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Most would possibly know by now the changes the Board has implemented
in relation to senior management, but if not, I would like to formally announce
Claire Woodley as our new General Manager and Scott Caundle as Operations
Manager. I feel confident that this team will bring new vitality and direction
to our Club, at a time when fresh ideas and vision are paramount. Just reading
Claire's inaugural GM's Report in this publication conveys that sense of enthusiasm
and confidence that I am sure she will bring to her new position. To retiring
General Manager, Col Smith, thank you for your efforts and service over the
past 4 ˝ years and we wish you well in your (semi) retirement.
The challenges our Club and the industry as a whole will face
in coming months are many and varied. The combined impact of legislative
changes (indoor smoking bans, gaming tax and liquor excise increases) and
economic pressures (through the petrol pump, mortgage interest rates, rising food
and general living costs) have conspired to place continuing pressure on our trading
results and there is little expectation of a ‘quick fix' while the above
factors remain. These are certainly times when it is important to continue to do
the little things right and I can assure you that your Board, management and
staff are working together to achieve ongoing improvement in the delivery of
services and amenities.
You should have seen some advertising for our Christmas in
July on the 27th and this looks certain to be a terrific afternoon
of feasting and entertainment. The more the merrier, so make sure you get your
tickets organised and make this day a great success. Also, the Bistro is now
open on Tuesday evenings with a limited $5 menu, including some good
traditional hearty winter fare. Be sure to give it a go !
Over the past few years Birrong has really evolved as a ‘go
to' bowls venue and our reputation for providing great hospitality, the best
greens in the district and well organised events has grown substantially. The
hosting of last years Premier League Finals series, this years National Premier
League playoffs, the upcoming inter-zone series and next years World Games,
together with numerous zone and State events, has stamped Birrong as a place
where big events get done professionally and with a minimum of fuss. These
things don't just happen and it has been through the efforts of Scott Caundle,
Allan Cain and his hard working Match Committee and all the volunteer workers,
who make it happen and everyone should be congratulated for their ongoing
efforts. In particular, I would like to thank Allan Cain for his untiring
efforts in overseeing the running of all aspects of Bowls at Birrong, things
have never ran more smoothly. Another important part of our bowls success is
the input of our mixed bowlers who arrange regular visitations from other Clubs
as well as playing their twice a month games and in this regard special
acknowledgement should be paid to Don Westrup, Lex Peters and their committee for
their efforts.
Best of luck to our lady No. 4 Pennant players who travel to
Tamworth on July 20th to
strive for a State Championship. A State flag would go nicely with the District
one.
In closing, I would again like to thank all of our sponsors,
large and small, for their continued support of the Club and I urge all members
to support those various businesses whenever the need arises. Different
sponsorship packages are available to interested businesses and enquiries
should be directed to the office.
Until next time, stay well.
Steve McLaren
President
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