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UPDATE : CANBERRA SERVICES CLUB 66th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SUNDAY 29 APRIL 2012 The meeting opened at 11.05 am with approximately 60 members present.
Apologies
Malcolm Stewart, Vice President, chaired the meeting
A minute’s silence was observed for members who had passed away during the year and for members of the armed forces who were lost overseas. Members known to have passed away since the last AGM were Jim Watt, Arthur Burt and James Doherty. The Minutes of the 65th Annual General Meeting, the President’s report and the Club’s audited Financial Reports were all accepted. The chairman thanked the auditor for his attendance and his clarification of matters raised.
There being an equal number of nominations to vacancies Malcolm Stewart and Dennis Gellatly were appointed Directors, and Brooke Schofield Associate Director. The two new Directors were welcomed by acclimation.
Changes to the Constitution were accepted. These were required due to amendments to the Gambling and Racing Act which demands that all members be allowed to vote for all positions on the board. We now have Service members and Associate members and all Club members now have equal voting rights. The Club’s solicitors made these changes to ensure we comply with the Gambling and Racing Act. The constitution is on the Club website.
Board members updated members on the Club rebuild:
Stage 1 – Site clearance, Insurance, determining viability of the Club, Creditors/loans paid. Business Interruption Insurance to be paid
Stage 2 – How do we rebuild, find out what the members want, ensure we have a viable business plan which will last in the future.
After operating expenses, we will have approximately $1.3m and will require additional sources of funds. We prefer to be the sole equity partner in our club and don’t want the involvement of a developer. This would require bank financing.
The lease is restrictive and states “for the purposes of a Canberra Services Club” and has 25 years to run. It is very expensive to change our lease so we have been seeking the support of the ACT Government for a longer lease and changed conditions, eg our business plan shows that a single storey building of 1000 sq metres would struggle to be viable. We will be assisted by Point Project Management in setting design parameters based on input from the board and members. We need to retain the atmosphere etc. Tender is going out next month for concepts from architects. Our efforts to raise equity will be enhanced if we can have other income streams such as office space. The Club was struggling to remain viable before the fire.
A building based on the current lease terms appears unviable and may not keep the Club alive into the future. We may need at least 3 levels, a Club on the Ground, Offices on top, eg Veterans centre, community/aged care – we need to maintain the concept of a services club to meet our club's overall objectives. The original building was a temporary facility brought down from Queensland and made of red cedar which is prohibitively expensive to reproduce. We are developing a financial model that will be sustainable well into the future. We will use the website to keep members up to date.
We have a cooperative relationship with Manuka Oval Precinct which is a very large redevelopment however we need to be cognisant of the ACT Government’s intentions for the Manuka Oval Precinct Redevelopment. We hope to start building in late 2012.
There was an extensive discussion on the clubs future.
The meeting closed at 12.40pm and was followed by a BBQ and drinks for Members. ----------------------- UPDATE on ANZAC DAY, 25 APRIL 2012 ANZAC Day on site a big success Around 1000 – 1500 people, CSC members, their families and friends enjoyed ANZAC Day on the Club site. The Club was “rebuilt” for the occasion, with marquee and tents providing a happy friendly environment under canvas – so appropriate to the occasion. The Club’s famous two-up game was, as always, a big hit, making the Manuka sky ring with shouts and laughter and raising $1239.70 for Legacy. Rotary did the catering, starting with the gunfire breakfast at 4am and going right through until dusk. Ian Warden, writing in the Canberra Times, summed it up well :
A heartfelt thank you to all the members who have come along to site clean up and preparation over the last few months. A big thank you too to Roland and Nick who once again delivered on our promise of “The biggest two-up game in town.”
Update - 10 April 2012 The Club site has been levelled and temporary lighting will soon be up ready to use for Anzac Day. The Chimney bricks have been cleaned and are being stored offsite waiting for the new building. Thanks to all the members for their support of the Club and for the renewals following our last emailed update. Update - Chimneys - 15 March 2012 The chimneys which were left standing after the Club building was demolished were dismantled today and the bricks and fire grates removed and saved for when they can be incorporated into the new building. One of the chimneys, having no support, had started to deteriorate and both were considered dangerous.
PLANNING IDEAS FOR OUR NEW CLUB - 21 January 2012 Philosophy: PLEASURE The main driving force behind all human endeavour and motivation is pleasure so I would assume that if our building is a pleasure to visit it will have an automatic drawcard of demand. It should appeal to all five senses such as sight, (a pleasure to be in) sound (pleasant), touch (comfortable), feel (friendly), taste (good cuisine); EMPOWERMENT The building should give one the feeling of being empowered. Especially in the Services one experiences feelings of being on one’s own, challenging the elements or even in civilian life bad days at the office or home can be overcome by visiting the Club; INDERPENDENCE Our club is the only one of its kind in Canberra and should stand out while making a statement of pride in serving others; BOND The atmosphere of the club and building should be one of supporting and creating bonds within groups of like minded or experienced persons and their families. It should support the professional office users in either a business or recreational context; and SURVIVE The design of the club and its building should be of a practical design and size to ensure the survival of the business both socially and financially.
As we move into the planning stage for the new Canberra Services Club building, a number of ideas have been put forward by members of the Board, shown below. These are elements that Board members believe would contribute to the re-creation of the spirit and function of our Club. The Board would welcome additional suggestions from members, bearing in mind that it can’t guarantee all of them will be included in the final design. Thanks for all the suggestions received so far. General
Outside
Conference Rooms/Offices
Bar/Restaurant/Food
Separate Storerooms with vehicle access large enough to containing industrial type refrigeration (cool room) plus Drinks and food. November 2011 Update A Leopard Tank will be placed at the front of the Canberra Services Club site on 8 November 2011. Details of times and the route that the tank will take on its way to Manuka will be advertised closer to the date. Other news – All Canberra Services Club members can now enjoy social membership at the Canberra Bowling Club house showing their CSC membership card. A site shed to be used as the Administration Office for the Club has been delivered to the car park of the Canberra Bowling Club, Hobart Avenue, Forrest. It will be set up as an Office next week. There will also be a meeting room in the site shed which will be available for Club members. There are a number of members who joined but don’t yet have their new card. These will be printed and either sent out or given to you at the Canberra Services Club Office in the next few weeks.
Questions from Members at 2011 AGM Question: Is it imperative that the Club have Poker Machines? Answer: Not imperative but is an extra service to members. Poker machines will probably continue to decline in importance as we develop other areas of the Club such as functions.
Question: Will there be an operational fireplace? Answer: Not sure but the old fireplaces and chimneys have been saved and they will be a part of the new club.
Question: What was the cause of the fire? Answer: Retained heat from under the fireplace when both sides of the fireplace were stoked up on Anzac Day.
Question: How will you finance the rebuilding and how much was it insured for? Answer: The Club’s insurance was at the right level. We can rebuild a small club the same size but want to be able to build something bigger so that we can provide more. We will discuss with like organisations such as RSL, AFP and will need shared finance. There will be no agreements with developers. Local and Federal Governments will assist. The building was insured for $1.85M. All loans and creditors have been paid out, only need to pay now for maintaining ongoing costs. A large part of the insurance money has been invested in Term Deposits. Business Interruption insurance is still being finalised and this will cover wages for 12 months. There are no significant expenses now except for rebuilding.
Question: Will it be rebuilt with wood? Answer: Probably not, we can’t afford to rebuild using red cedar. We want the inside of the new club to have the same ambience and intent without trying to replicate the old club.
Question: Will members be able to vote on the Plans? Answer: A sub-committee of members will have input.
Question: Heritage requirements? Answer: Fireplaces are being kept, parts of the entrance were saved and can be incorporated in the new design.
Question: Do you have a Project Manager or Co-ordinator? Answer: Not yet but we are looking at options for a Project Management firm.
Question: What will be provided for groups? Answer: Will need to meet all requirements of government agencies, ask what the agencies want so we can give them what they need.
Question: When will it be finished? Answer: Lead time is unknown. Redevelopment of Manuka Oval may allow us to move more quickly and we will benefit from the project. Government is very keen to have the Club as a key stakeholder for the project.
Question: How will it be managed? Answer: Members to have input as well as the Board. A committee will be formed comprising part of the Board, Members and other stakeholders to ensure we get the right outcome.
Question: How will it be established? Answer: Members will be advised
Question: Website needs to be updated more regularly? Answer: Agreed. It needs to be redesigned and this is a priority as it will keep members informed.
Question: What happened to the outdoor bar and other items that were saved? Answer: Some items are with the Fire Brigade museum, some in a container, and a storage unit. We will be able to use them when we get temporary accommodation.
Question: What is happening with the Membership Register? Answer: We have a backup of the register from approximately December 2010 and need as many members as possible to confirm their membership to enable us to get it uptodate.
Question: What facilities will we have for remaining members? Answer: Canberra Bowling Club will provide temporary facilities, details to be confirmed, but our members will have full access to their club. To rejoin or confirm membership, members should email admin@canberraservicesclub.com.au, phone or mail details to PO Box.
Question: How long will it take to rebuild? Answer: Manuka Oval redevelopment to be completed by 2013. We hope to be completed also but need to assess if this is achievable.
Question: Will the ACT Government provide assistance? Answer: They will be able to assist in many ways but no details as yet.
Question: Will we have better car parking facilities? Answer: We hope to be able to make provision for improved facilities.
Question: What about future functions, eg fund raisers, bands, BBQs etc? Answer: We want to put down road base and hope to use it for events including Anzac Day and something on the anniversary of the fire. We need to talk to Government re Liquor Licence to find out what is possible.
Question: Will Anzac day be at the Club site as it will probably be a building site? Answer: Will depend on where the rebuilding is up to
Question: Are the chimneys safe, should an engineer be checking them? Answer: We have requested quotes for fencing to secure the site. The chimneys were checked following the fire.
Question: Will nothing be done until the Manuka Oval Redevelopment Committee is ready? Answer: We are not tied to them and will continue with our own planning. We will try to take advantage of the Manuka Oval Redevelopment but will be acting independently. It is an exclusive opportunity to have an open vision for the Club. Once the plan is out we will request comment from members.
Statement: Need something done by Christmas or members will be outraged? Answer: We have started talks with Project Management firms but can’t guarantee we will have started building before Christmas. We want to do it as quickly as possible. We are not being hamstrung by Manuka Oval
Statement: It will take 3 months for plans, at least another 8 months before anything is started. Answer: We are hoping Manuka Oval redevelopment will make our approvals come through quickly. Business Plan nearly complete. Have building insurance money, awaiting settlement for business interruption insurance. With support from ACT Government it should be quicker than it would otherwise be.
Proposed changes to the Constitution Amendments are required to comply with Gambling & Racing and Liquor Licencing. The key change due to the amended legislation is that all members will be able to vote for all Board members. There are several other minor changes. Once Gambling & Racing has approved the draft we will call a Special General Meeting to vote on the amended Constitution.
Manuka Oval Redevelopment Demolition is complete and we will now engage Project Managers to ensure the redevelopment remains under the control of the Club. Need to identify key stakeholders and consulting them as to what is needed to ensure a strong business that will see out the test of time in catering for our members.
Question: We need Members’ Committee to make decisions for all the members. Answer: Matthew Harvey. The Board will engage the members and other key stakeholders who will do the legwork to support the Board and Project Managers.
Question: In the event of a consortium development the club should be the leader and have power of veto. It is not a part of the RSL and should remain separate. Answer: The League is cognisant of those feelings regarding special interest groups. The CSC lease does ask that Canberra Services have a presence on the site and the Board will follow that. The RSL is willing to assist developing of a Veterans Business Centre. The CSC is a unique Club and will be maintained.
Saturday, 20 August 2011Today's AGM was very successful. About 80 members were there - easily a quorum and many more than we have had in previous years. Of course there was a lot to talk about and the members were very interested in the progress being made on the rebuild of the Club. We have a long way to go but we are poised to step forward. The key outcomes were the support by the members for the rebuild of the Club. We were also able to confirm the offer made by the Canberra Bowling Club for our members to use their Club - to develop a suitable arrangement where our members receive 'social membership' but remain members of the Canberra Services Club. We also welcomed the new directors to the Board and had a directors' meeting afterwards to introduce ourselves and set the key priorities for the coming year. Thank you to all the members who confirmed or renewed their membership at the AGM. |
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Canberra Services Club Update – 24 Jul 11Much has happened since the last update for the Canberra Services Club. Firstly, and importantly, our insurance provider has signed off on the replacement amount for the building. This is a significant milestone as it provides us with the basis with which to look to the future and the rebuild of the Club. The demolition of the site is due to commence soon – the current delay is due to restrictions at the Belconnen dump which are affecting everyone in Canberra, not just us. As soon as these restrictions are lifted we should see the demolition commence. Whilst it will be sad to see the old building gone, at the moment it is depressing to see it in its current state and the Board is looking forward to a clean site. The garden at the front and the Commemorative Wall and peace garden at the rear will remain and we are looking at how we can have a presence on the site. Now that we have some definitive answers we are in a position to hold our AGM. The date will be 20 August, 2011, to be held at the Manuka Oval function room at 1pm. An email will be sent to all members for whom we have email addresses. If you do not receive the email notification, please contact the Club at ‘membership@canberraservicesclub.com.au’ to provide your correct contact details. We have compulsory retirement for some of the director positions and therefore members are invited to nominate if they wish to join the board. Nominations must be received by last post on 5th August, 2011. There are also a number of committees to be established that Club members can be a part of and have a positive impact on the direction we set for the Club. This is an extremely important time for the Club and we have ahead of us a complex and difficult task – to rebuild a small Club to meet the needs of current and future generations of members, to consolidate the ideals and values of the Canberra Services Club as an entity that people want to be part of, and to work with stakeholders and possible partners to make something that will exist and grow for not just the next 65 years but into the long-term future of Canberra. Matthew Harvey
Benefit Performance on Friday 15 July, 2011 at the Hellenic Club
Canberra Services Club – Update 14 June, 2011 If you haven’t already confirmed your membership details, please email confirmation to info@canberraservicesclub.com.au or ring (02) 6295 1389 so that we can update our membership list Members' Forum It is important to formally acknowledge supporters who have provided and offered assistance to the Club already. These supporters include, but are not limited to:
The Board of Directors is continuing to work toward the future of the Club. There are two elements to this, the short term plan to continue trading in some manner, and the long term plan to rebuild the Club in some form. This is not a simple process and we are ensuring that the decisions we make are based on fact and the most appropriate professional advice. To do this we are engaging professional assistance to make the best decisions and communicating with the government and departments regarding licenses and options. The question we continue to pose and refine is: ‘what can we do and what do we have to do to achieve it?’ It is important that the Board, as the elected representatives of the members, is aware of developments as this process can't be undertaken by one person alone and the decisions are important. We are working with insurance company and addressing creditors to prepare for the future.. Annual General Meeting Fundraising Events Conclusion Yours sincerely, Matthew Harvey
Update - May 2011
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