused into the future.
Our new Purpose Statement is:
“To be a vibrant Bowling and Recreation Club that connects people, builds community, and evolves to meet the needs of a modern, thriving membership.”
The Plan is also underpinned by four core values that will guide how we operate and make decisions:
- Inclusive
- Transparent
- Ambitious
- Excellence
To support the delivery of our Purpose, the Strategic Plan is built around four key pillars:
- People – Investing in our people, culture and leadership.
- Community – Strengthening connections and creating positive community impact.
- Growth – Enhancing our facilities, services and member experiences.
- Financial – Ensuring long-term sustainability and responsible stewardship of Club resources.
Together, these pillars provide a clear framework for the Board and Management to make decisions and prioritise initiatives that will benefit members both now and into the future.
While the Strategic Plan provides the framework for our future direction, work is already underway on one of its key priorities.
The Board is currently reviewing capability statements and shortlisting specialist firms to assist the Club in developing a long-term Master Plan. This process will help identify how the Club can evolve over the next 10 years, ensuring our facilities, services and member experiences continue to meet the needs of current and future generations.
As this process progresses, members will have opportunities to provide input and help shape the future vision for our Club.
I encourage all members to take the time to review the Strategic Plan and gain an understanding of the priorities and opportunities that will guide decision-making over the coming years.
Financial Update
I am pleased to report that the Club has recorded a profit of $624,366 for the first nine months of the financial year.
This positive result has allowed the Club to continue strengthening its financial position, with a further $149,000 reduction in debt achieved during the quarter.
While we remain focused on prudent financial management, these results provide confidence that the Club is well positioned to continue investing in facilities, services and future opportunities for the benefit of members.
Membership Renewals
Membership renewals are now in full swing, and I would like to thank all members who have already renewed their membership for the coming year.
As part of this year’s renewal campaign, members who choose to join or renew for five years prior to 30 June will automatically go into the draw to win one of five prizes of $100 in club points. The five-year membership option continues to provide excellent value while also helping the Club plan confidently for the future.
If you have not yet renewed your membership, I encourage you to do so before the end of June and take advantage of this special promotion.
Don’t forget that all Member Reward Points expire on 30 June and will be cleared as part of the annual membership renewal process. If you have points available on your membership card, be sure to redeem them before the end of the month.
Annual Member Survey
Member feedback continues to play an important role in shaping the decisions we make and the improvements we prioritise.
In the coming weeks, we will be distributing our annual Member Survey via email. I encourage all members to take a few minutes to complete the survey and share their thoughts on the Club, our facilities, services and future opportunities.
Your feedback will assist the Board and Management in identifying priorities and ensuring we continue to deliver a Club that reflects the needs and expectations of our members.
Please keep an eye on your inbox for the survey and thank you in advance for your participation.
Successful Locker Room Grant
The Club has recently been successful in securing grant funding to improve our Locker Room facilities.
This project will enhance the amenity and functionality of these facilities and forms part of our ongoing commitment to improving the member experience throughout the Club.
We would like to sincerely acknowledge and thank the NSW Government and the NSW Office of Sport for their support of this project.
We also extend our appreciation to Minister for Sport, The Hon. Steve Kamper MP, and our local Member for Heathcote, Ms. Maryanne Stuart MP, for their support of community sporting infrastructure and participation initiatives.
Further details regarding the project and construction timelines will be communicated to members as planning progresses.
Bowls Update
Congratulations to all members who represented the Club in Pennants this year. While it was not our most successful season overall, our Grade 3 side produced an outstanding campaign, progressing through to the Region Pennant Finals before narrowly going down to Wests Leagues. Congratulations to all players, selectors and supporters involved.
We are also incredibly proud of the number of members who have recently earned selection in Bowls NSW representative teams. Congratulations to:
- Anne Johns – Women’s Open
- Lachlan Thompson – Men’s Under 25’s
- Josh Carney – Men’s Under 25’s
- Jordan Thompson – Men’s Under 25’s
- Carolyn Nelson – Para Women’s
- Gail Schultz – Para Women’s
- Sue Moore – Women’s Senior
These selections are a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the strength of bowls at our Club.
Looking ahead, the NSW State Championships are fast approaching. We wish the following members every success in their respective events:
Fiona Keough, Anne Johns, Greg Helm, Carolyn Nelson, Wes Falconer, Gail Schultz, Lachlan Thompson, Sam Powell, David Kahlefeldt, Sue Moore, Gail Hawkins, Chris Keep, Bronwyn McPherson
We look forward to following their progress and cheering them on throughout the championships.
Privacy Policy Update
The Club’s Privacy Policy has recently been reviewed and updated.
Members can access the updated Privacy Policy via the Club’s website, or alternatively obtain a hard copy from Reception upon request.
The policy outlines how the Club collects, stores, uses and protects personal information and reflects our commitment to maintaining appropriate privacy standards and governance practices.
Thank You
As always, I would like to thank our members, guests, staff, volunteers and directors for their ongoing support of the Club.
The Club continues to be in a strong position, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead as we deliver on our Strategic Plan, commence our Master Planning journey, and continue investing in the future of Engadine Bowling & Recreation Club.
Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to providing further updates throughout the year.
Kind regards,
Chris Roberts
General Manager
Get to know some of the members of the Engadine Bowling Club team
