Report to Members
Hello everyone,
We have not been in contact for some time and our magazine, “The Advance” is coming out a little later than usual. Therefore, in the meantime, I would like to give everyone a brief update.
Commendation
Local police who have inspected the Penshurst RSL Club for safety compliance have stated that we are one of the best and safest in the St George District.
We have spaced our gaming machines 1.5 metres apart for the health and safety of our patrons.
Speaking of commendations, we are proud to announce that Robert (Bob) Leedow, a club member, was awarded an OAM on Australia day for services to the RSL and the community. Well done Bob!
When the Coronavirus Hit!
At 12 midday on the 23 March 2020, the NSW Government ordered the Club to close because of the Covid-19 Pandemic. This happened on Monday, the final day of voting for the board. The club would not reopen its doors for 10 weeks during the winter.
During this time, much was happening behind the scenes. Club management worked hard to save the club for the benefit of all members. Our assets had to be protected, our staff gainfully employed, the caterers and the pharmacy next door were given rental relief.
Most importantly, the Board approved a major renovation of the main trading floor which was completed during the shutdown. The priority was to provide safe distancing to all our patrons and the club reopened on Thursday 4th June.
Club Elections
The fourth and final day of club elections was 20 July 2020. All the board members were re-elected and this was announced at the AGM on 26 July 2020. This years AGM will be 10 am Sunday 30 May 2021 with the tabling of reports only (no election of board members).
Changes and Initiatives
- Board approved major club renovation
- New snack menu available outside bistro hours
- Tap beer service from dispense bar
- Meeting with Council to extend parking area
- Cheque presentation to Mortdale Fire Station from funds donated by club and members to the bushfire appeal
- New aircon in the main lounge area
- Over $50 000 donated to Penshurst RSL sub clubs
- Car park and club rear entrance gets a facelift
- New storage area built at the back entrance
- Trading hours extended 4am Sun to Thu and 6am Fri to Sat
- Christmas raffles went online for the first time
- Board is planning further club renovations
Thanks and Best Wishes
On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Chris our CEO, management team and all staff members who worked so hard to save our club and who keep us safe every day. Thank you.
We suffered a severe trading setback, like everyone else, but by a tremendous team effort, the club is now in a very sound financial position and yielded a healthy end of year result. The financial report will be available to members in late February after the audit of the club is completed.
Thanks also to our elder statesman, Albert Annesley, who recently retired as a director after several years of service to the board.
Finally, to all our members and patrons, thank you for your loyalty and friendship, and better times ahead!
To borrow a saying: the Board, the management, the staff and all our members and patrons———-“we are all in this together”
John Hoban
President