OUR FUTURE
Rod Thomas
5 key areas continue to be priority areas for our continued success.
1. Attraction and Retention of Members. ASC has a
very viable, overall numerically steady membership
base, with around 180 individual and family units.
* The average age of our membership is increasing, a
trend being experienced by the large majority of sailing
and sporting clubs. We need to attract more families and
junior members.
* The current club members need to continue to work
on providing activities and services which attract new
members and retain a high proportion of long term and
newer members.
2. Club finances. Our club finances are in a solid position.
* In 2013/14 we again delivered a small overall profit.
Club assets have improved, with a small increase in cash
assets, and use of funds to maintain and improve our
physical assets.
* A balanced budget has been set for 2014/15, with a
small increase in fees linked to inflation to balance expected increases in key expense areas (insurance, rent,
affiliation fees, utilities).
* We need to continue to conduct a diverse range of activities which generate funds including : hall hires, training courses, regattas, corporate and group 'Discover Sailing" type sessions.
* The general committee aims to continue the good management of revenue and expenses and make best use of
consolidated funds to provide value to members.
* In 2013/14 a new drinks refrigerator, and fridge/
freezer for the galley were purchased. New inflatable marks were also purchased.
* A range of maintenance items were attended to
including: painting upstairs clubrooms walls,
plumbing, electrical and emergency items.
* There were again some cleaning contractor
problems, now hopefully resolved with appointment of a new cleaner. Cleaning and garbage removal has been a cost growth area.
* We need to continue to maintain and improve
facilities where prudent to do so. Possible areas
for capital and maintenance improvements are
being identified and are to be prioritised.
* Our clubrooms lease is up for renewal in 2017,
and will be a key item to consider over the next
2yrs.
5. Management of club activities
* In 2013 we had difficulties with our membership database and processes. The club treasurer
has worked hard on short term fixes. Longer term
options are being investigated. Over coming
months we will look to implement effective IT
solutions to manage Membership and possibly
some other club management functions.
To continue to provide a full sailing program,
good facilities and equipment, and good servicing of members we need both longer standing
and newer members to volunteer and be developed to undertake club committee roles and the
range of support tasks.
We need to continue to strengthen relationships
with stakeholders including : Parks Victoria,
3. Club boat fleet A fleet of club sail and power boats is Yachting Victoria, Albert Park Yacht Club, YV
Boatshed, and other Victorian sailing clubs.
a distinct advantage for our club.
* In 2013/14 a second hand Laser was donated to the
club, 3 more plastic Ozi Optis purchased (now 9 in total), After 3 years as Commodore I have stood down
and an RIB powercraft purchased. The 'Lake Red' RIB from this position. I will continue on Committee
as Immediate Past Commodore. I look forward to
and 3 Minnows were disposed of.
* The primary use of club sailboats is in training pro- us all continuing to enjoy sailing on Albert Park
grams, and by newer members post training. Demands Lake and with working together to continue to
for more hiring and possibly boat leasing continue to be have one of the best dinghy sailing clubs in Australia.
addressed.
* The fleet of sailboats is ageing. We need to continue ————————————————————
to well maintain what we have and look at renewal for
WORKING WITH CHILDREN
the future. Needs and financial considerations will be
important.
All committee members and trainers are required to
have a current working with children check.
4. Club facilities
We continue to be well setup with facilities to service
Application is made at Post Offices and are free, exour members and our activities.
cept that a photograph will be taken and must be paid
for. The check will need to be renewed every 5 years.
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