May 2008 President's newsletter
We have just completed our national day of remembrance, Anzac Day. The day brings mixed feelings to all Australians. From the dawn service, to the morning services, to the two-up and to the Legacy charity day of bowls and golf at the Tin Can Bay Country Club, Tin Can Bay and Cooloola Cove residents remembered. Anzac Day was the first charity day for the year with proceeds of over $1100 going to Legacy. Our next Golf and Bowls charity day will be held on Sunday 28th May in aid of the local Ambulance and Rainbow Beach Surf Life Saving club. I hope all keen golfers and bowlers can make it.
April also provided us with a week of ankle-biters hanging around home. The
weather was kind, some of the time, so the kids got to play outside most of
the time. The inconsistent weather at the moment is causing problems to our
sporting members with golf and bowls having lower participation numbers and
occasionally having to be rescheduled.
Both the federal and state governments appear to be competing with one another
over who can come up with a new idea on how to reduce gaming or the consumption
of liquor. The states’ new liquor licensing laws have still to be confirmed
but it does appear that trading hours are to be reduced and we may have to apply
for special exemptions to trade before 10am. Clubs Queensland is continuing
to campaign on behalf of all clubs for a responsible outcome to the changes.
Although a great number of Australians would involve themselves in any form
of gambling, poker machines seem to be the main focus in reducing “problem
gambling”. Depending on what figures you look at “problem gamblers”
are only a minor section of our society. We will try to help these people but
we cannot control them and they must make their own decision to give up their
gambling addiction.
The Labour Day weekend supplies us with a number of activities. The Ladies Bowls
are holding a two day bowls carnival commencing on Monday. If you are looking
for something different to do on then go no further than the model aeroplane
ground to see the “Warbirds”. They will be in action on Saturday
and Sunday from about 8.30am onwards. Visiting planes from around the state
will certainly test the locals.
Trading. The previous two months of February and March have
seen a downturn in trading. This can be explained by a number of factors including
the weather, the increase in interest rates and by the push of the government
to slow down consumption of alcohol and the reduction of gambling. Hopefully
April will reverse these trends but the Board and management are closely scrutinising
where it can reduce expenditure and increase income.
Membership Fees. The Board has decided that all membership
fees and charges for the 2008-09 year will remain the same as this year. The
constitution and its by-laws state that subscription notices for membership
fees will be forwarded to each member during May. The renewal notice will remind
members that their fees are due to be paid prior to 1st July, 2008. All membership
cards from the previous year will become invalid on that date. As per the constitution
membership will be terminated if the membership fees are in arrears for a period
of one month. Please make sure that your membership fees are paid in advance.
Sport. The pennants season has now finished for the golfers.
The Men’s team came home with a flourish but due to some close losses
at the beginning of the competition failed to make the final. This will make
a great launching pad for next years’ competition. The Ladies teams had
mixed results, being very competitive, but unfortunately did not win enough
to bring home any trophies. The bowls pennants will commence later in the year
with the defence of the Men’s Division 1 championship.
Bowlers and Golfers make sure that you have pencilled in the Mitre 10 day to
be held on Sunday 8th June (Queens Birthday weekend).
Staffing. A new addition to our bar staff, local girl Jade
Simpkins, has started and we wish her well in her new role.
Promotions. Congratulations to Donna Rogers in winning the
Sunday raffle jackpot of $900. The poker machine promotion of $1000 cash was
to be drawn on Thursday 1st May and congratulations to the winner. The $1000
in cash prizes will be drawn on Sunday 11th May so make sure you are in attendance
at the raffle to get your share of the booty.
See you at the T.C.B. Country Club.
Stephen Wallis.
President TCBCC