publication no pp227838/003 time to decide€¦ · facts and not hysteria. all club managers are...

IN AUSTRALIAPublication No PP227838/003 Nov

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Time to DecideIs Australia ready to change direction?

➣ Making sense of ‘pokie paranoia’➣ Meet Victoria's next Gaming Minister

➣ More ‘Green & Smart’ Solutions

➣ Making sense of ‘pokie paranoia’➣ Meet Victoria's next Gaming Minister

➣ More ‘Green & Smart’ Solutions

1www.cmaa.asn.au Club ManagementNovember 2007

CMAA FEDERAL EXECUTIVEPresidentWILLIAM CLEGG, ACCMRandwick Labor Club

Federal SecretaryALLAN PETER, ACCMForster Tuncurry Golf Club

Vice PresidentDANIEL MUNK, ACCMPenrith Rugby League Club

Executive MemberDAVID O’NEIL, ACCMCastle Hill RSL Club

Executive MemberTIM McALEER, ACCMTradies

CMA NSW STATE EXECUTIVE MEMBERDEBORAH FEENING, ACCMClub Marconi

ADMINISTRATIONTERRY CONDON, CCMExecutive Officer

FEDERAL COUNCILLORSDivision A – City/Eastern SuburbsZone and Manly/Northern SuburbsZoneMario Machado, ACCMAssistant Chief Executive OfficerHornsby RSL Club

Division B - St George/CronullaSutherland Zone and Inner WestZoneIan Todd, ACCMGeneral ManagerKingsgrove RSL Club

Division C – Nepean ZoneMichael WiezelSecretary ManagerSt Marys RSL Club

Division D – Hunter Zone, CentralCoast Zone and Great Lakes ZoneStephen Byfield, ACCMChief Executive OfficerDiggers @ The Entrance

Division E – Far North Coast Zone,North West State Zone, Mid StateZone and Mid North Coast ZoneGordon Rhodes, ACCMChief Executive OfficerSouth Tweed Sports Club

Division F – Illawarra ShoalhavenZone and Far South Coast ZoneDavid Hiscox, ACCMOperations ManagerDapto Leagues Club

Division G – Gold Coast Zone,Brisbane Zone, Ipswich DarlingDowns Zone, Sunshine Coast Zone,and the Central and NorthernQueensland ZoneStephen CondrenGeneral ManagerSouthport Workers Club

Division H – Victoria Zone, RiverinaMurray Zone and the ACT ZoneGrant Duffy, ACCMSecretary ManagerNumurkah Golf & Bowls Club

Executive OfficerTerry Condon, CCM

Administration OfficerGerry Sarlemyn

Senior Industrial RelationsAdvocatePeter Cooper

Education ManagerRalph Kober, B.Ed.

Career DevelopmentAdministratorNarell Harrison

Training Course AdministratorsBrad Jones, CCMEstelle McDonald

Communication Services ManagerPeter Sharp

Accounts OfficerPriscilla San Luis

ReceptionistCarol Quirke

Training & Venue CoordinatorMaria Hudson

Administration AssistantEvonne Bosnich

Life MembersHarry Walker (decd.)Norm Robinson (decd.)Arthur Justice (decd.)Len Ewart (decd.)Lou O’Neill (decd.)Peter Cameron (decd.)Bob Harbutt (decd.)Keith Nolan (decd.)Fred Chubb, CCM (decd.)Alan McDougall, MBE (decd.)John Milne (decd.)Les EvennettGeorge Elliot, CCMPeter Strachan, ACCMHans Sarlemyn, ACCMJim Henry, OAM, CCMTerry Condon, CCMLew CooperBarry StevensonGreg Pickering, ACCMJohn Allan, ACCMAllan Peter, ACCMWayne Forrest, ACCM

CLUB MANAGERS’ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIAOFFICE BEARERS

Bill Clegg ACCMFederal President

Allan Peter ACCMFederal Secretary

Danny Munk ACCMVice President

David O’Neil ACCMFederal Executive Member

Tim McAleer ACCMFederal Executive Member

Deborah Feening ACCMNSW State Executive Member

Publisher CMAAEditor: Peter SharpPhone: (02) 9643 2300Mobile: 0410 140 036Email: [email protected]:Henri Lach, Katie Cincotta.Advertising Manager:Judy RaynerAdvertising Bookings:(02) 9332 2363 & 9360 6177Fax (02) 9361 5142Printing and Design:Daily Press Pty LtdPhone: (02) 9558 8419Correspondence:The Editor, c/- Club Managers’ Association Australia67-73 St. Hilliers RoadAuburn NSW 2144P.O Box 845 Auburn NSW 1835Phone (02) 9643 2300Fax (02) 9643 2400

Please address all businesscorrespondence to the FederalSecretary

The Club Managers’ AssociationAustralia is registered as an industrialorganisation of employees in the terms ofthe Federal Workplace Relations Act,1996, and The Club Managers’Association is a registered Trade Union inthe terms of the New South WalesIndustrial Relations Act 1996. The CMAAis affiliated with the Australian Council ofTrade Unions (ACTU) and the CMA isaffiliated to the NSW State Branch of theACTU, The Labor Council of NSW.

Registered Office67-73 St. Hilliers RoadAuburn NSW 2144Phone (02) 9643 2300Fax (02) 9643 2400P.O.Box 845 Auburn NSW, 1835Email - [email protected]

Office HoursMonday to Friday 9am to 5pmSeven-day telephone answering servicein operation.

“Club Management in Australia” is published monthlyby the Club Managers’ Association Australia. Allmaterial is copyright and cannot be reproduced withoutthe explicit permission of the Publisher or Editor.Editorial contributions relating to the club industry arewelcome. Submitted copy should be typed and doublespaced. We don’t accept any responsibility for keepingand returning unsolicited material. Photographssubmitted must be captioned. Those sent without priorarrangement cannot be returned unless accompaniedby a stamped, self addressed envelope. Viewsexpressed in this magazine are not necessarily those ofthe Club Managers’ Association Australia. Although wedo exercise the utmost caution, we don’t acceptresponsibility for claims expressed in advertisementsappearing in our issues.

Subscription rate is $55 a year.ISSN 0045-7205

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Inside your November edition


PAGES 20-23PAGES 12-13PAGE 10

The newly elected Chairman of ClubsAustralia, PETER NEWELL, says hewill address all federal political leaders,in the lead-up to the Federal Election,about the ongoing gambling debate.The ClubsNSW Chairman says hewants to make political leaders awareof the facts and dispel the mythssurrounding problem gambling. Peteracknowledges that problem gamblingis a major issue for Clubs Australia,but facts and figures being presentedon the issue are incorrect ...

Victoria’s political line-up has playedout like a game of Twister in recentmonths. Steve Bracks served threeterms as Victoria’s Premier, called it aday just eight months into his latestterm and handed the reins over toTreasurer John Brumby. The latestsudden Cabinet overhaul saw newGaming Minister Daniel Andrewspromoted to the Health portfolio andTONY ROBINSON stepped up toGaming. That made him the thirdGaming Minister in Victoria in lessthan a year, starting with JohnPandazopoulos ...

It’s not just big clubs that have beenmaking water savings. ShellharbourWorkers Club is working steadily toreduce its footprint on the earth byreducing water, electricity and waste.CMA Magazine continues to presentthe work being done by clubs inaddressing environmentalresponsibilities in the “Green & Smart”series. WENDY HIRD, a ProjectOfficer in Sydney Water’s “Every DropCounts” Business Program, profilesthe measures and outcomes from theShellharbour Workers Club projectand the “avoid, reduce, reuse,recycle” philosophy ...

By PETER SHARPCMA Magazine Editor

And so, we go to the polls. Later thismonth, Australia will decide whetherthe “use by” date has expired forPrime Minister John Howard and hisCoalition team.

But it's also a case of whether theelectorate is prepared to endorse aLabor Party portrayed as "unionheavy", lacking political experienceand economic credibility.

A Newspoll published in TheAustralian newspaper on October 23– one day more than a calendarmonth before federal election andtaken before the controversialLeaders’ Debate on October 21 –showed the Government losingsupport, despite its $34 billionpackage of tax cuts.Labor stepped up to a 16-point leadover the Coalition, more than enoughfor a landslide win - if the electionwere a month earlier. Labor's two-party vote rose twopoints to 58%, while the Coalition felltwo points to 42%. Opposition Leader Kevin Ruddincreased his lead over Mr Howard

as preferred prime minister by twopoints – 50% to 37% - with the PM’ssupport down two points. The Coalition had been steadilynarrowing the substantial deficitbetween the parties, so that poll willhave taken a lot of wind out of the

Government’s sails at a critical time inthe run-up to the election.

But, that was 32 days out frompolling day and even 24 hours is along time in politics.

Mr Howard had a good start to thecampaign on the back of his tax-cutpackage before Mr Rudd regainedhis equilibrium and the momentumwith a polished performance in theleaders' debate.

It was no surprise that, on the daythe Newspoll results were published,Mr Howard refused calls for anotherdebate.

However, Mr Howard’s anointedsuccessor – whether in power, oropposition – Federal Treasurer PeterCostello and his Labor counterpartWayne Swan agreed to debate theeconomy in Canberra on October 30.

It’s Labor's primary vote that is highin 2007, not just its two-partypreferred vote.

But, most significantly, there hasbeen no volatility in the polls.

In eight months, one Galaxy poll sawthe swing at 5%, several have shownthe swing at 6%, but most haveshown a swing of 7% or more.

Australia prepares to make next big decision

Sometimes it takes the right man withthe right words to convey a responsethat properly explains the facts andreality of an emotive and controversialissue.I want to start by congratulatingClubsNSW Chairman Peter Newell onhis latest honour, being elected to theposition of Chairman of Clubs Australia. Peter has done a wonderful job in histerm as Chairman of ClubsNSW andhis work continues to bring credibilityand respect to the Club Industry.Peter’s election to the Clubs Australiarole will significantly impact on clubmanagers across the nation over thenext two months. In fact, far more thanany might understand.Anyone who has heard Peter speakrecently – particularly at the recentClubsNSW Annual Conference at theGold Coast - will know that he isattacking and addressing - withpassion - the misconceptions, if notlies, being propagated against theregistered clubs movement in Australia.I encourage everyone associated withthe Club Industry to read the summaryof Peter’s address to the ClubsNSWAnnual Conference on P10 of thisedition. This situation – particularlyconcerning poker machines and theissue of problem gambling – startedrolling and built up a momentum of itsown in September and October in thebuild-up to Prime Minister JohnHoward announcing November 24 asthe Federal Election date.Both sides of politics put pokermachines on the federal electionagenda as they scrambled forheadlines and moral high ground.

The announcement by Nick Xenophon,the anti-poker machine campaignerfrom South Australia, to run for theFederal Senate has ramifications foreveryone involved in the Club Industry.If elected, you can be assured thatthrough Mr Xenophon’s agenda, pokermachines will - for at the least the nextsix years – be a politicised andsensationalised issue.The Club Industry has, in the past,proven that it is not afraid to enter intodebate on any issue affecting theindustry - including poker machines -so long as that debate is based onfacts and not hysteria. All clubmanagers are urged to approach theirlocal Federal candidates in the lead-upto the election – and beyond - andpresent the facts on our industry.➣ ClubsNSW did not in its IPART

submission request the Governmentto lift restrictions on poker machinetechnology.

➣ Australia does not have 20% of theword’s poker machines.

➣ The number of poker machines inAustralia is not increasing.

➣ The percentage of problem gamblerstoday in Australia is not 2.1%.

➣ 50 cents in the dollar does not comefrom problem gamblers.

➣ State Governments are not addictedto gambling revenue.

➣ Government revenue derived fromgambling has fallen in recent yearsfrom between on average 14 to 15%to a current 10 to 11%.

➣ In NSW, gambling provides just3.7% of the total Governmentbudget.

Still on emotive, headline-grabbingissues … as we have witnessedrecently, it’s not hard to get a headline,particularly when poker machines areinvolved. Some would be aware of theSurry Hills pub that proudly boasts “weare the pub with no pokies”.Peter Holmes a Court, part-owner ofthe National Rugby League SouthSydney Rabbitohs club, appears tohave made a decision on behalf of allmembers and the Board that pokermachines will not suit the new SouthSydney Leagues Club. While Mr Holmes a Court, who sharespart-ownership with high-profile actorRussell Crowe, is quick to point outthat he is not making any statement onpoker machines or other clubs thatoperate machines, the poker machinesdon’t suit what they are trying toachieve for their community.Again, figures were used and quotedthat would be impossible tosubstantiate on the income from socialsecurity recipients. Apparently, a “quickfix” to make up the revenue is easy …increase the membership base and getrid of the sign-in desk. I’m sure no-one doubts that the pushto run a gaming-free club is offered withthe best of intentions, however itperpetuates and (through the populistmedia) sensationalises the mythssurrounding poker machines. If any area requires a financiallysuccessful, community-focused socialclub that can be used by locals as ameeting place, areas of South Sydneycertainly does. The real social problemsneed to be addressed. However,problem gambling is not on top of thatpriority list – in fact, far from it. I suggestit would be best to start with lonelinessand boredom of the aged and infirm. Ifthis social reform is to be done, thenlet’s start at the right end of theproblem.

6 Club Management

President's Perspective with BILL CLEGG, ACCM - CMAA Federal President

www.cmaa.asn.au November 2007

Right words bring sense andreason to an emotive issue

Having been overseas on long serviceleave during September, I read withinterest the daily gaming newsheadlines - supplied by Allan Thomasfrom Aristocrat Leisure Industries.I struggled to comprehend the amountand level of headlines generated by theannouncement by “media junkie” PeterHolmes a Court and his poker machinestance.A part-owner of the South SydneyRabbitohs NRL club with Australian-based actor Russell Crowe, Mr Holmesa Court announced to the world that hehad taken a decision that when SouthSydney Leagues Club is reopened, hewould not be reinstalling the 60 gamingmachines entitlements the club ownedbecause it did not fit the image he wastrying to create for the area.The amount of media hype this createdwith the usual “anti-everything” brigadetrotting out their usual misinformationabout our industry (which has beenaddressed in other sections of thismagazine) was amazing. It even prompted a radio news poll atCairns in Far North Queensland.It appears the club Board was not quiteas enthusiastic about the concept asMr Holmes a Court. Chairman Bill Alexiou-Huckerimmediately announced there had beenno Board decision by the Board toremove poker machines from the club. “This does not mean that we will nottake on board, and are sympathetic to,the philosophies expressed by PeterHolmes a Court and Russel Crowe,” Billsaid. “We want to ensure that allstakeholders, both in business and thecommunity, are cared for.

“The views Peter has expressed are hisand Russell Crowe's and not the viewsof the Board. I have asked Peter toprovide a business proposal and planthat I can take to the Board forevaluation.”

I’m sure every reader of this magazineand other industry publications is awarethat the downside of gaming machinesis that a very small percentage ofproblem gamblers use them to feedtheir habit and the Club Industry - inpartnership with governments - hasworked hard over the years to reducethis number.

Through these programs, there hasbeen some discernable level of successin addressing the issue – and the ClubIndustry will continue to promote andsupport programs to combat problemgambling.

In continuing this effort, the industry isaware that it is a human problem andcannot be eradicated completely.

But the misinformation created by thisannouncement does very little to helpthe cause.

Perhaps South Sydney Leagues Clubwill use the proceeds of the sale of the60 entitlements to address a biggerproblem in society and that community- drug and alcohol abuse?Daily we read how our Police Force has

made drug busts with a “street value”of millions of dollars.Who in our society are using theseillegal drugs and are they not a biggerthreat to our society than legal gamingmachines? Or is this scourge of our society, inparticular our youth, too hard for the“anti-everything” brigade to tackle?Let’s put things in perspective.Drugs are doing more damage to oursociety than gaming machines and thesooner we face up to that problem anddo something about it, the better oursociety will be.

Congratulations to the RSL &Service Clubs Association on theirsuccessful conference conducted atCanberra in late October. It was refreshing to hear the address bythe Honourable Graham West, theNSW Minister for Gaming and Racing,Minister for Sport and Recreation andthe Member for Campbelltown insouth-west Sydney.Mr West surprised delegates after hisaddress by calling for questions –indeed, a first in my time in the ClubIndustry. Well done, Minister.This industry has a lot to offer thecommunities of NSW and to have aMinister who is “out there” and nothiding behind his office door or his“minders” will only improve ourrelationship.

Thanks to quick action by the CMAAand several NSW club managers, anoutdoor smoking ban on council-leasedlands has been averted - see p11.The CMAA alerted club managers thatManly Council was proposing a motionat the Local Government and ShiresAssociation conference starting onOctober 23 that would effectively bansmoking on any land leased from localcouncils. This ban would affect, among otherthings, council-leased bowling greens,golf courses, sporting fields and airspace.Many land-locked clubs have leasedairspace from local councils and spenta lot of their funds to provide smokingareas for their patrons.That leased airspace would have beenlost if the motion had been carried. Councils would serve their communitiesbetter if they embarked on a campaignto educate smokers on the disposal ofcigarette butts, installing bins or finingthose that litter our streets, parks orbeaches.

8 Club Management

From the Executive Officer’s Desk with TERRY CONDON, CCM


Holmes a Court splash makeswaves half a world away

The last couple of weeks have broughtabout an absolute media frenzy on theissues of problem gambling andgaming machines generally, as well asthose who tried to jump onto the Kenointo pubs bandwagon. I mentioned in my Conference openingremarks on Thursday morning that wenow confront opportunistic and oftentotally ignorant attacks on our provisionof gaming facilities for our membersand guests and that it was an issue wewould not be backing away from.Truth has been the first casualty inmuch of this.

Lies and ignorance abound.

Some knockers have told the mediathat “gambling is spiraling out ofcontrol” even though every state andterritory in Australia, with the soleexception of Tasmania, has reportedsubstantial reductions in the incidenceof problem gambling.

Eight-year-old statistics have beentrotted out, and the latest far morepositive statistics are ignored.

State Governments are accused ofbeing “addicted to gambling”.

Now, I’m no apologist for the NSW

Government – you all know we had along and bitter dispute with thembefore achieving some degree oftaxation fairness – but fair’s fair.

The last NSW Budget containsrevenues of some $44.5 billion – andgambling taxes account for around$1.6 billion of that.

Do the maths yourself – it’s around3.6%.

Ten years ago, it stood at 4.9%.

If that’s an “addiction”, then I don’tunderstand the meaning of the word.

People like the good Rev Tim Costelloare prepared to take every possiblemedia opportunity to knock us.

Among other things, he criticised theClubsNSW submission to the IPARTinquiry as it related to gaming – andthen had to admit he hadn’t even readit.

At the same time, he plastered acrossthe media problem gambling statsgoing back to 1999 – then admitted hewas not aware of the latest problemgambling stats produced by thebiggest survey of its kind everundertaken in NSW and featured in themedia.

This, of course, is the same gentlemanwho, as the well-paid CEO of WorldVision, initially refused to accept whatamounted to some $3.4 million sogenerously given by our Club Industryto assist the victims and relief workafter that devastating southern Asiantsunami that left 240,000 dead –because the money may have comefrom the evils of gambling and the saleof alcohol.

His opportunistic brother who wouldbe Australia’s PM was no better on thisissue and nor I’ve got to say was theFederal Opposition leader. Gee, theremust be an election in the wind.

Our 52,000 employees, 53,000volunteers who contribute more thanfive million volunteer hours a year tohelping clubs assist their communitiesand our 2.7 million club membersacross NSW should not have to feellike criminals because they areassociated with legal and community-based activities.

We will continue to stand up for them -and for our Club Industry generally.

10 Club Management

The Gaming Debate


Facts and figures offer reasonableperspective on ‘pokie paranoia’ “We expect our politicians to speak the truth. We expect ourmedia to report the truth. Yet, when it is the anti-gamblinglobby, all we seem to hear are lies to whip the communityinto a frenzy of ‘pokie paranoia’. If the community wishes to debate poker machines, let's do it on fact.” ClubsNSW Chairman PETER NEWELL, OAM used thesewords in opening an article published in Sydney’s DailyTelegraph newspaper in September. Peter, recently electedas Clubs Australia Chairman, also took up the issue whenpresenting his Chairman’s Report to the ClubsNSW AnnualConference on the Gold Coast in mid-October. This is thetext of his report dealing with gaming issues …

ClubsNSW Chairman PETER NEWELL, OAM

Smoking Legislation


Manly Council has toned down acontroversial plan to ban smoking on allcouncil-owned land across NSW.The Council had flagged that it wouldmove a motion at the 2007 NSW LocalGovernment and Shires AssociationAnnual Conference to have smokingbanned in outdoor areas, includingcouncil-controlled footpaths, malls andrecreation areas.This Conference was staged at CoffsHarbour from October 20 to 24.The CMAA reacted to news of theproposal by inviting all club managerswho considered that they would orcould be affected by the proposal tocontact their local councils to voicetheir objection.CMAA Executive Officer Terry Condon,CCM wrote to Association membersrecommending they register oppositionto the controversial motion.“Tell your council that they shouldsupport smoking bans in children’splaygrounds, but not in other areas,”Terry wrote.The original motion, which wasamended when presented at the

Conference, was for all councils to bansmoking on their land.It would have ended smoking in alloutdoor areas of clubs andrestaurants that lease their propertiesfrom council.However, when it came time to tablethe motion, Manly Council took a stepback and eased some of theconditions, including a ban on smokingwithin 10 metres of playgrounds atsporting venues, at council events,malls, beaches, waterways and carparks.

Terry Condon said that if passed in itsoriginal form, the motion would affectcouncil-leased bowling greens, golfcourses, sporting fields and air space.“Many land-locked clubs have leasedairspace from local councils and spenta lot of their funds to provide smokingareas for their patrons,” Terry said.“That leased airspace would have beenlost if the motion had been carried.” Ultimately, the Conference passedmotion reaffirming Local Government’s“commitment to creating smoke-freeenvironments”.

Council cools heels on smoking ban

By KATIE CINCOTTA

Victoria’s political line-up has played outlike a game of Twister in recent months. The former teacher from Ballarat whowent on to serve three terms asVictoria’s Premier called it a day justeight months into his latest term –handing the reins over to Treasurer JohnBrumby.Steve Bracks resigned the leadershipafter eight years as Victoria’s Premier,just weeks after his son Nick crashedhis car while drunk, saying it was time toput his wife and three children beforepolitics.Stepping down with him was DeputyPremier John Thwaites, who said it wasimportant to bring new blood to the line-up, with ministers who could commitbeyond 2010. The sudden Cabinet overhaul saw newGaming Minister Daniel Andrewspromoted to the Health portfolio andTony Robinson stepped up to Gaming.That made him the third GamingMinister in Victoria in less than a year,starting with John Pandazopoulos.Mr Robinson was elected to StateParliament with a record 16.5% swing ina December 1997 by-election. He’s since served as ParliamentarySecretary to State and RegionalDevelopment, in Treasury and Financeand as Chairman of the Parliament’sEconomic Development Committee. The Member for Mitcham, who lives inNunawading with his wife and twochildren, has no front bench experiencebut in his parliamentary career to datehe’s worked on the $54 millionMiddleborough Road level crossingelimination, upgrades of local primaryschools and funding for the AustralianRacing Museum at Federation Square.It’s a huge task ahead for the 45-year-old newcomer from the back bencheswho will oversee sensitive negotiationson lucrative new gaming and lotterylicences beyond 2012. The Gaming Minister says he’s pleasedto step into the role at such a dynamictime, with a decision on gaming licencesexpected before the year is out. The three-year tender process has beenplagued by accusations of secret deals,but the Upper House Inquiry – labelled a“political witch-hunt” by the ALP –recently declared there was no improperinterference, despite explosive evidenceby former Tattersalls trustees that

lobbyist David White had talked toPremier Bracks about a proposal to floatTattersalls for the lottery tenderingprocess.But under oath, the former LaborMinister turned Tattersalls lobbyistdenied discussing the gaming licenceswith the Premier in 2004."There was no discussion over dinner atLorne, of any client-related matter, andthere was no mention of Tattersalls," MrWhite told the inquiry.A heated gaming debate continued inParliament, with the new GamingMinister rejecting accusations he’dalready struck a gaming deal, carving upthe licences between Greek consortiumIntralot and Tattersalls. Mr Robinson declared the gamingplatform still in limbo.But on October 11, Premier Brumbyannounced the Victorian Governmenthad indeed awarded 10-year lotterylicences to both Tattersalls and Intralot,breaking a 54-year monopoly of themarket.The new arrangement will come intoeffect from July 1 next year withTattersall's operating lottery productsand Athens-based Intralot taking over“scratchies”.In the same week, the newGaming Minister unveiledCommunity BenefitsStatement (CBS) reform,announcing that clubsdirecting electronic gamingmachine revenue back intothe community would do soin a more transparentmethod under the BrumbyGovernment – forcing clubswith poker machines toshow how they positivelycontribute to their localcommunities.“Instead of paying an

additional 8.33% of their net gamingrevenue in tax like hotels are required todo, clubs must show they put at leastthat same amount of money back intothe community,” Mr Robinson said.Victoria’s Department of Justice also iscollaborating with universities to openAustralia’s largest problem gamblingresearch centre.The State Government has committed$4 million for the research and treatmentcentre.But it’s CBS reform that has the ClubIndustry talking.The Minister announced that from nextfinancial year Victorian clubs will have tolimit claims for items that are not agenuine benefit to the community suchas renovations, subsidised alcohol orpersonal computers.He said the proposed changes wouldprovide an incentive for clubs to makesure the required 8.33% of revenuegoes directly to charitable causes.“In the past, claimable items were allweighted the same way,” Mr Robinsonsaid. “The new Community BenefitStatements will have three classes ofitems - A, B and C - which cluboperators can claim on theirstatements,” he said of the amendmentsto the Gambling Regulation Act 2003.Under the changes, an operator canclaim the full amount for items inClasses A and C such as gifts,donations and sponsorships orresponsible gambling measures. “Class A items could include services toassist the aged and young people,housing for the disadvantaged, healthservices and efforts to relieve poverty,”the Minister added.He said Class B items could be claimed- but not in full - requiring clubs to limit

the amount of operationalexpenses they declare inorder to receive a taxexemption.“Class B are operating-typeexpenses which clubs canalso claim, but only to an

amount equal to theproportion of the club’stotal non-gamingrevenue sources,” MrRobinson added.

The new Gaming Ministerissues a stark warningabout taking the changes

12 Club Management

Southern Exposure


Winds of change sweep VictoriaTony Robinson becomes third Gaming Minister in a year

Daniel Andrews

Tony Robinson

seriously, with clubs who fail to meet thenew community benefit criteria at risk oflosing machines."Clubs unable to satisfy the newrequirements will first have to pay thehigher taxation rate,” he said.“All licensed clubs need to understandthat failure to deliver their communitybenefit obligations will bring theseconsequences.” CMA Magazine asked the Minister forhis response to the outrage expressedby the Victorian Club Industry whenCBS changes were first announced inMay, including comments by ClubsVicexecutive director Margaret Kearney thatonly 15 out of 110 clubs surveyedwould meet the new guidelines. Former Gaming Minister Daniel Andrewsinitially proposed the reforms under theBracks Government, without any ClubIndustry consultation.Mr Robinson said he’s sought to rectifythat lack of communication, realising theimportance of involving club managersand industry associations in suchdramatic change.“I have met with ClubsVictoria and anumber of clubs throughout regionalVictoria to discuss the proposedchanges to the Community BenefitStatements,” he said. “When I became Minister for Gaming, Iextended the consultation period toensure I had the opportunity to meetwith stakeholders to discuss theproposed reforms, ensuring the bestoutcome was achieved both forGovernment and the industry.” “Since that statement has been made, Ihave taken the opportunity to liaisefurther with stakeholders to ensureconcerns that were raised werediscussed fully and negotiated prior tothe Ministerial order being determined.” CMAA Victoria President Barry West ishopeful that dialogue will continue.Although he said he considered MrRobinson to be approachable, BarryWest said he isn’t convinced the latestCBS proposal is the best solution forclubs or the community.Barry said he believes the VictorianGovernment is simply being greedyabout its share of gaming revenue – andit is they who should be tested for theircommunity contribution, not clubs.“This is the greediest State Governmentin existence,” Barry said. “From dollar one, they take 33.3%, thenour machine providers take their third. “Clubs are struggling now because of anunfair swipe of 67% of the pie eachweek - and the Government wantsmore? Our State Government is rippingus off.”

Barry believes gaming systems in otherstates are a clearly more equitableoption.“The whole thing could be overcome ifthe first million dollars that a club earnswas tax-free, like it is in NSW,” Barryadded. “Then clubs could really supporttheir local community – sport, schoolsand the disadvantaged. “If it’s going to be a true communitybenefit, let’s leave it to the clubs to put itback into the community in whateverway they see fit. “Once the Government gets its handson that money, it’s gone.”The Victorian Government is pursuingCBS reform after calls for the club andhotel industry to become moretransparent and accountable for itsgaming tax exemptions, withaccusations that venues were rorting thesystem with outlandish declarations likecut flowers and “happy hour expenses”. In October 2006, in his report on the

public consultation and submissions forthe Gaming Machine LicenceArrangements Post-2012, Peter Kirbysaid there was near-universal support fora revision of the Community BenefitStatement.But Barry West argues that evenoperating expenses, such as staff andcapital expenditure – which fall underClass B of the CBS reform – shouldcontinue to be fully deductible.“Operating costs are legitimatedeclarations, because the club itself is acommunity benefit,” Barry said.“We have one member who comes inevery day, has a free cup of coffee, talksto friends, reads a book from our library,has a light lunch that costs him lessthan Meals on Wheels and heads homeat 4pm. “On a day that he didn’t come in, ourstaff rang to see if he was okay … that’sa community benefit,” says Victoria’sCMAA chief.The bottom line for Victorian clubs isthat next year they will have to sort out

how they can satisfy these newrequirements - or be slugged with thehigher taxation rate.So, after several years of new smokinglegislation which has forced clubs tobuild outdoor smoking areas and othernew laws prohibiting gaming advertisingand signage, Victorian clubs face thepossibility of another dent in profits.Barry West says many clubs feelfrustrated that they can’t get a break -especially regional clubs who are battlingto survive.“It’s frustrating, but at least there aregrounds for dialogue with the newMinister, and I really don’t believe theGovernment is in the business ofsending clubs to the wall,” Barryconcluded.Tony Robinson insists this is the rightdirection for the Gaming Industry andsees tighter CBS rules as a greatopportunity for clubs to offset gamingrevenue with good karma investment …a bit like PR for pokies.“The Government has alwaysacknowledged the important role clubsplay in our community,” Mr Robinsonadded. “The changes to CBS give clubs theopportunity to demonstrate the benefitsthey provide to their local community.” But, to use a football analogy … itseems the goalposts keep shifting. Many clubs are wondering when theycan finally settle down into a routinewhere everybody knows the rules of thegame. Fortunately, with such versatile,committed and business-savvymanagers leading the way, the challengeis surmountable. If Geelong can win an AFL Premiershipafter 44 long years, there’s hope forclubs on the fringe that just keepplugging away, trusting in their teams tobe resilient, dedicated and progressive. As Geelong coach Mark Thompsonreflected to The Age, there’s no room forblame when you’re chasing success,even when you’re accused of bucklingunder pressure – a fate that saw TheCats labelled as the perpetualbridesmaids, runners up in ’89, ’92, ’94and ’95.“We changed our style of play, wechanged our coaching structure, wedeveloped a new leadership program …we worked hard to be a great team. Ithink we showed that in the end." The Club Industry continues to showthese characteristics.

➣ Full details of the new Community BenefitStatement changes and the MinisterialOrder are available atwww.justice.vic.gov.au or CMA MagazineEditor Peter Sharp [email protected] to obtain a copy.


Southern Exposure

John Pandazopoulos

1 Upgrade the skills of senior functionstaff. Sales specialists will make a worldof difference to how many inquiries turninto bookings, and the per-head spend.Good sales staff may come from yourclub, large hotels or the event industry– be open to fresh talent. Functionsupervisors need high-level serviceskills and a thorough understanding ofetiquette so they can train new staffquickly. The CMAA’s “FunctionSupervisor’s Bootcamp” and “ProfitableFunctions Workshop” have become avery popular way to upgrade the skillsof all senior staff.2 Boost the skills of service staff. Twostaff serving 100 people doesn’t cut it ifyou’re offering good food and wine –there are special skills and etiquette forserving and clearing any function. Visitsto trade shows such as RSVP, FineFood and Bridal Shows gives staff aview of the wide world outside. Asfunction business grows, specialist staffwill have enough work so they canbecome a dedicated team. Staffingratios should be comparable tomainstream venues – that means morestaff on hand.3 Upgrade the function bookingsystem – the days of the big, fat diaryare over. You need an electronic systemthat can take bookings for years inadvance, handle multiple rooms andgenerate letters, booking forms andwork sheets. Not cheap, but neitherwas the building. Do staff computerskills also need upgrading?4 Get smart with payments: clearerand firmer rules about deposits, finalpayments and confirmed numbers –you’re in the business of functions, notdebt collection. Take all credit cards,even if there’s an Amex surcharge –why give customers a hard time if theywant to throw money your way?Separate function costs and sales sothe results are transparent.5 Upgrade table settings to makeevery event more special. Cloth napkinsaren’t much dearer than quality paper,

and dramatically change perceptions ofan event - you may even find customerbehaviour improves. Internal clubfunctions will always have lower prices,but don’t let that become thebenchmark.6 Build a photo library that shows offall aspects of your food and beverageoperations. Professional food shots,happy customers, smiling staff,beautiful room settings and vibrantparties. Good pictures can be usedmany times – on the website, internalclub promotions, in magazines,brochures and advertising.

7 Go with new menus and new prices.Keep your reputation for value and addquality choices at a higher price. Whynot take some of the business thathotels have kept to themselves for solong? Showcase your food and winewith special dinners and events. You’llbe surprised at how many wine andfood lovers there are, waiting for thechef to impress. These events alwayslead to more bookings - are yourpackages ready with quality choices?8 Good coffee is now everyone’sobsession - and clubs should be noexception. It’s time for quality brewedcoffee and espresso to be the standardoffering. Goodbye to the urn and theinstant. Even nana wants a cafe lattethese days. Match this with the option

of fresh muffins and cookies, fruitskewers and chocolate brownies – youmay be surprised at how many peoplewant to pay a little more for quality.9 Upgrade the function roomequipment - larger whiteboards and AVscreens, digital projectors and freewireless broadband. Don’t throwendless money at plasma screens andleave the function rooms with only abasic set-up. When you get the facilitiesright, business customers will keepreturning over and over – why wouldthey change?10 Upgrade your websites so thefunction pages are chock full ofinformation, downloads, great photos -a rich resource for the “fact finders”who check them before calling you.See how they do it atwww.nathaniasprings.com.au – anaward-winning function site inMelbourne. List your club on key venuewebsites such aswww.bestvenues.com.au so you’repart of the mainstream for corporatefacilities.

The tightening of gaming machinerevenue and upgrades of functionfacilities in recent years is a uniqueopportunity to improve your club’simage, reputation and earnings. But construction is the easy part.The real work is in improving the skillsand knowledge of the people whomake it all happen.Profitable Hospitality has many articlesand resources onwww.profitablehospitality.com to helpclub managers with many of theirmarketing needs. Check out this site tofind answers to many of the questionsyou want to, but never get to ask.

14 Club Management

Profitable Hospitality - Functions


10-Point Plan to raise function revenueWith many recent major changes within the Club Industry,including extensive renovations, smart managers are looking attheir shiny new function spaces and seeing big opportunities.Now you have the chance to attract a new type of customer,raise the image of your catering and make a major contributionto profits. But beware of just pouring old wine into new bottles.Beautiful furniture and colour schemes raises everyone’sexpectations – don’t have them disappointed by ordinaryservice, boxed wine and a menu straight from the deep fryer.Profitable Hospitality Managing Director KEN BURGIN presents10 tips for quality service …

“Why not take some of the business that hotels havekept to themselves for so long? Showcase your foodand wine with special dinners and events …

Ken Burgin

CMAA Hospitality Expo 2008

Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour

Tuesday 18th & Wednesday 19th March, 2008

This Expo is the premier Hospitality Expo in Sydney for 2008

A GREAT WAY TO START THE YEAR!!!!!

STANDS ARE SELLING FASTCall Judy Rayner and the team to book

your stand now on (02) 9360 6177 Or (02) 9332 2363Please note: unless you are an exhibitor at the CMAA Hospitality Expo, trade attendance will not be permitted

GalaAwardsDinner

Tuesday 18th March, 2008

Support the association and buy a table/ticket and be part of an evening of great food, great wine, great company and great entertainment!

Go to www.cmaa.asn.au to book your tickets


By TIM ESCOTT

More than 1,200 delegates, industrysupporters and corporate partnersrecently converged on the Gold Coastfor the 2007 ClubsNSW AnnualConference and Trade Expo.The event – from September 26 to 29 –offered keynote speakers touching onrelevant topics, trends and what ishappening in their industry.This year, the theme was “C3” - Clubs,Climate, Choice and the issue of clubssustainability. After registration, NSW OppositionLeader Barry O’Farrell presented theConference Opening Address.Special guests and speakers at thisyear’s conference read like a “who’swho” of the Club Industry, Australianbusiness and entertainment. Network 10 presenter Tim Websterwas the Conference host, while guestspeakers included Channel 9 presenterMike Munro, senior human resourcesexecutive Andrew O’Keefe,environment expert Paul Gilding andCarol Weisman who specialises inboard governance.Conference organisers presented 10seminar topics - a significant increaseon 2006. Topics included …➣ the gaming industry ➣ franchising ➣ the environment ➣ entertainment

➣ industry diversification ➣ lease rental agreements ➣ media and communications.

Other workshops included aChairperson and Directors MasterClasses, Directors’ Master Classes, aClub Directors’ Institute breakfast anda Workplace Relations Breakfast. Federal Employment and WorkplaceRelations Minister Joe Hockey wasguest speaker at the breakfast wherehe referenced the current industrialrelations environment, balanced bycommentary by a workplace relationsjournalist.

CMAA Federal President, Bill Clegg,ACCM and CMAA Executive OfficerTerry Condon, CCM represented theAssociation.

The Trade Expo, which ran for muchof the conference, featured 117exhibitors showcasing goods andservices. Directors’ partners had the option ofscheduled tours, including CurrumbinWildlife Sanctuary and luncheon withwell-known author, TV personality andparents’ rights advocate JacquelinePascarl.

Twenty-nine ClubsNSW staff wereinvolved in delivering the event andvolunteers from the Gold CoastInstitute of TAFE joined in for hands-on experience.After a week of activity, it was time for

delegates and exhibitors to let theirhair down at the conference dinnerextravaganza, sponsored by IGT. The “club carnivale” theme hadguests wearing carnival masks doingthe salsa with good food and drink. It was a massive spectacle with morethan 1,000 people having a ball. Event dignatories included NSWGaming and Racing Minister GrahamWest and NSW Office of Liquor,Gaming and Racing CommissionerMichael Foggo. The conference closed on September28 with the Annual General Meetingthe next day, giving delegates achance to voice their opinions andhear about the direction of the ClubIndustry and Minister West addressedthe AGM. ClubsNSW Chairman Peter Newell,OAM and Rod Desborough were votedunopposed to the ClubsNSW Board ofDirectors for the next three years.The Club Industry’s integral role inNSW was confirmed byrepresentatives from both sides ofstate politics attending the event. The 2008 Conference returns to thesame Gold Coast venue, but hasbeen rescheduled for October 11 to 14.

ClubsNSW Annual Conference - 2007

‘C3’ hits the mark withdelegates and industry issues

ClubsNSW CEO David Costello speaks at the Annual Conference. Photo: Olivier Bjorksater-Bleylock

After a successful June debut in Macau,G2E Asia 2008 will include a paviliondedicated to the internet gamingindustry. The event is scheduled for June 3 to 5 inthe Cotai Strip Convention and ExhibitionCentre of the Venetian Macao.G2E Asia will feature the new iGamingBusiness Pavilion that will allow guests tosee and learn about the latest products,services and cutting-edge technologieswhich is expected to interest establishedand new market operators across Asia. "Asia has fast become the biggestpotential market for the iGaming industryand naturally we wanted to expand ourproducts into this emerging market,”iGaming Business magazine publisherAlex Pratt said. “Partnering Reed Exhibitions was aneasy decision for us.

“Reed has access to thousands ofexecutives working in the Asian gamingindustry and has proved they can getthem under one roof to do business.

“Using the iGaming Business brand andnetwork, we will make the iGamingBusiness Pavilion at G2E Asia the No.1choice for iGaming executives who wantto take advantage of this expandingniche."

The iGaming Business Pavilion will featurea spectrum of internet gaming productsand services including live-dealersoftware, payment solutions, marketingcompanies, poker software, sportsbooksoftware, jurisdictions, specialist fraudsolutions, hosting companies, lawyers,affiliate programs, consumer publications,recruitment specialists, skill gamingcompanies, bingo software, casinosoftware, mobile gaming and more.

The world-class G2E Asia 2008Conference will include a track oniGaming business. Industry experts will share their insights,provide useful information and provenstrategies on the latest development ofinternet gaming, issues and regulationsfacing the industry. The inaugural G2E Asia 2007 featured asold-out exhibit hall with in-depthconference sessions featuring panels ofindustry experts and one-of-a-kindnetworking opportunities to provide aworld-class business and educationalforum for the Asian gaming industry. Poised for significant growth, G2E Asia2008 will be held at the Venetian Macaowhere expanded exhibition space will beavailable. For more information on G2E Asia 2008,visit www.G2EAsia.com

New Zealand Gaming Expo organisershave confirmed cricket legend SirRichard Hadlee, Sydney Olympicsorganiser Rod McGeoch and AllanPease as presenters for the 2008 event.The internationally recognised trio willfeature during the trade show’sconference program at the SKYCITYAuckland Convention Centre on March4 and 5 next year.“Each speaker is a leader in his field andwe are delighted they have agreed toshare their experiences and opinionswith delegates,” Australasian GamingMachine Manufacturers Association(AGMMA) Executive Officer Ross Ferrarsaid.“The Conference will provide invaluableand important perspectives from theseinfluential and successful individuals.” AGMMA is the event organiser for the2008 Gaming Expo.Sir Richard Hadlee is a legendary New

Zealand cricketer who played clubcricket for Canterbury Cricket Club,Nottinghamshire County Cricket Cluband Tasmania. He is regarded as one ofthe best fast bowlers of all time and wasknighted in 1990 for services to cricket. Sir Richard is Chairman of the NewZealand board of selectors. Rod McGeoch, AM has a remarkablecareer at the forefront of business,sports administration and the legalprofession. He is perhaps best known as the leaderof Sydney's successful 2000 OlympicGames bid and is Chairman or Directorof a wide range of major corporations,including SKYCITY Entertainment GroupLimited, a diversified gaming andentertainment company with operationsin New Zealand and Australia.Allan and Barbara Pease are one ofAustralia's most successful publishingteams. Their inspirational products

boost personal and organisationalgrowth around the globe. Together, they have published 14 best-selling books sold in over 100 countries,videos, audio programs and TV shows. Allan also is known as an expert onbody language and personal image, aswell as developing a range of sales andcommunication systems.Ross said all three speakers areaccomplished presenters, withoutstanding career highlights. “They willdeliver compelling insights intocorporate strategies, leadership, teammotivation and personal developmenttechniques,” he said.Following the conference each morning,exhibitors include gaming machinemanufacturers and industry suppliers,will showcase the latest gamingequipment and services.For more information, go towww.NZGamingExpo.com

18 Club Management

Global Gaming


G2E Asia introduces iGaming Business Pavilion

High-profile speakers confirmed for NZ 2008


The international gaming conferencespotlight switches back to the northernhemisphere this month with themassive annual event that is G2E 2007in Las Vegas.Following major events in Macau andSydney, the home of world gamingagain becomes the focus at the LasVegas Convention Centre, featuringmore than 140 sessions, including“Signature Series” sessions fromNovember 13 to 15.G2E is the leading trade event for theinternational gaming entertainmentcommunity, attended by more than28,000 industry professionals fromaround the world.The Conference will explore innovationsand provide a comprehensive look atfuture-minded ideas that are changingthe business of the global gamingindustry. Food and Beverage (F&B) is wellcatered for at G2E, which carries aCulinary Trade Show and Conferenceshowcasing the latest F&B trendsduring conference sessions, dailyspecial events, cocktail and culinarydemonstrations.Extra Signature Series sessions, newcontent on emerging trends andsectors, and a new on-site certificationrequest process, helps G2E organisersmake it easier for delegates.Signature Series sessions include:➣ Corporate Social Responsibility –

“Going Green: And Staying in the Black”

➣ Design & Décor – “BuildingExcitement: A Review of UpcomingProjects”

➣ Entertainment – “A Knockout: UsingSports to Market Your Venue”

➣ Gaming Technology – “G2E FUTUREWATCH: Electronic Gaming in the 21stCentury”

➣ Global Gaming – “The GlobalBoardroom: a World of Gaming”

➣ Human Resources – “Unions andGaming: Working Together for aCommon Good”

➣ Marketing – “The Pricing Principle: ANew Gaming Paradigm”

➣ Research, Law & Regulation(featuring iGaming) – “CapitalPerspective: The View fromWashington, D.C.”

➣ Security & Surveillance – “The M.I.T.Blackjack Team: How Did They Do It?”

In conjunction with the new SignatureSeries sessions, the G2E Conferenceoffers five new conference tracks: ➣ Corporate Social Responsibility ➣ Entertainment ➣ Human Resources ➣ Players’ Clubs and Incentives ➣ a Wild Card track offering sessions

addressing unique issues not addressedin the other tracks

Several CMAA members will takeadvantage of national, state and zonebursaries to participate at G2E 2007and CMAA Executive Officer Terry

Condon, CCM will be among the manyinternational club managementexecutives at the event.Terry said the annual tour was animportant opportunity for young clubmanagers to experience the massiveevent that is G2E 2007 and encounterfirst-hand the major trends at all levelsof the hospitality industry.The IGT Australia-sponsored CMAAPeter Clarebrough Bursary winners -Culburra Bowling and Recreation ClubSecretary Manager Phillip Boughtonand Penrith Bowling and RecreationClub General Manager Julie Cullen -also will attend the University of LasVegas Nevada Gaming DevelopmentCourse during the 14-day tour as partof their bursaries. Gaming venues around the world arerenowned for providing an exceptionalcustomer experience, but thatexperience would not be possiblewithout innovative back-of-housesystems and practices that ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly. G2E 2007 will closely examine theproducts, services and best practicesessential to these back-of-houseareas, with special attention tosecurity and surveillance andtechnology. “In today’s digital age, the ability tomaximise use of new, top-linetechnologies – particularly in securityand surveillance and back-of-housemanagement – is crucial to running asuccessful gaming operation,”American Gaming Association (AGA)President and CEO Frank J.Fahrenkopf Jr. said. “G2E 2007 willbring together the best tools andinformation available in these keyindustry areas to help gamingprofessionals stay abreast of the latesttrends and ahead of the curve intoday’s competitive internationalgaming marketplace.”

Global Gaming

Las Vegas grabs internationalconference spotlight

Shellharbour Workers Club was one ofthe clubs involved in water auditsundertaken for the first club survey forthe Sydney Water Best PracticeGuidelines. Typical issues - consistent with everyother club - were cooling tower issues,poor maintenance practices and high-volume amenities. Before 2001, Shellys was averaging55 kilolitres per day. The average for2006 was 34kl/day - a reduction of20kl/day, or 40% of daily usage.The first targets where simple, cost-effective measures that any club canimplement. The amenities basins were fitted with 6-litre-per-minute aqualocks andrestrictors on all staff showers. Improved maintenance, includingweekly amenities inspection by staff,along with a monthly licensed plumberinspection mean leaks are rare and staffnow are aware of leaks and promptlyreport any they find to maintenance. The potential for a large upgradeoccurred with the major renovation in2003.

The $3 million installation of 1500square metres of covered verandahwith seating for 500 was the subject ofa design competition with emphasison a strong environmental element. Overall construction was based onenvironmental sustainability - frommaterials used to waste disposal. The verandah design alsoencompassed the installation of160,000 litres of tanks for rainwaterharvesting which supply the amenitieson the eastern side of the building andinstallation of photovoltaic cells forsolar harvesting. Shellharbour Workers Club OperationsManager Debbie Cosmos said theBoard had long been supporters onenvironmental issues.With the help of Big Switch, whichrecommended and project managedthe project, it not only provided extraspace but the design minimised thetemperature in the club by providinglarge eaves which reduced overall loadon the club’s air-conditioning system. The overall sustainability theme hasbeen continued with the club installing

a worm farm processing 600kilograms of food a week, andsupplying members with reusablecarry bags. The work goes on ... ShellharbourWorkers Club recently replaced its 12-year-old woks with two-off, two-burnerwoks. Catering Manager Malcolm Ramseysaid he’s been planning an upgrade toreplace the old woks.“This worked well,” he said. “It cost anextra $2,000, but I got a $4,000rebate and cut my kitchenconsumption by 65%.”There are three Asian chefs who workin the main kitchen area and Malcolmnoted that the new-design wok hasforced them to be more water-savingconscious. “It was too easy, with the old design,to just let the water flow,” Malcolmadded.The club plans to install morerainwater tanks to harvest water fromthe western side of the building foramenities on that side of the club. For other clubs to get the samebenefit as Shellys, Sydney Water isupdating its popular “Best PracticeGuidelines for Water Conservation inClubs”. The document will include the sameuseful step-by-step approach toimproving water management as theoriginal guidelines, updated with newcase studies, technical information andpricing. Much of the information in theguidelines is based on the results of30 detailed water efficiency auditsconducted on EDC Business Programclub members. All the EDC Business Program bestpractice guidelines are available onlineat:http://www.sydneywater.com.au/SavingWater/InYourBusiness/FactSheets.cfmShellys is a great example of howcontinued good monitoring andmaintenance practice are essential toretain the benefits of upgrade work. Clubs can use their leadership todemonstrate how everyone canconserve water and other resources,still deliver quality services, and enjoyreduced costs. For clubs to become more waterefficient and join the EDC BusinessProgram, [email protected] An EDC Project Officer will contactthe club to discuss ways the programcan work to save water and money.

20 Club Management

Green & Smart Solutions


Shellys projects reducewater consumption by 40% It’s not just large clubs that have been making large watersavings. Shellharbour Workers Club, known to locals just southof Wollongong in the Illawarra region as “Shellys”, has workedconsistently to reduce their footprint on the earth by reducingwater, electricity and waste. CMA Magazine continues topresent the work being done by clubs in addressingenvironmental responsibilities and WENDY HIRD, a ProjectOfficer in Sydney Water’s ‘Every Drop Counts’ BusinessProgram, profiles the measures and outcomes from theShellharbour Workers Club project ...

By WENDY HIRD

Waterless urinals are becoming anincreasingly popular way to savewater in commercial buildings. To help select the most appropriatewaterless urinal for clubs, SydneyWater has published a fact sheetthat provides product informationand commercial case studies fromInvest Property Group and Westfield.Selecting the right waterless urinalfor clubs will depend on frequency ofuse, cleaning processes and type ofbuilding and plumbing system. There are three main types … ➣ Oil barrier (refillable or

replaceable cartridge) provide aphysical barrier between the userand the plumbing system

➣ Mechanical designs allow awide range of chemicals to beused in the cleaning process asthere are no blocks or oils to bedamaged

➣ Microbial blocks allow existingurinals to be converted into more-efficient systems withoutexpensive plumbing works orinstalling new urinals.

In general, mechanical and microbialblock designs may have lowerongoing maintenance costs than oilbarrier designs. Low-flow urinals are appropriate in

buildings where the plumbing systemis not suited to waterless urinals. To achieve the best results from awaterless urinal seek expert adviceon product selection and installation. Some additional factors to considerinclude … ➣ water-using facilities such as

showers or wash basins shouldbe placed upstream of waterlessurinals where possible. The flow ofwastewater should help to flushurine through the drain pipes, andavoid scale build-up

➣ revise maintenance and cleaningschedules and practices to ensurethe use of chemicals is notdamaging pipes or bio-cubes

➣ consider installing privacy screensbetween individual urinals to helpeven out urinal use in washrooms,making it easier to schedulemaintenance

➣ the area is effectively ventilated toprevent odour

➣ ensure the urinal is WaterMarkapproved

For more information on waterlessurinals and choosing the right designfor your business, download the factsheet fromhttp://www.sydneywater.com.au/SavingWater/InYourBusiness/FactSheets.cfm



Three options for waterless urinals

Water-less woks ... By installing a more water-efficient unit, there is the potential to save 5,500 litresper day per wok stove - a total of 2,007,500 litres per year and achieve savingsof up to $4,500 per year. There are approximately 2,000 wok stoves in SydneyWater’s operations area. If 5,000 litres of water can be saved from each uniteach day by converting to a waterless wok stove, the restaurant industryprofitability could increase by $9 million per year and Sydney would saveapproximately 3,600,000,000 litres (3,600 megalitres) annually. Sydney Water has teamed up with the Ethnic Communities' Council of NSW(ECC) to run information sessions and provide awareness and informationservices with multi-lingual translators. ECC has received funding fromDepartment of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (DEUS) Water Saving Fund,Wollongong and Hurstville City Councils to conduct the Saving Water in AsianRestaurants Project (SWARP) across Sydney and the Central Coast ...

go to www.sydneywater.com.au/SavingWater/InYourBusiness/ Tofind out more about the water-lesswoks, go to the Sydney Waterwebsite for fact sheets about savingwater in your club.Clubs also can contact Helen Scott atECC (02 93190288 or 0425 833 892)to have a team visit to talk about thewater conservation in general, and thecost advantages of water-less woks.

CLUB MANAGERSASSOCIATION

AUSTRALIA

The success of Sydney Water’s “EveryDrop Counts” Business Programdemonstrates why monitoring is thebest place to start the water savingssuccess story Avoid, reduce, reuse, recycle … mostpeople are familiar with this waterconservation advice. What tends to be forgotten is thewords are listed in order of priority,environmental effectiveness and costs. Put simply … first avoid using water -by using different practices orproducts - then reduce it - byoperating more efficiently - reuse waterfrom other processes if possible, thenexplore opportunities for recycling. It’s easy to get enthusiastic aboutinstalling a big rainwater tank, orstarting up a stormwater reuse project. It’s not always so easy to getsomeone to read the water meterweekly, type the data into aspreadsheet and put together a graphso everyone can see what’shappening to water consumption. However, the regular meter reading willprobably save more water, and it willalmost certainly cost less than almostany option. If done well, good maintenancepractices are almost invisible –because it means good watermanagement has become embeddedin day-to-day facility management. Everyone loves big water savingprojects involving rainwater tanks,sewer mining or grey water diversiondevices. They sound interesting, create greatstaff enthusiasm, and are visualevidence that water conservation isbeing taken seriously. They can also have long paybackperiods, throw up unexpectedtechnical challenges, and take a lotlonger than expected to implement. By no means does this mean thatrainwater tanks shouldn’t be installed,or reuse opportunities explored. Done well, they are a great way toreduce water consumption andimprove the local environment. They just shouldn’t be shouldn’t bethe first things done. When planning water conservationprojects, always keep the mantra“avoid, reduce, reuse, recycle” inmind. It will help put cost effective savings inplace.

Avoid Fixing leaking taps, toiletsand urinals will lead to bigwater savings with minimalcosts. Encourage cleaningand maintenance staff reportleaks as soon as they arespotted – and ensure theyknow who to report leaks to.It’s easy to ignore a leak ifyou don’t know who to tell.Ensure cooling towercontractors reports any leaksdiscovered during monthlymaintenance. Cut outunnecessary and wastefulpractices like hosing downoutside surfaces. Use non-water alternatives – such assweeping. Reduce Water bills can be cutdramatically by installing low-flow shower heads orrestrictors, reduced-flowbasin taps and dual-flushtoilets. Cut the amount ofwater needed to flush urinalsby checking sensor operationand location.

Reuse Once water efficiency isimproved, reuse andrecycling systems can become morecost effective because money won’t bewasted on over-sized systems.Condensate in cooling systems can bereused. Rainwater tanks providerelatively clean water that may be usedfor toilet and urinal flushing, and arange of other uses.

Recycle Grey water collected from showers andbasins can be used for sub-surfaceirrigation of sporting fields or gardens.Depending on grey water sources anduses, it may require more treatment.Stormwater also can be collected fromhard surfaces, treated and reused.Again, the cost of such systemsdepends on how clean catchments are,and what the water is used for. Morecomplicated and costly systemsrecycled kitchen waste water andsewage (or black water) – althoughthese should only be installed iforganisations are committed to waterreuse, are prepared to manage therisks of these system, and have thefunds to install and maintain complextreatment systems. If keen to pursuelarge-scale reuse and recyclingprojects, it’s important to remember

that improving water efficiency first willmake subsequent projects much easierto implement. Organisations will haveproven success in water conservationwhen seeking funding, and will reducethe technical obstacles for futureprojects. For example, if the plan is touse rainwater for toilet flushing, buttoilets and urinals are continuallyleaking, organisations will need todramatically oversize the rainwatercollection system to meet the apparentneed. Cutting waste first will make iteasier and cheaper to meet the realdemand. It’s much easier to cut wateruse with better maintenance practicesthan with more complex reuse andrecycling options – its just sometimesharder to demonstrate successes witha publicity photo. On the other hand, abright graph developed from all thoseweeks of meter readings, showing anunmistakeable reduction in waterconsumption, can be incrediblysatisfying – and a very effectivecommunication tool.

You can’t manage what you can’t measureMonitoring water use means more thankeeping a close eye on water bills,although this is a good start. Despite

22 Club Management



WATER … Avoid, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

receiving monthly water bills, anundetected leak can continue for fourweeks. To fully understand what’shappening to water use, regularmonitoring is needed. The most efficient way to do this isthrough a Building ManagementSystem (BMS) with online monitoring.Consolidating water, electricity and gasusage into a single real-time systemallows access to current usage andhistorical trends at the touch of abutton. Modern continuous monitoringsystems will send SMS or email alerts ifwater use exceeds a pre-determinedlevel – meaning leaks can be identifiedand fixed immediately. If a facility doesn’t have these systems,and there aren’t funds to install one –don’t despair. Birkenhead Point Shopping Centre inSydney doesn’t have an onlinemonitoring system, so the centre’ssecurity guards record meter readingsfour times a day. This has allowed dailytracking of water use and identificationof any base flows through the centre atnight when shops are closed. Whatever system is used, it’s vital toregularly review data to understandwhat it’s saying. The “Every Drop Counts” seven-pointplan for water conservation offersguidance on getting the best results forwater saving projects.

1. Seek commitment andleadership from building and facility owners It takes commitment and leadershipfrom the building and facility owner, andfrom the facility operator managementteam. To achieve real resultsmanagement must take the lead inwater conservation and set an examplefor employees. Encourage changes inprocesses and behaviour to achievesustainable water savings.

2. Appoint a water conservation managerOrganisations that appoint a person tomanage water conservation achievebetter results than those that don’t. Aperson needs to have the dedicatedresponsibility for water conservationalthough it does not need to be theirsole task.

3. Understand your systems to determine where water is used in facilitiesDetermine where and how water isused within a business. Carry out anaudit of water usage, develop a waterbalance and identify the opportunitiesfor water savings. Identify and quantifythe hidden costs of water – they will

almost always be higher than meteredwater charges. Businesses paywastewater charges, so saving watercan cut costs of electricity, gas, labourand chemical costs. Big savings can bemade if greater efficiency allowsequipment such as surplus coolingtowers to be decommissioned.

4. Set a realistic conservation goalIt is important to have realisticconservation targets so that everyonehas an incentive to measure watersavings. Sydney Water has foundbusinesses that conduct a water auditcan typically identify savings targets of20% or more. Another way of setting atarget is to establish water use keyperformance indicators - indicatorssuch as kilolitres of water used persquare meter of office space annually,or litres of water per patron. This is alsoa good way of comparing waterefficiency at different facilities.

5. Develop a conservation strategyA conservation strategy needs to usethe following principles: ➣ Avoid ➣ Reduce ➣ Reuse ➣ Recycle

6. Involve employees or tenants Behavioural change is essential toachieve sustainable water savings.Increase water conservation awarenessthrough signage, newsletters andposters. Ask staff for water savingsuggestions, and ideas for overcomingobstacles to improved water efficiency.Ensure everyone knows how to reportleaks and wastage.

7. Think laterallySome of the simplest ideas may be themost cost-effective. Water conservationis not just about large-scale technicalsolutions. Small changes can make abig difference.

Facility Managers Facilities managers are in a primeposition to reduce water use. Theyknow their facilities better than anyoneand have the expert knowledge toassess and implement technicalprojects. Working with facility ownerscan help achieve water savings byboosting maintenance budgets to allowpro-active maintenance and SydneyWater’s “Every Drop Counts” BusinessProgram has produced a range of bestpractice guidelines and fact sheets on arange of technical water-savingsubjects. This information can help toimplement better maintenancepractices and identify more watersaving opportunities. More information atwww.sydneywater.com.au/SavingWater/InYourBusiness/FactSheets.cfm

The “Every Drop Counts” BusinessProgram works with large water-usingbusinesses to help them get the mostout of the water they buy. The programhas nearly 360 customers who arecollectively saving 10.3 billion litres ofwater a year. Water efficiency auditsundertaken by the program haveidentified that on average, customerscan cut water use by 30% throughmeasures that have a payback of twoyears or less. Businesses located withinSydney Water’s operating area can findout how the EDC Business Programcan save money and water - email theteam [email protected]



Every Drop Counts ➣ Greater Sydney is using the same

amount of water as in 1974, eventhough the population has grownby an extra one million people.

➣ Water consumption in greaterSydney has reduced from 500 litresper capita per day in 1991 toaround 340 litres per capita per day.

➣ In April, less water was used than inany month over the past eightyears.

➣ 430,000 households have installedwater-efficient taps and fittings.

➣ 24,000 households have receivedrainwater tank rebates.

➣ 7,100 households received washingmachine rebates.

➣ Since mandatory water restrictionswere introduced in October 2003,customers have reduced their wateruse by more than 13% - around sixmonths water use.

➣ More than 360 of the biggest waterusers are in Sydney Water's ‘EveryDrop Counts’ Business Programand saving more than 12 billionlitres of water a year.

➣ Sydney Water is spending $100million a year to stop water leaks … • scanning 18,000 kilometres of

water mains for hidden leaks • replacing more than 100

kilometres of water mains a yearin high-priority areas

• saving more than 56 million litresevery day

Maroochy RSL Club and the Sunshine Coast are at theforefront of safety initiatives for young people in thecommunity. After launching the “Look After Your Mate”designated driver scheme in September 2006, MaroochyRSL Club has taken the next step and Redlands RSLClub is looking to expand the scheme.The Sunshine Coast was rocked late in 2006 when atragic car crash at Mountain Creek left three teenagersdead and one hospitalised. A week later, a young manwrapped his car around a telegraph pole in centralMaroochydore. Between the two high-speed incidents, four young liveswere lost. The incidents had a profound impact on theclose-knit region. Police and community leaders met anddecided to take immediate action about the situation andthe next day a vital partnership was formed involvingMaroochydore Police, Maroochydore RSL Club SubBranch and Maroochy RSL Club. The group decided toconduct driver workshops aimed at young people in the17 to 25 year age group, their parents, teachers,employers and friends. This demographic is targeted dueto their high risk in road accidents.Maroochy RSL Club General Manager Tom Casilieris saidthe workshops started in December 2006 and havecontinued to run at least monthly with almost 2,000people attending to date. “The concept is not to tell themhow to drive, but to instil the right attitude to approachdriving to ensure good decision-making skills,” Tom said.This aims to compliment advanced driver skills schemesand new legislative measures established on July 1 fornew drivers by focussing on mindset aligned with skills.The content of the free evening workshops is anemotional journey where key speakers take the groupsthrough real stories of the pain and suffering road accidentscause, along with practical advice and suggestions formaking positive choices while driving. The workshops run fortwo hours at Maroochy RSL Club’s function rooms with thegroup interacting during the presentations. Guests arepresented with driving “reality” in a non-patronising formatand the mantra … “Remember - It’s Your Choice”.Tom said the workshops are free because the instructionteam and Maroochy RSL Club and Maroochydore RSL SubBranch provide instruction, venue and facilities at no cost.“The team believes this initiative is unprecedented, certainlyon the Sunshine Coast but perhaps in South-EastQueensland, or even Australia wide,” he added. The workshop is based on common-sense principles, buthas been innovative for Emergency Services people to open

up about such emotional stories on a large scale.The numbers achieved at the workshops are testament tothe public response. The actual road carnage has also beenmeasured since the start of the scheme on December 5,2006. The first death on the roads in this area for a person inthe target age range was not until June 16, 2007 - a full sixmonths since the workshops started. Maroochy RSL Club Marketing Manager Carlee Driscoll saidthat remarkable public response prompted the team topresent the workshops on the road to Nambour RSL Clubfor two successful sessions. “Given the practical andemotional demand on the presenters, further ‘road show’sessions are not practical,” Carlee added.“Instead, the plan is to expand the program through amentoring system to be driven in RSL Sub Branches.” This plan has support of the RSL Executive and Board ofDirectors at Queensland RSL State Branch. This new concept is in the early planning stages but thedemand for workshops is evident across the region, thestate and nation wide after a successful appearance on theSeven Network’s “Sunrise” breakfast show. The team at Redlands RSL Club and their local police havebeen the first to develop their own workshop. The workshops run along the same theme and principlesbut, importantly, are comprised of local presenters. The Redlands group are planning to start this month andit’s an opportunity for Maroochy RSL Club and RedlandsRSL Club to work together for the community’s benefit.For information on the workshops, contact Maroochy RSLClub Marketing Manager Carlee Driscoll (07) 5441 2211, orRedlands RSL Club Operations/Gaming Manager KarenGabolinscy (07) 3286 3736.

24 Club Management

Clubs In Our Communities


Driver Workshop success extends beyond region

Eighteen empty chairs signify Sunshine Coast road fatalities sincethe driver attitude workshops started.

Becky Slypen, 18, says the driver attitude workshop has changedthe way she acts behind the wheel.

St Johns Park Bowling Club has takenout one of the most sought-aftergarden prizes in the Sydney area.The club won the City of Fairfield Spring

Garden Competition in the BestCommercial Garden (Non-School)category.The club improved on its “Highly

Commended” award in 2006 to takeout the top prize this year, beatingFairfield Bowling Club and Mounties.The judges said they were impressedwith the presentation of the groundsand the excellent condition of theplants.St Johns Park Bowling Club CEO GregKearins said the club’s greenkeeperstook great pride in the gardens thatsurround the building, car park andgreens. The club also has added new areas formembers, including a patio with astone water feature, designed and builtby the team. The mix of water-wise natives, floweringshrubs and popular annuals ensures ayear-round display of colour, creating apleasant outlook from the club and forthose enjoying the outdoor seatingareas. Greg said the gardens were a real assetfor the club. “I commend Tony Moran and thegreenkeeping team under Col Lund fortheir care and attention to ourgardens,” he said. “They take a real pride in their work andit really shows in the presentation of ourclub.”



St Johns Park Bowling Clubtakes ‘Best Garden’ award

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Bankstown Sports Club turned onAustralia’s best hospitality in hosting theUCI World Masters Track CyclingChampionships at the Dunc GrayVelodrome in western Sydney lastmonth. Held in Manchester, England for thepast 12 years, it was the first time theevent – October 16 to October 21 -had been staged in Australia or outsideEurope.The world governing body of cyclinggranted the championships to Sydney– and Bankstown Sports Club - for thenext three years.The UCI World Masters TrackChampionships, which attracted 424competitors from 25 countries, are forriders 30 years and over in five cyclingdisciplines - time trial, sprint, pursuit,points race and scratch race. With sponsorship from the NSWGovernment and corporate support -and nine months of preparation - theentry list comprised of five age divisionswith competitors ranging from30 to 75 years and competingfor 70 world championships.The standard of competitionwas remarkable and 14 worldrecords were set.Of the 424 entries, more than200 were internationalcompetitors and, withAustralian interstatecompetitors and their families,it’s estimated that more than2,000 people travelled to theBankstown area with localclubs, accommodation anddining stretched to the limit. After three days of officialtraining and six 10-hour daysof competition, BankstownSports Club celebrated the

success of the 2007 World MastersTrack Cycling Championships.Sponsored and promoted by theBankstown Sports Club, the eventended with a gala dinner at the club. An organising committee comprisingmanagers from Bankstown Sportsclub, the Handlebar Tavern at the DuncGray Velodrome, Cycling Australia andCycling NSW came together toorganise the first World MastersChampionships staged outside Europe.UCI Vice President Ray Godkinrepresented the world body at the galadinner and he said that following thesuccess of these championships, hecould see no reason why the eventcould not stay in Bankstown for at leastsix years.Bankstown Sports Club President JohnMurray said, following Ray’s comments,he was confident Bankstown SportsClub would continue to sponsor theWorld Master Track Championships inthe years ahead and cycling in generalas they do some with 33 other sportsin the district.While the results were shared aroundthe globe, many former Australiancycling greats, including Keith Oliver,Russell Tucker and Olympians RonBoyle and Michelle Ferris achieved theirshare of gold, proving that thechampion spirit lives on.Ray Godkin congratulated BankstownSports Club and the event organisingcommittee headed by the club’sAssistant Secretary Manager MarkCondi and Michael Clancy - not only forthe support of the masters event, but

for the club’s continued contribution offinance and support to junior and elitesport.Ray said the suggestion to hold theWorld Masters in Australia was instantlywell received in the cycling community. “Ten years ago, holding an event suchas this outside of Europe was unheardof,” Ray said. “Sydney was an obviousand welcome choice by the cyclingcommunity. We are a city with world-class facilities and offer the chance forcompetitors to continue travelling in thecountry after the meet.”Mark Condi said the UCI titles were asignificant event for the club and the

wider Bankstown community.“With over 400 competitors,their families and friendsexpected at the championshipthere are many economicbenefits for the region,” Marksaid.Bankstown Sports havesecured the rights to host theWorld Masters for 2007, 2008and 2009. “This is the first time theMasters has been staged inAustralia and it was anopportunity for the widerSydney community to seeveteran international cyclistsfrom all over the worlddemonstrating their skills andcompeting,” Mark added.

26 Club Management

2007 UCI World Masters Track Cycling Championships


Bankstown Sports Club shows the world how it’s done

Bankstown Sports Club Assistant Secretary Manager Mark Condi(left) with UCI World Masters Track Cycling Championship cyclistKeith Oliver.

2007 World Masters Track CyclingChampionships competitor Keith Oliver.

Bankstown Sports Club.

A meal satisfied much more thanappetites when 75 clubs acrossQueensland participated in “ClubsSmile” Friday.

The October 5 initiative provided $1from every meal served that went tochildren’s charities.The event was part of the “Clubs Smilefor a Child” program, a ClubsQueensland initiative to raise funds forchildren’s charities – MontroseAccess,Camp Quality and Starlight Children’sFoundation.Clubs Queensland Executive OfficerDoug Flockhart said Clubs Smile Fridayis the culmination of months offundraising by Queensland clubs.“The Clubs Smile for a Child programreceives a lot of support fromQueensland clubs and their localcommunities,” Doug said.“Clubs Smile Friday in particular is amajor driver behind the campaign andraises substantial funds for the charitieseach year. “This year it’s an initiative to help usreach our $1 million fundraising target –and we’re well on track.”The 2007 beneficiaries provide specialcare and resources for seriously ill

children and Queensland clubs ask thepublic to support their work for thecharities.“These charities make children feelspecial and we aim to show these kidsagain that we all care,” Doug said.Last year, Queensland clubs raisedmore than $260,000 for Clubs Smile fora Child charities.In its fifth year, Clubs Smile for a Childinvites patrons to attend local clubs andjoin in fundraising events or purchasemerchandise with the 2007 campaignrunning until the end of November.Clubs Smile for a Child is an initiative ofClubs Queensland, the peak industrybody for approximately 600 registeredand licensed clubs in Queensland.Contact Program Coordinator LisaCleveland (07 3252 0770 [email protected]) for informationabout Clubs Smile for a Child.



Qld clubs serve up a treatfor children’s charities

By HENRI LACH

Local government “bashing” is apopular pastime among movers andshakers. It’s a change to see bouquets,instead of brickbats, for a council andits elected members.The bouquets come from SouthportSurf Club General Manager DaleChapman, a mover who’d beennursing a vision for a major upgrade ofhis club for some years. The club is on council land. As well, part of the original building isheritage listed, with all the associatedramifications. Dale’s vision now is a reality, however,and he says it’s due in no small part tothe efforts of his divisional

representative on Gold Coast CityCouncil, Councillor Susie Douglas.

In fact, he’s glowing in his praise of ClrDouglas.

“Any concern … any problem I’ve had,she’s attended to it on the spot,” Dalesays. “Susie takes the phone calls andfixes the problem.”

Dale’s plan was for construction of adining deck that would accommodateabout 200 patrons, with unclutteredviews across the Pacific Ocean at this,the Gold Coast’s most-northern surfbeach.

It took 12 months to get it all together,but the balcony is in place and it’sproved a boon since it was officiallycommissioned late last year.

The club’s all-day restaurant opens forbreakfast at 8am week days, and anhour earlier Saturdays and Sundays.It features specials on its luncheonmenus and a comprehensive a la carteday menu.Takings have increased dramaticallyand membership jumped from around3,500 to more than 8,500. The gaming down-turn that hit someclubs because of the total smoking banhad no effect on the club, according toDale. In fact, takings from the 46 machinesincreased after the new facility opened.“I’d like to tell you that it’s because I’ma good operator, but the truth is thatthere were more people coming intothe club,” Dale explained.“We’re also getting more health-conscious people coming here whonever used to go to clubs because ofthe smoky atmosphere.“Because the food has attracted morepeople, there’s also been a growth inthe bar takings. “It’s just a natural progression.”The surf lifesavers also are winners.“We’re budgeting on increasing ourcontribution to the lifesavers by 30%this year,” Dale said.For her part, Clr Douglas considers sheand the club have carried out their dulyappointed duty to the community.“Council were very keen to support theproject,” she said. “I thought this was agreat opportunity to show the council’ssupport for surf lifesaving and especiallythis historic club at Main Beach.“It was crying out to be done, and itreally has drawn the whole communitytogether. “The people of Main Beach were veryhappy to see this work done.“We’ve still got a lot of to do.

28 Club Management

Club Profile


Council’s good counsel lifts Southp

“As the ‘Year of the Surf Lifesaver’ draws to a close,Dale reflected on some of important aspects of his ownand surf lifesaving supporters’ clubs in general …

The spectacular view from the northern-most surf club on the Gold Coast.

The original Southport Surf Club building is heritage listed.

Southport Surf Club’s new deck looks good.

“We’re putting a new car park behindthe pavilion and fixing up the pedestrianaccess.”Dale recalls that work on the new deckhad its problems.“The building right next door is heritagelisted, so we had to make sure that thecolour and material was right - it had tobe compatible,” he added. “It took ushalf a dozen goes to get the colourcombination right.” A mortgage was necessary to carry outthe major refurbishment, but the loanwas not a problem.“The council lease on the club’s landhas been increased to 20 years so thebank is comfortable with that,” Dalesaid with another pat on the back forSusie Douglas and her council.As the “Year of the Surf Lifesaver”draws to a close, Dale reflected onsome of important aspects of his ownand surf lifesaving supporters’ clubs ingeneral.“It’s important to educate the newgeneration of youngsters,” he said. “All surf clubs know that this is apriority.“For the past few years, we’re been

concentrating on our nippers. “We would have more than 400 nippershere on a Sunday. “They come from all over the coast,and there’s a large contingent comedown from south of Brisbane, from theLogan and Beenleigh areas.“You have to remember that if you’retravelling south from Brisbane, we’rethe first surf beach you come to.“We also have a team of people whogo around to the schools talkingabout surf safety and lifesaving skills.”

Club Profile


ort Surf Club

Dale proudly takes placein club and surfing history Southport Surf Lifesaving Club GeneralManager Dale Chapman has a dualrole - he’s also custodian of someGold Coast history.The club has three buildings under itscontrol and two are heritage listed. One is the original surf lifesaving clubbuilding that adjoins the new clubpremises.The other is the pavilion that nowincorporates a kiosk. The Southport Surf Lifesaving Clubwas formed in 1924 with the pavilionbuilt in 1936.Any profits from the operations of thekiosk go towards further renovations ofthe heritable-listed building.A lifesaving museum-cum-communityhall is part of the pavilion building. This is available for hire free tocommunity groups and non-profitorganisations while commercial groupsmake a donation to surf lifesaving.The nippers’ club - dubbed “Home ofthe Fried Egg” because of the yellowcaps worn by the nippers - is a later

building at the northern end of the clubarea.

“We’ve probably got one of thebiggest footprints on the foreshore ofany surf club in Australia,” Dale said.

“Renovation of the heritage-listedbuildings was part of the deal whenwe took up the new lease but, whenwe looked into it, we found that thepavilion roof was a lot worse that weoriginally thought.

“That’s when Cr Douglas said, ‘hangon, let’s have another look at it’, andshe came up with $70,000 out of herdivisional funds towards the cost ofthe repairs.

“We have a little bit more work to doon the museum, we then move on tothe nippers’ building,”Dale said as he lookedforward to anotherbusy summer seasonat his popular club.

– HENRI LACH

Southport Surf Clubgeneral manager DaleChapman.

Southport Surf Club General Manager Dale Chapman and Councillor Susie Douglas with theplaque to commemorate her efforts.

Surf lifesaving history is preserved in theSouthport Surf Club museum.

Far North Coast Zone launched its "In Zone" bursary programduring the Zone Meeting at Ballina RSL Club last month.It was a full agenda of meeting, workshop, presentations andlunch with more than 50 guests beside the picturesqueRichmond River with Zone President Jon McGregor hostingthe day.CMAA Education Manager Ralph Kober, who also presentedthe CMAA Head Office Report to the Zone Meeting,accompanied high-profile hospitality experts Ken Burgin andNino Zoccali to Ballina for the day.Nino, from Red Hot Pears and Ken, from Profitable Hospitalityopened the day’s activities with a free 90-minute workshop,“Smart Club Operators Can Make Real Profits With Food”. Ken facilitated a workshop with Nino, “Club Food,Innovations and Trends” at the CMAA Annual Conference atDarling Harbour in early April, which was one of the mostsuccessful aspects of the program and that same level ofinformation and interest travelled up Highway 1 for the ZoneWorkshop.Zone Publicity Officer Nathan Whitehead reports the workshopwas a “very informative presentation about current trends infood styles and demographics with the latest information ontechnological trends in catering equipment”.Nino is a consultant chef with degrees in economics and thearts and was at the helm of establishing Sydney’s famous OttoRistorante Italiano and taking it to internationalstats as one of Australia’s finest diningvenues.Other presenters on the day included, MichaelAlexander from Club Data Online whoaddressed the latest information on impactsfrom smoking in NSW, Queensland and theA.C.T.; Ben Smith from The Mobile IT Groupwho looked at the newly developed ClubMember IT System and website design; alongwith John Duncan and Ben Hickson fromSharp Electronics Office National whoshowcased their new SENPOS cash registersystem.President Zone President Jon McGregorwelcomed members to the Zone Meeting atto his club with Zone Secretary GordonRhodes also acting the capacity of Division EFederal Councillor.More than 50 members, directors and

industry trade representatives sat down to a superb lunch withRothbury Estate wines, Carlton and Tooheys beers.After the meal, Ken Burgin introduced Ballina RSL Club'sExecutive Chef Gerry Spatz who talked with much enthusiasmabout his experiences, his staff and the challenges faced inBallina on a Wednesday night with a black-out.Far North Coast Zone will conduct its Christmas Meeting atYamba Bowling Club on December 12.

In The Zone Far North Coast


Impressive menu of workshops, speakers and guests at Ballina

Zone President Jon McGregor with Nino Zoccalli from Red HotPears Consulting and Ken Burgin from Profitable Hospitality.

Tim McGrath from Yamba Golf Club with Zone President JonMcGregor and Stephen Seymour from Yamba Bowling Club.

Ian Wills from Maclean Bowling Club with Bill Dunn from AllstyleFurniture and Alf Morrison from Maclean Bowling Club.

Ben Smith from The Mobile IT Groupwith Zone Vice President DarrenSchipp from Casino RSM Club.

Ben Hickson and John Duncan from SharpElectronics Office National with Zone PresidentJon McGregor from Yamba Bowling Club.

It was a collection of living history – theClub Industry and the Illawarra region ofNSW – when colleagues, family andfriends gathered in Wollongong tofarewell Larry Matthews.The Wollongong RSL Bowling ClubGeneral Manager was the guest ofhonour at the City Diggers, Wollongongin mid-October when more than 100friends gathered for his send-off.Larry’s wife of 47 years, Jan, received abouquet from Club President BillJames, who paid tribute to Larry’sdedication and contribution to theFigtree club where he served as theboss for more than 26 years.Bill also thanked City Diggers GeneralManager Phil Ryan and the club Boardfor hosting the farewell along withTooheys, Foster’s and RosemountWines for their generous contribution tothe luncheon.

The “living history” in the City DiggersAuditorium included recently retiredclub executives Allan Fitzgibbon (DaptoLeagues Club) and Darcy Martin (PortKembla RSL Club).Other long-serving club managers atthe gathering included Larry’s greatmates Neil Bayo (Warilla Bowls andRecreation Club General Manager),John Wilkins (Collegians GeneralManager), Garry Wilbraham (BomaderryBowling Club General Manager), BruceDunn who now works in Albury, NeilCooper who retired to Tuncurry after along stint at Berkeley Sports and SocialClub and Larry’s life-long friend andcolleague Geoff Wilkie.Geoff spoke about the adventures thathe and Larry had shared, first with their“Tooheys Old” strategy during the beerstrikes at North Ryde RSL Club,Illawarra Master Builders Club andfinally at Wollongong RSL BowlingClub.Hal Browne spoke on behalf of clubtrade representatives before ClubsNSWChairman Peter congratulated Larry onhis extensive and impressive career andcontribution to the Club Industry.CMAA Communication ServicesManager Peter Sharp presented Larrywith an engraved pewter on behalf ofthe Federal Executive and Associationmembers across Australia. Larry servedon the executive and committee of theCMA Illawarra Shoalhaven Zone formany years.In his response, Larry said he hadenjoyed every day of his 38 years in theclub business.“I have made a lot of good friends andI’m proud that so many of them are

here today,” he told the gathering.“It was a big decision for me to retire,but I look forward spending more timeat home and travelling with my wife Janand spending time with our children,grand children and greatgrandchildren.”

32 Club Management

In The Zone Illawarra Shoalhaven


Larry’s adventures finish atWollongong RSL Bowling Club

Larry Matthews with Geoff Wilkie (left) and ClubsNSW ChairmanPeter Newell.

Larry Matthews (centre) got a big send-off from old mates (from left)Darcy Martin, Neil Bayo, Bruce Dunn, John Wilkins and AllanFitzgibbon.

Wollongong RSL Bowling Club President BillJames congratulates Larry Matthews on hisretirement at Larry’s farewell luncheon atCity Diggers, Wollongong.

Larry Matthews plans to “introduce himself”to his wife Jan once he settles intoretirement.

Master of Ceremonies Darryl “Dasher”Winnell with Warilla Bowls and RecreationClub General Manager Neil Bayo.

Sunshine Coast Zone was blessedwith the weather, the venue and thecompany for the annual charity GolfDay at Horton Park Golf Club,Maroochydore last month.Club, corporate and social teams,involving more than 40 players andsupporters, teed up or helped out forthe four-person Ambrose event onFriday, October 12.Horton Park Golf Club GeneralManager Russell Bartholomewhosted the event and long-servingCMAA Zone Executive member JohnTownsend, from Maroochy RSL Club

continued the tradition of organisingand staging the day.

In recognition of John’s efforts, ZonePresident Laurie Williams made apresentation to John following theprize-giving ceremony.

“John has done a wonderful job onthe Zone Executive and in stagingthese golf days over the years andwe thank him and wish him well,”Laurie said.

The day was well supported byCMAA partners Foster’s and Tooheys,Aristocrat, Aruze and Ainsworth.

Janelle Barraud, ACCM from BribieIsland RSL & Citizens Memorial Clubwas on the spot with her camera tocapture the sporting and socialaspects of the day.

Money raised from the eventsupports the Sunshine Coast Zone’spreferred children’s charity.

The Sunshine Coast Zone will wrapanother successful and well-attendedcalendar of Zone meetings andevents with the Christmas Meeting atMaroochy RSL Club on Friday,December 7.

In The Zone Sunshine Coast Golf Day


Golfers on course for great day at Horton Park

The CMAA VictoriaZone Committee,headed by PresidentBarry West andEducation Officer JimSmith, recentlyconvened a meeting attended byinterested managers keen toreactivate training anddevelopment in Victoria formembers and club personnel ingeneral.CMAA Education Manager RalphKober made the trip south to TheKnox Club on October 9 topresent an overview of CMDAactivities and initiatives to themeeting to assist the zone informulating a strategic approach toincreasing membership,participation at zone meetings andcreating a training anddevelopment calendar for all levelsof club personnel.Much of the discussion at the meetingrevolved around how best to attract theinterest of lapsed members and non-members, succession planning anddemystifying the ACCM Award and theRecognition of Prior Learning (RPL)pathway.The day produced a number of key

strategies that the committee willdevelop and present to members in thecoming months. Interested membersshould contact Victoria Zone EducationOfficer Jim Smith [email protected] todiscuss any aspect of the committee’splans and strategies or contribute ideason how to boost CMAA activity inVictoria.

Victoria Zone alsoconvened a meetingat the CarltonBrewhouse – at thecorner of Nelson andThompson streets –

at Abbotsford on October 31.

The Club Industry in Victoria isfacing challenging times.

Yet another new Gaming Minister(see Pages 12&13), moreGovernment change to the state’sCommunity Benefit Statementprocess on top of the final roundof non-smoking legislation hasthe industry battling on the backfoot.

On a state-to-state basis,Victorian clubs receive the lowestshare of gaming revenuegenerated in their venues.

In light of the current climate,CMAA Victoria Zone President andYarraville Club General Manager BarryWest called the meeting.

Big Dave Staughton, who was wellreceived at the CMAA annual MidYear Executive Leadership Conferenceat Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coastin early July, was guest presenter onthe day.

34 Club Management

In The Zone Victoria


CMAA Victoria focuses ontraining and development

CMAA Education Manager Ralph Kober (far left) with agroup of CMAA Victoria Zone members who attended astrategic planning meeting at The Knox Club last month.

36 Club Management

CMAA Register


ACTGreta EvansWoden Tradesmen’s Union ClubP: (02) 6285 1995F: (02) 6285 2592

NSWCITY/EASTERN SUBURBS Graeme TonksPaddington-Woollahra RSL ClubP: (02) 9331 1203F: (02) 9332 3973

MANLY NORTHERN SUBURBS Luke SimmonsNorth Sydney Leagues ClubP: (02) 9202 8888F: (02) 9955 7619

INNER WESTERN SUBURBS Michelle DenningtonWestern Suburbs Leagues ClubP: (02) 8752 2067F: (02) 9799 3696

ST GEORGE CRONULLA Shawn MorrisCaringbah Business & Sports ClubP: (02) 9524 7358F: (02) 9524 7412

NEPEAN Joseph Bayssari, ACCMSeven Hills RSL ClubP: (02) 9622 2800F: (02) 9621 8121

CENTRAL COASTDena HynesMingara Recreation ClubP: (02) 4349 7799F: (02) 4349 7800

HUNTER Ben Hamilton, ACCMCardiff RSL Memorial ClubP: (02) 4945 0766F: (02) 4956 6627

THE GREAT LAKES Christine ShannonForster Bowling ClubP: (02) 6554 6155F: (02) 6555 6526

MID NORTH COAST Glenn Buckley, ACCMWoolgoolga R.S.S. & A. ClubP: (02) 6654 1234F: (02) 6654 0156

FAR NORTH COASTPhillip Mallon, ACCMCabarita Beach Sports ClubP: (02) 6676 1135F: (02) 6676 1245

ILLAWARRA SHOALHAVEN Matthew O’HaraOak Flats Bowling & Rec ClubP: (02) 4256 1400F: (02) 4257 1050

FAR SOUTH COASTMichael O’Sullivan, ACCMMilton Ulladulla Bowling ClubP: (02) 4455 1555F: (02) 4454 0539

RIVERINA MURRAY Paul Barnes, ACCMMoama Bowling ClubP: (03) 5480 9777F: (03) 5480 9888

SOUTHERN RIVERINA Craig MuirCoomealla Memorial ClubP: (03) 5027 4505F: (03) 5027 4350

NORTH WESTERN Sharon Goodhew ACCMNarrabri RSL ClubP: (02) 6792 1844F: (02) 6792 1696

VICTORIA Jim SmithEchuca Workers & Services ClubP: (03) 5482 3140F: (03) 5482 5800

QUEENSLAND

BRISBANEJason Lynch ACCMArana Leagues ClubPh (07) 3354 1333F: (07) 3355 1264

IPSWICH DARLING DOWNS Paul PhillipsGoondiwindi RSL ClubP: (07) 4671 1269F: (07) 4671 3330

SUNSHINE COAST Tony Costain, ACCMCaloundra RSL ClubP: (07) 5491 1544F: (07) 5491 7101

GOLD COAST Bryan JonesCoolangatta Surf Life SupportersClubP: (07) 5536 4648F: (07) 5536 1322

BUNDABERGMichael HughesRSL (Queensland Branch)Maryborough Sub-Branch P: (07) 4122 2321F: (07) 4121 2571

ROCKHAMPTON/GLADSTONEWill Schroeder ACCMYaralla Sports ClubP: (07) 4972 2244F: (07) 4972 6355

DIVISION AMARIO MACHADO, ACCMAssistant CEO Hornsby RSL Club 4 High Street HORNSBY. NSW 2077P: (02) 9477 7777F: (02) 9476 2637e: [email protected]

DIVISION BIAN TODD, ACCMGeneral ManagerKingsgrove RSL ClubP.O. Box 57 KINGSGROVE. NSW 2208P: (02) 9150 6822F: (02) 9150 8466e: [email protected]

DIVISION CMICHAEL WIEZELSecretary ManagerSt Marys RSLMamre Road ST MARYS. NSW 2760P: (02) 9623 6555F: (02) 9623 5689e: [email protected]

DIVISION DSTEPHEN BYFIELD, ACCMChief Executive OfficerDiggers @ The EntranceP.O. Box 124 THE ENTRANCE 2261P: (02) 4384 8843F: (02) 4332 5717e: [email protected]

DIVISION EGORDON RHODES, ACCMChief Executive OfficerSouth Tweed Sports Club 4 Minjungbal Drive TWEED HEADS SOUTH. NSW 2486 P: (07) 5524 3655F: (07) 5524 4523 e: [email protected]

DIVISION FDAVID HISCOX, ACCMOperations ManagerDapto Leagues Club LtdP.O. Box 15 DAPTO NSW 2530P: (02) 4261 1333F: (02) 4261 8853 e: [email protected]

DIVISION GSTEPHEN CONDRENGeneral ManagerSouthport Workers Club154a Scarborough Street SOUTHPORT. QLD 4215P: (07) 5532 9944F: (07) 5531 2329e: [email protected]

DIVISION HGRANT DUFFY, ACCMSecretary ManagerNumurkah Golf & Bowls ClubP.O. Box 190 NUMURKAH. VIC 3636P: (03) 5862 3445F: (03) 5862 1264e: [email protected]

CMAA Zone Education Officers CMAA Federal Councillors

CMAA Diary Dates Zone Meetings & Industry Functions


Thursday 01-04/11/07 Sheraton Mirage Surfers Leagues Club Assn National Conf

Monday 06-19/11/07 Las Vegas CMAA Global Gaming USA Tour

Tuesday 13/11/20007 10:30 Park Beach Bowling Club Mid North Coast Zone Meeting 19:00

Wednesday 14/11/20007 15:00 Bathurst RSL Club Mid State Zone AGM 19:00

Wednesday 21/11/2007 09:30 Logan Diggers CMAA Queensland Bursaries Presentations 13:00

Tuesday 27/11/2007 09:30 Randwick Labor Club City Eastern Suburbs Zone Meeting 13:00

Wednesday 28/11/2007 09:30 Norths Leagues Club Manly Northern Suburbs Zone Meeting 13:00

Wednesday 28/11/2007 09:30 Cardiff RSL Club Hunter Zone Meeting 13:00

Friday 30/11/2007 09:00 Brighton Le Sands CMAA Executive Meeting

Friday 30/11/2007 10:30 Brighton Le Sands CMAA Federal Council Meeting

Friday 30/11/2007 13:00 Brighton Le Sands CMAA Sponsors Luncheon

Monday 03/12/2007 09:30 Taree Race Club Great Lakes Zone Meeting 10:30

Tuesday 04-05/12/2007 09:30 Tamworth Club North West State Zone Meeting 13:00

Tuesday 04/12/2007 09:00 Cronulla Leagues Club St George Cronulla Sutherland Zone Meeting 13:00

Wednesday 05/12/2007 09:30 Sydney Club Industry Advisory Council

Thursday 06/12/2007 09:30 Liverpool Catholic Club Nepean Zone Meeting 13:00

Friday 07/12/2007 10:00 Davistown RSL Club Central Coast Zone Meeting 13:00

Friday 07/12/2007 09:30 Revesby Workers Club Inner West Zone Meeting 13:00

Friday 07/12/2007 11:00 Collegians Club Illawarra/Shoalhaven Zone Meeting 13:00

Friday 07/12/2007 09:30 Maroochydore RSL Club Sunshine Coast Zone Meeting 13:00

Tuesday 11/12/2007 18:00 Burleigh Bears Club Gold Coast Zone Meeting 13:00

Tuesday 11/12/2007 09:30 Yamba Bowling Club Far North Coast Zone Meeting 13:00

Thursday 13/12/2007 09:30 Tuross Heads Far South Coast Zone Meeting 13:00

Thursday 20/12/2007 09:30 Auburn CMAA Executive Meeting

NOVEMBER 2007

DECEMBER 2007

38 Club Management www.cmaa.asn.au November 2007

CMDA Training Program

COURSES NOVEMBER DECEMBER

Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol (THHBFB09B) (LAB approved) ACCM Unit -1 Day W 14 W 5

Provide Responsible Gambling Services (THHADG03B) (LAB approved) ACCM Unit -1 Day M 19 Th 6

Armed Robbery Survival Skills - 1/2 Day Delivered in conjunction with Barringtons Th 1

Business & Report Writing - 1 Day Th 1

Senior First Aid (Workcover Approved) - 1 Day Delivered in conjunction with Barringtons Th 6

Manage Workplace Diversity THHGLEO9B - 1 Day M 10

Analyse & Report on Gaming Machine Data THHADGO1B ACCM Unit - 2 Days (Prerequisite for Gaming ManagementDevelopment Program THHADG02A) Deals with the collection, analysis, reporting of EGM data per statutory requirements &variances through cash flow analysis.

T 11 & W 12

Gaming Management Development Program -ACCM Unit - 2 x 3 Day Sessions (Develop & Manage Gaming ActivitiesTHHADGO2A) Ideal for Gaming Supervisors and Managers. Covers; EGM install and floor layouts, LAB, Gaming, HR issues,gaming promotions, advanced analysis, poker machine fraud and minor gaming activities.

(S1) M 19 – W 21 (S2) M 3 – W 5

Marketing Fundamentals - 1 Day (Prerequisite for Develop & Manage Marketing Strategies THHGLE12B) W 5 & Th 6

Monitor Staff Performance THHGLE06B ACCM Unit - 2 Days Deals with the skills and knowledge required to monitor staffperformance, includes skills in performance appraisal and counselling.

M 10 & T 11

Manage Physical Assets THHGLE16B ACCM Unit - 2 x 2 Day Sessions (S1) M 26 & T 27 (S2) M 3 – W 5

OHS Risk Management for Supervisors and Managers (Implement Workplace Health, Safety & Security ProceduresTHHGLE02B) Ideal for all supervisors and managers. Meets the training requirements for supervisors and managers as statedin the OHS Regulation 2001.

W 28 & Th 29

COURSES NOVEMBER DECEMBER

Armed Robbery Survival Skills - 1/2 Day Delivered in conjunction with Barringtons Melbourne W 5

Business & Report Writing - 1 Day Great Lakes M 19

Coaching Skills for ‘Buddy System’ Line Trainers - 1 Day (Coach Others in Job Skills THHGTRO1B) Ideal for supervisors &managers who are responsible for on-the-job training of other staff members. Deals with planning & preparing for coachingsessions, conducting sessions in the workplace and following up to monitor participant progress.

Mid State Th 1Riverina F 9

Deal with Conflict Situations THHGCS03B - 2 Days For anyone who has to lead teams, resolve conflict with staff, customersand their peers.

RiverinaW 7 & Th 8

Plan & Establish Systems & Procedures THHGGA08B - 1 Day This unit enables participants to identify, plan, develop,establish and review workplace systems and procedures assisting in operational requirements for their club.

Great Lakes T 20

Analyse & Report on Gaming Machine Data THHADGO1B ACCM Unit - 2 Days Central CoastM 12 & T 13

Financial Fundamentals (THHGFA06A & THHGLE13B) - 2 Days (Prerequisite for Financial Management THHGLE14B &THHGLE15B)

Central Coast M 26 & T 27

Monitor Staff Performance THHGLE06B ACCM Unit - 2 Days Deals with the skills and knowledge required to monitor staffperformance, includes skills in performance appraisal and counsellin .

Sunshine Coast T 20 & W 21

Courses featuring a code prefixed by either BSB or THH are nationally recognised & accredited training units. Upon successful completion of assessment requirements, participants will be issued witha Statement of Attainment and/or a Qualification. For further information contact Estelle McDonald-Birch at the CMDA, either; Phone: (02) 9643 2300 or Fax: (02) 9643 2400.

Regional Training

November-December 2007 For full content details of each of the programs contact the CMDA or referto the 2007 calendar on our website. Phone: (02) 9643 2300 www.cmaa.asn.au Email: [email protected]

Are your ACCM points up to date?ACCM Awardees are reminded that they shouldcheck the CMAA website to ensure that theirACCM activity points are up to date.

2006-2007 Active CCM Awardees:You are required to show evidence for 50 points of activity between

January 2006 – December 2007 in order to maintain active status for 2008-2009.

You have until 31 December 2007 to submit your audit form.* Check the CMAA website for details regarding new point allocation criteria (effective1st July 2007).

If you have any queries, or require an audit form, please contact Narell Harrison at CMDA.Phone: (02) 9643 2300 Fax: (02) 9643 2400 Email: [email protected]

It’s exciting times for Danielle Raynerand the team at GobsmackedEntertainment.

Between picking up a national businessaward and almost doubling their clientbase, promotional expertsGobsmacked Entertainment also hasexpanded its reach into multi-statevenues with a new product line,brought on more marketing experts to

meet growing clientdemand and

begun a nationalmarketingcampaign. Danielle,Gobsmacked’s

Director, saidthat the two

months since the2007 AustralasianGaming Expo had

been a “blissfullybusy period”for thecompany.

Danielle affectionately blames the greatexposure at the Expo for their evenstronger presence within the Australiangaming arena. "We had an incredible experience, bothin the level of attention we receivedfrom new customers and the volume ofinterest expressed from different areaswithin the gaming industry," Danielleadded. "We had a huge response frommembers within the Asian communitieswanting to secure promotions thatwould benefit the clubs and increasetheir gaming and bistro revenues. “Knowing what a huge impact thesegrowing demographics will have withinthe gaming industry, we have just

brought on a new marketing specialistwho is also fluent in both Mandarin andCantonese."

In addition to expanding their officesand client base since earning the2007Australian Business Award forBest Value Business, GobsmackedEntertainment also has enhanced itsreputation.

"I think we are simply being recognisedby clubs and among our peers asoffering incredible services that deliverresults,” Danielle said.

“We deliver these results throughincreased club revenue and we offerour services at an affordable price.

"Gobsmacked's business is built onimproving business - and we werethrilled to be acknowledged for that."

For more information on GobsmackedEntertainment’s portfolio of services tohelp boost club gaming, bistro andvenue revenue, visitwww.gobsmackedentertainment.com.auor call Danielle Rayner 0405 123 444.

What’s New


Gaming promoter earns ‘Best Value’ titleand welcomes new faces to the business

Danielle Rayner

XXXX GOLD beach cricketreturns for Aussie summerSuccess in 2007 with the XXXX GOLDBeach Cricket Tri-Nations series hasprompted Lion Nathan to bring back theevent in 2008.The debut series produced a 7% first-half uplift in segment volume-share forthe brand as 11,000 people flocked toCoolangatta, Scarborough andMaroubra beaches for the live eventsand a massive 7.1 million viewers tunedin for the broadcasts on Network Ten. A further 100,000 people visited theofficial website, and close to 400,000pieces of official merchandise wereredeemed or sold through official retailpartner, Rebel Sport.XXXX GOLD Beach Cricket DirectorAndrew Coates said the XXXX team,with event organisers Octagon, hadbeen working to tweak the concept forthe 2008 series which starts in earlyJanuary.XXXX GOLD Beach Cricket is a conceptdeveloped from scratch by Lion Nathanand its agency partners. The concept has been so successfulthat the 2007 inaugural series broadcastwas on-sold to eight networks across

the globe, including networks in theUnited Kingdom, India, South Africa,New Zealand and Asia. The XXXX GOLD Beach Cricket Tri-Nations series will be staged at:➣ Scarborough Beach, Perth on 5th

and 6th January; ➣ Glenelg Beach, Adelaide, on 9th

January; ➣ Maroubra Beach, Sydney, on 12th

and 13th January; ➣ Coolangatta Beach, Gold Coast, on

19th and 20th January (including theGrand Final).

At each event, teams will play each otherin a seven-a-side match with the top twoteams competing in an event final. The XXXX GOLD Beach Cricket Tri-Nations series grand final will involve the

two teams to have played the most finalsover the three weeks of competition. Leading the Australian side again is AllanBorder with 2007 team-mates DennisLillee, Jeff Thomson, Damien Fleming,Dean Jones and Mark Waugh with newadditions Darren Lehmann, Stuart Lawand Michael Bevan.Graham Gooch returns as England teamcaptain with 2007 veterans Robin Smith,Gladstone Small, Adam Hollioake,Graeme Hick and boosted this year withAngus Fraser, Phil Defreitas and JohnEmburey.Martin Crowe leads the Kiwis with SirRichard Hadlee, Mark Greatbatch,Danny Morrison, Nathan Astle, DionNash, Dipak Patel and Chris Cairns.Tickets for the events were released atnoon on November 1 and available atwww.xxxxgoldbeachcricket.com.au

40 Club Management

What’s New


Tooheys maintains the traditionTooheys forms part of Lion NathanLimited, a premium alcoholicbeverages company that produces,markets and distributes approximately900 million litres of Australia and NewZealand’s favourite beer brandsannually.Tooheys also sells and markets someof Australasia's leading wine and spiritbrands.With five breweries across Australia,including Tooheys in Sydney andCastlemaine Perkins in Queensland,Lion Nathan is home to many of thecountry's leading beer brands,including:➣ XXXX GOLD - Australia's second-

largest beer brand and mid-strengthmarket leader

➣ Tooheys New - Australia's third-largest beer brand and leading tapbeer in NSW

➣ Tooheys Extra Dry - a leading brewamong 18 to 24-year-olds

➣ Hahn Premium Light - Australia'sNo.1 light beer

➣ Hahn Super Dry - a full-strength, full-flavoured, low-carbohydrate variety

➣ Beck's and Heineken - two of thelargest and fastest-growing

international premium offerings ➣ James Squire range of craft brews -

Australia's finest craft offering Through these brands, Lion Nathanand Tooheys support a vast array ofprofessional and grass-roots sportingteams and associations, alogn withnumerous events across the sporting,cultural and social spheres.To discover moreabout Lion Nathanand its brands, go tothe website atwww.lion-nathan.com or speakto your Tooheys salesrepresentative.

Carlsberg ‘Club’ bottlelaunched in AustraliaFollowing hot on news aboutCarlsberg entering the Foster’sportfolio is introduction of theCarlsberg “Club” bottle to Australia.Now the global standard bottle forDenmark’s premium all-malt lager, theclub bottle is being introduced fromNovember 1. The sleek shape epitomises Danishdesign. The Carlsberg name is verticallyembossed and the bottle contoured tothe hand. Modern touches complement thetraditions of the brand and it has beenpopular with premium beer drinkersaround the world.Announced earlier this year, Foster’snow seels and markets Carlsberg inAustralia. Advertising for the brand started inAugust, including subscription TV,outdoor and print, with moresupport to come.The next big launch for thebrand in Australia will beCarlsberg in draught. This is the first time the forth-biggest beer globally will beavailable on tap in Australia.Made “by appointment to theDanish Royal Court”, theCarlsberg brewery wasfounded in 1847. A unique aroma hop givesthe beer its distinctive fruityand floral taste.For more information, contacta Foster’s representative1800 007 282.

VB Mid - great cold mid in Draught In May, Foster’s launched VBMidstrength Lager into Australia’ssecond largest and second-fastestgrowing beer segment. After a blistering first five months in bottleand can, VB Mid is now available indraught. The best cold midstrength fromAustralia’s favourite beer is nowpositioned to grow even further acrossthe summer. VB Mid kegs started rolling out of thebrewery last month, in time for Bathurst1000 with widespread availability byNovember. The VB Mid draught launch is the lateststep in the VB Mid rollout, which will seea total support program of approximately$7 million through to next year. In 19 weeks since launch, VB Mid hassecured 8.5% of the Australian mid-strength market and 1% of the totalAustralian beer market in value terms.VB Mid to date is the most successfulbrand launch for the Foster’s business ina decade. The brand has achieved this without yetcompeting in draught, which istestament to the position VB holds in theheart of Australian beer drinkers. VB fans, particularly in NSW, Queenslandand Northern Territory, have all given VBMid the thumbs up, with the 3.5% ABVbeer carrying the great VB taste at onestandard drink per stubby or can. Supported since launch, both in storeand through advertising, the VB Mid TV

commercial has continued to driveawareness and trial since July in keymarkets in northern Australia. To accompany its launch in draught,customers can expect an impressiverange of POS and bar ware to beavailable, along with continued mediasupport in the coming months. Also available now are VB Mid long-necks. The 750ml bottle completes the fullrange of VB Mid options, providingconsumers with an option for everydrinking occasion. VM Marketing Manager Ben Wicks said

after, a warm welcome from VB drinkers,the introduction of VB Mid in draughtmeans mid drinkers have a new option.VB Mid is the first mainstream VB lineextension boasting all of its highlyrecognisable trademarks – the stubby,the VB roundel and taglines, although itis easily distinguished from the originalby its gold colour scheme. Available to consumers nationally sinceMay 1, VB Mid comes in 375ml stubbiesand 375ml cans, now also 750ml longnecks and in draught. Contact a Foster’s representative or1800 007 282 for more information onVB Mid.

What’s New


Low-carb beer with Boag’s flavour Tasmanian premium brewer, J.Boag &Son has responded to the growingdemand among Australian beer drinkersfor a high-quality, low-carbohydrate

beer.Boag’s Classic Blonde is a full-strength lager at 4.5% alcohol,specially brewed to reduce thecarbohydrate level to one-thirdof regular beers.Like all J.Boag & Son beers,Classic Blonde is brewed with1881 yeast, providing theBoag’s signature flavour beerdrinkers associate withquality of brewing.The low-carbohydrate beermarket in Australia has beengrowing for the past twoyears and now accounts forapproximately 6% of theregular beer market,

representing the biggest shift inAustralian beer market share for manyyears.J.Boag & Son Director of Sales andMarketing Lyndon Adams said theBoag’s Classic Blonde launch marks anew era in low-carb beer drinking. “With more people watching what theyeat and drink, Boag’s saw anopportunity to offer a product thatdoesn’t sacrifice quality and flavour -low in carbohydrates,” Lyndon said. J.Boag & Son Director of BrewingRichard Benwell said Classic Blondewas a major challenge to develop. “The challenge was to never sacrificetaste, depth of flavour, and quality thatdrinkers have come to expect of J.Boag& Son,” Richard said. “The brewingteam trialled many different brewingtechniques with different temperaturesand differing fermentation periods tokeep the yeast active, reducing thecarbohydrates but retaining the Boag’ssignature flavour.

“For well over a year we worked onperfecting this beer. “We went back to the drawing board onmany occasions and, after several trials,we developed a beer with a clean, freshand slightly fruity aroma and crisp, dryfinish and pleasant lingering bitterness.”The full-flavour beer is easy to drink andis perfect with spicy and hot foods aswell as seafood.Classic Blonde, which was releasednationally in mid-October, is the onlyTasmania-brewed low-carbohydratebeer in the marketplace and available in375ml bottles.

VB Mid Ambassador Scott Cam (left) with Foster’s NSW General Manager Shane Richardson.

Australian company onscent to global successMelbourne-based Air Aroma Internationalis now the largest supplier of scentdiffusion technology in the worldfollowing its entry into the United Statesthrough Air Aroma America.The US is the latest link in Air Aroma’sglobal distribution chain that spansEurope, the Middle East, Asia Pacificand now North and South America. The Australian company designs andmanufactures scent diffusion systemswhich release a micro-mist of 100% pureessential oil blends and perfume qualityaroma oils.Chief Executive Officer for Air AromaInternational, John van Roemburg saysthe creation of Air Aroma Americameans they can deliver scent systems,solutions and strategies 24 hours a dayto any country in the world, which isimportant for companies that maintain aconsistent global brand.“Air Aroma’s global distribution networkmeans businesses can use our scentmarketing technology in all outletsacross the world allowing them to

communicate their brand’s imagethrough the most powerful senseavailable,” John says.While still an emerging market inAustralia, the use of scent marketing iswidely accepted in Europe, Asia and theUSA. Marketing experts recently predicted thatscent based advertising will become oneof the top 10 marketing trends of 2007.Behind the marketing and advertisingappeal of scent is the science.

The human sense of smell plays animportant role in memory because scentreceptors in the nose connect directly tothe section of the brain responsible formemory and emotions. So powerful, in fact, the nose is believedto affect 75% of our daily emotions.“As well as being important to memoryand emotions the sense of smellprovides the body with its first warningsigns of danger, so it’s important thatscents are high quality and free of harshchemicals to avoid being offensive to thenose,” John says.Due to this sensitivity Air Aroma only useessential oils and aroma oils sourcedfrom leading suppliers in the world,including France – the internationalleader in fragrances and perfumes. The company blends all essential oils intheir head office laboratory.Air Aroma services hotels, retail stores,hospitals, fitness centres andentertainment venues, developingindividual scenting packages, uniquelyformulated signature scents and diffusersystems.Further information at www.air-aroma.com

42 Club Management

What’s New


Foster’s awards community grant to Spectrum Foster’s Group has awarded Spectrum EmploymentServices with a community grant for its project, “SteppingStones”. Foster’s Community Grants is an important part ofits Community Program.

Complementing the grassroots nature of Foster's communitysponsorships and its employee-driven communitycontributions, the Grants Program supports high-qualityoutcomes by awarding grants to community-buildingprojects in the areas of wellness, culture and theenvironment.

“Foster’s received a large number of high-calibresubmissions, so Spectrum Employment Services should feelextremely proud of their achievement in what was a highlycompetitive process,” Foster’s Group CommunicationsManager NSW/ACT Liz O’Neill said.

“We’re excited to be involved with ‘Stepping Stones’ andabout the potential the project has to make a meaningfuland long-term impact in this community.”

Spectrum Employment Services works towards alleviatingpoverty and improving the prosperity of the communitieswhere they work by providing training, education andemployment for unemployed people.

Spectrum works in partnership with employers, communityorganisations, government and the unemployed to maximiseopportunities and provide employment and trainingopportunities through their property maintenance andlandscaping businesses.

Spectrum provides unemployed trainees with theopportunity to enroll in a 12-month Certificate III in StructuralLandscaping.

Having completed the traineeship, graduates are employedwithin Spectrum Landscape Services or within an alternatelandscape industry employer.

Spectrum approached Foster’s Community Grants with theidea of establishing a landscape work experience program,to provide at-risk youth with the opportunity to experiencethe traineeship before leaving school.

“Stepping Stones will help an extremely vulnerable group ofyoung people to work towards a very real future career,”Spectrum CEO Mark King added. “Many of the participantshave limited support structures or direction once they leaveschool and, thanks to the support of Foster’s CommunityGrants, we are now able to offer a structured earlyintervention program that can act as the first step in theirprofessional lives.” For information about Foster’s Community Grants and toreview the grant process, criteria and terms and conditions,visit www.fosterscommunitygrants.com

Air Aroma International’s CEO John van Roemburg.

(from left) Spectrum Chairman Peter Longbon, Foster’s BusinessDevelopment Manager Narelle Clark, Spectrum Community ServicesManager Maria Day, Spectrum Landscape Services Manager PeterChia, Project Development Manager Cath James, Spectrum CEOMark King, Foster’s Sales Manager Ken Johnston.

By HARRY MANTZOURATOS *

A growing number of Club Industrymanagement and staff are benefitingfrom the “Transition to Retirement”article published last year in CMAMagazine. The strategy has been a winner as ithelps eligible people choose to work,reduce tax and build greatersuperannuation benefits withoutchanging their lifestyle. In a nutshell, if you’re over 55, you cansalary sacrifice a portion of youremployment income andsimultaneously draw down on yoursuperannuation. This is accomplished by using a Non-Commutable Allocated Pension(NCAP).Importantly, there is no requirement toreduce your working hours. This means it’s possible to salarysacrifice a substantial portion of incomeinto superannuation, while still receivinga regular payment from asuperannuation fund.Because of the tax benefits, an NCAPstrategy can boost superannuationsavings without impacting on take-home income.

The NCAP Budget ‘booster’ Thanks to the 2006 Federal Budgetannouncement that superannuationwithdrawals will be tax-free after theage of 60, the case for using an NCAPstrategy becomes even morecompelling from July 1, 2007.

Sally’s NCAP advantage …Sally is 55 years old and works full-timein the hospitality industry. As a restaurant manager she earns$80,000 per annum and, during her

working life, she has accumulated$300,000 in superannuation, which isinvested in a growth fund that returnsan estimated 6.4% after tax and fees.Initially, Sally is reluctant to start anNCAP strategy because she does notwant to sacrifice any income she isreceiving. But her adviser explains that it’spossible to receive exactly the sametake-home income using an NCAP andto boost her superannuation savings. Figure 1 shows how an NCAP wouldwork in the first year, assuming Sallyreceives the maximum NCAP paymentof $30,000.Even better, Sally’s adviser explains thatacross the projected 10-year period, anNCAP strategy can boost hersuperannuation savings by around$90,000 with no change to her lifestyle.

Figure 1: Sally’s NCAP benefit

➣ Assumptions: The projections in thisstrategy are based on variousassumptions, including but notlimited to …

➣ maximum pension payment $30,000in year 1

➣ salary sacrifice = $38,029 in year 1 ➣ no change in take-home pay

before/after strategy➣ no change in risk profile ➣ estimated investment return (growth

portfolio) = 6.4% pa (superannuation)and 7.3% pa (pension)

➣ all investment earnings figures areafter tax and after fees

➣ no change in Super Guaranteecontributions, i.e. 9% of $80,000

➣ ongoing administration fees are notincluded

* Note that payment received from anNCAP is eligible for a rebate of up to15% if aged 55 to 59 years. Thepayment is tax-free from July 1, 2007 ifover 60 years.For more information on how to benefitfrom an NCAP, contact HarryMantzouratos on (02) 9299 5099 oremail [email protected]

* HARRY MANTZOURATOS is CharteredAccountant – Financial Planning Specialistand authorised representative of CharterFinancial Planning

Finance & Business


A great time to be ‘stuck in the middle’

Before NCAP with NCAP Gross earnings $80,000 $80,000Deductible super contribution/Salary sacrifice $0 ($38,029)NCAP $0 $30,000__________ __________Total tax payable ($21,050) ($13,021)Take-home pay $58,950 $58,950

HarryMantzouratos

CashCode has formed of a dedicatedglobal gaming group within the CranePayment Solutions infrastructure tosupport the specific needs of gamingmanufacturers and operatorsworldwide.As part of this restructure, Sim Bielak

has taken the role of Vice President,Sales and Business Development,

Gaming. Sim will lead the team

responsible forgrowing sales and

customer satisfaction into the gaming vertical, which isCashCode’s main market.

Sim joined CashCode in 1999 as Canadian Sales Managerand moved through several sales leadership roles, includinghis most recent role as Vice President Sales and Marketing –CashCode.

Sim has completed the executive sales management programthrough the Schulich School of Business at York University inToronto, Canada.

He will be located at CashCode’s head office, just outside ofToronto, Canada and can be contacted at +1 905 303 8874ext: 2335 or [email protected]

Bielak heads up CashCode gaming program

Sim Bielak

Festive bubblesI’m glad Samantha mentioned FrenchChampagne, because you can’t haveenough bubbles coming into theChristmas-New Year festive season.Some of the real highlights of theseason come from good champagneand, if you’re looking for a couple ofwines outside the mainstream, look nofurther than Pol Roger and Bollinger.These two brands fly under the radarsomewhat compared to theirmainstream cousin such as Moet andVeuve, yet they offer a new experiencein drinking.Pol Roger Brut Non Vintage is thedefinitive house-style, composed from30 still-base wines drawn from at leasttwo vintages and the three varieties ofchampagne - Pinot Noir, Chardonnayand Pinot Meunier blended in equalportions. It’s the perfect aperitif Champagne thatis not released until it is at least threeyears old. Contact their distributor - Samuel Smithand Son (1800 424 383) - for details.Unlike many Champagne houses,Bollinger only produces two differentblends - that designed for the SpecialCuvée, and that which will becomeGrande Année.

The blend forthe SpecialCuvée is an idealversion of the classicchampagne blend,using the differentgrapes of a given yearfrom a variety of crus,with the addition ofolder, reserve wines. This blend necessarilyincorporates subtle variations each yearwhile remaining consistent to a style. It is, therefore, the hardest of all tomake. It contains the full expression of theBollinger style and the house feels itshould be judged onthis, its benchmarkwine. Contact their distributor–Fine Wine Partners(1300 668 712) - fordetails.If the budget forFrench stretches youa little, then theAussie brands to goshopping for includeJansz, Croser,Sallinger & thewines from DomaineChandon.

Aussie reds bestin the businessIt’s official, Australia makes world’s bestred wine … well, according to the 2007International Wine Challenge, WirraWirra does.McLaren Vale winery Wirra Wirra wasofficially announced International RedWinemaker of the Year at the recentprestigious 2007 International WineChallenge Awards Dinner in London. An enormous achievement, WirraWirra was the only Australian winery tobe short-listed for the accolade andbeat off stiff competition includingwineries from Chile and Italy in the finalassessment Senior winemaker,Samantha Connew, who’s currentlyworking in Spain, attended the dinnerto accept the award. “I was terrified,”Samantha said. “As anyone who’sanyone in the wine industry seemed tobe in that room, it was like the Oscarsof the wine industry.” It’s a tremendous endorsement to theteam in South Australia who arelegendary passionate about red … fromtheir flagship RSW and The AngelusCabernet to the popular Scrubby Riseand religiously followed Church Block.“While we might have won the awardfor our red wines, I think we might drinksome Champagne over the next fewdays, maybe weeks,” Samanthaadded. The International Wine Challenge is oneof the world’s biggest and most-respected wine competitions. More than 465 winemakers, merchantsand writers from around the worldmake up the respected judging panel,including more than 40 Masters ofWine, deliberating over 9,358 wines.The 2004 Wirra Wirra Dead RingerCabernet Sauvignon impressed thejudging panel earlier this year, awardingit a total of three trophies, including“Best International CabernetSauvignon”. Known by its original name, “TheAngelus” in Australia, the premiumMcLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon wasrenamed internationally due to a well-regarded 1er Grand Cru Classe winefrom St Emilion, taking particularexception to the similarity in name. It was christened “Dead Ringer”, forobvious reasons. The 2004 Angelus CabernetSauvignon is sold out in Australia andthe 2005 vintage was released lastmonth for $55(rrp).

Brendan Bate Wine [email protected] 683 750 (m)

44 Club Management www.cmaa.asn.au November 2007

Bate’s Vintage with BRENDAN BATE

Jewel … Australia’s first light sparklingYellowglen has launched Australia’s firstdedicated lower-calorie sparkling withYellowglen Jewel Yellow and Pink. Jewel is 30% lower in calories and 40%lower in alcohol and available in 750mlbottles, each containing 3.6 standarddrinks.Yellowglen Jewel makes a great light

sparkling alternative for consumerslooking to reduce calories or for alighter alcohol at 6% alc/vol.As the first light sparkling to market,Jewel offers the hospitalityindustry and liquor retailers greatopportunity for incremental growthin the sparkling category.These new products are designedto appeal to non-sparklingdrinkers, occasional sparkling

drinkers and lifestyle consciousconsumers by providing an alternative totraditional sparkling.Yellowglen has a successful trackrecord in product development based onconsumer insights. The highly successful Yellowglen Pink(2003), Yellowglen Vintage Bella (2005)and Yellowglen Vintage Perle (2005)have driven incremental sales in thecategory and now rank nationally asNo.3, 14 and 55 sparkling products byvalue respectively. The Yellowglen brand is growing at7.7% which also offers increasedopportunities for incremental growth. Yellowglen Jewel is supported by pointof sale materials followed by above-the-line advertising from mid-2007. Yellowglen Jewel Yellow 750ml andYellowglen Jewel Pink 750ml areavailable nationally with RRP$13.99

My Pick

Pol Brut Reserve NVWhen the opportunity arises, this ismy favourite French Champagne. Itdisplays a consistently soft mouthfeel, and the finish of the wine is dry.It may sound a little strange, but you

just let this evolve in your mouth andthe textures of the wine really are theexperience, regardless of the finaltaste. It is fabulous with seafood -fresh oysters, light bugs and prawndishes - and is diverse enough to sitalone as a first up evening drink. Goon, spoil her.

publication no pp227838/003 time to decide€¦ · facts and not hysteria. all club managers are...

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