CEO Report – May 2014
To say 2013 was a good year for our Club is an understatement. I am happy to report that 2013 has been one of the most successful years to date for Penrith RSL Club. With our membership reaching an all time high and financial results the best since 2005, it is obvious our Strategic Plan that was approved in 2011 is paying dividends. I congratulate the Board of Directors for their dedication, support and diligence in decision making. Many changes were identified and implemented resulting in a return to profitability.
Club Development
The decision to outsource our catering operations has been one of the most significant reasons for our success in 2013. Both Star Buffet and Maze Cafe have had an enormous impact on the Club.
With its reputation as one of the best buffets in Western Sydney, Star Buffet served over 200,000 patrons throughout 2013. Special occasions such as Mothers Day and Christmas Day were completely sold out with families enjoying the great value for money dining experience.
For a coffee & cake, delicious snack or sumptuous meal Maze Cafe is the place to visit. Maze also caters for our functions from corporate training to weddings and birthday parties. Whatever your needs the professional staff at Maze will ensure all your requirements are met.
Representatives from numerous clubs throughout Sydney have visited our Club to experience the catering success that has been the talk of the industry, placing Penrith RSL truly on the radar as a venue to visit.
Internal renovations have refreshed and modernised the environment of the Club while continuing to offer our members the best facilities. These renovations included carpeting the entire club, internal and external painting, new furniture and a new revamped gaming floor.
Community
Congratulations to Amy Gilford and Ryan Simmons for successfully completing the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge in October 2013. These two amazing young people have since relayed their stories to our sub-Branch members and have been exceptional ambassadors of our Club.
In response to the devastating bushfires experienced last year by our neighbours in the Blue Mountains, Penrith RSL opened its doors as an emergency evacuation centre and provided $10k donation to bushfire appeal.
Penrith RSL Club is proud to be part of a drive to introduce Junior Rugby Union into the Penrith community by Sponsorship of the Penrith Junior Rugby Union. The Club is heavily involved in mentoring programs to assist local students to achieve their goals via programs like Max Potential. Another program the Club is proud to be associated with is Primary Ethics where primary school children have the opportunity to attend these thought provoking classes. These programs are all designed to offer the youth of our community opportunities to grow and develop to the best of their ability.
Future
To grow our business further, it is apparent that we need to start growing the site beyond its current footprint and start to develop the underutilised land around the club. To thoroughly explore all opportunities, the club has engaged the services of a professional town planner who will assist with a Master Plan to look at the current and long term development opportunities. This process will be carried out in consultation with Penrith City Council who has a keen interest in future develop of the eastern end of Penrith CBD.
Our current land holding in Penrith is significant and includes the club site at 8 Tindale St, the neighbouring 10 Tindale St and the investment property located on the corner of Woodriff and Lethbridge St’s. The Master Plan will include all these sites for future developments.
Despite the political and legislative uncertainty surrounding the gaming and alcohol industry, our 2014 financial outlook remains positive. Our Strategic Plan and Master Plan will ensure that the club will continue to deliver impressive results.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our Chairman, Neville Barnier for his leadership and direction through 2013 and the Board of Directors for their unwavering dedication to our club. I also thank our executive team of Brian Bellomo, Frank Raiti, Karen Harrison and Peta Imber for their outstanding contribution and our Duty Managers and staff for their hard work, dedication and commitment. Our proud team is committed to Penrith RSL and its members.
I look forward to your continued support and hope to see you at the AGM.
Neel Chand
Chief Executive Officer
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