At the recent ClubsNSW Annual Conference the NSW Premier Mike Baird and the Minister for Hospitality, Gaming and Racing Troy Grant signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ClubsNSW. The MoU – Resilient Clubs, Resilient Communities – establishes the NSW Government’s club policy platform to be taken to the March 2015 State Election. The broad suite of measures in the MoU builds upon the key commitments achieved in the last agreement signed in 2010, and are designed to provide stability and certainty for clubs, recognise and protect the valuable work clubs do in the community, and guarantee the economic contribution the industry makes to the NSW economy.
“Clubs are the lifeblood of communities across NSW, featuring 719 bowling greens, 353 golf courses, 100 tennis facilities and 96 sporting fields,” Mr Baird said. “Clubs are also one of the State’s biggest employers, providing jobs to 42,000 people and contributing more than $3.2 billion a year to State’s economy. “This MOU builds on key commitments already achieved in the last agreement signed in 2010, and ensures further investment for the future of clubs and the NSW economy. “We’ve come to an agreement that sees tax rates affecting clubs frozen for another four years.
“We also recognise the important role many clubs play in sheltering communities, and supporting emergency services during natural disasters and other emergencies. “Under this agreement, local clubs and emergency services will partner to enhance the capabilities of clubs to act as evacuation centres and determine if funding could assist capital upgrades, such as dam expansions, and other support measures. “Last October’s devastating bush fires are a prime example of the pivotal role clubs play in providing a temporary home for displaced residents and hardworking emergency services personnel during a natural disaster.
Mr Grant said the NSW Government recognises that the vast majority of clubs are safe, well regulated venues which play a role in supporting local communities and residents. “Clubs have a significant reach into all our communities and are dedicated to providing the best services to benefit patrons,” Mr Grant said. “We share the industry’s vision for a strong, viable and sustainable club sector and this MOU goes a long way to providing certainty for the future.”
In a further commitment to community involvement on Friday 10th October, the club hosted the signing of a new partnership between RSL Clubs and Fire & Rescue NSW. The partnership launched by Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres and FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins is a campaign to ensure as many members of the community as possible are aware of how to keep their homes safe from fire. For our part the club will be using our member communication channels to get the fire safety message to our members.
Pleased to see our Kokoda Trekkers (sponsored jointly by the Club and the sub Branch) have made it back to us safe and sound. We are looking forward to these young people relating to us their experience on one of the most challenging treks in the world.
Congratulations to Penrith RSL Junior Rugby Union in winning the U16 ISC Teamwear Youth Girls Sevens Tournament in their first season in the competition.
Neville K Barnier Dip FP, MAICD
President and Chair of the Board
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