Dear GHC member,
A belated welcome to the 2016 season. I would like to start by again thanking our outgoing committee members for their tireless work over the past few or in some cases many years. We have many new faces on the committee this year and are looking for more volunteers for some specific roles. Please take a look at the clubs website for a full list.
With some turnover in committee members and changes in roles we are currently taking the opportunity to look at the club’s business plan and where required re calibrating objectives to take into account the achievements over the past few years and opportunities created or not yet taken advantage of. We look forward to sharing this soon.
One key update I want to bring to everyone’s attention was the decision passed at the AGM last year to add a sinking fund levy (ground resurfacing levy) to every membership. This means that whilst our fees will not change from 2015, each senior member will be required to contribute $50 to the sinking fund and each junior member $20. The key purpose of this fund is to allow the club at its current size
to be able sustain the resurfacing costs associated with two grounds. A sub-committee will be formed to ensure the governance of this fund is robust and the fund is managed in accordance with it purpose.
To support this further I offer the following information:
- Playing and membership fees haven’t increased over the last couple of years as the club have
been able to reduce running costs - To raise additional funds for ground replacement, instead of raising fees we’ve introduced a levy,
so that it’s clear where that additional revenue will be spent - In future years we have the opportunity to reduce or waive the levy if we can find alternate
funding sources - Based on last year’s player numbers (excluding NDHL), the levy will raise $15,000.
The first year of this fund and payment of the levy will be critical for the resurface of the original ground. Due to further discovery work undertaken, the club whilst in a strong position financially, needs to be well positioned by July this year to be able to proceed with the resurfacing ready for the 2017 season. Attached to this letter is a breakdown of this year’s fees and the levy. This information
can also be found on the club’s website.
To be in the financial position we require the committee will be looking at every measure possible to raise revenue and manage costs in the first 3 – 4 months of the season.
The first thing all members can do to assist is paying fees and the levy as early as possible. The Hockey Victoria Registration portal is now open, which is the first step to allow the club to know you are playing and be able to raise an appropriate invoice for your fees. Please note there is an increase in the Hockey Victoria registration fee, however this will most notably cover all entry to the State Hockey Centre. (As a club that regularly features there, this will present better value for most members). Please note for those training, if you have not registered with Hockey Victoria you will not be insured for any injuries or accidents that might occur whilst training post February.
The second is get involved with sponsorship and or fundraising efforts. If members have ideas,
suggestions or want to volunteer to help, please contact me directly. We are very close to announcing
a new equipment supply sponsor and arrangement with four priorities taken into account:
1. Value for money – I.e. prices that are at minimum on par with retail outlets
2. High quality service whereby club members can get advice and get maximum value out of
purchases by ensuring they can be supported to purchase the right products for their needs
3. Create a revenue stream for the club to help reduce future costs imposed on members
4. Provide opportunities for people to be involved in the management of a business venture and
gain valuable business and life skills.
If anyone is particularly interested in this model and understanding more or helping with this, there will be both voluntary and most likely financially supported roles we will be seeking people to play. In addition to a hockey equipment supplier, we have an ongoing arrangement available with Rebel Sport, whereby as a club we can receive 5% from every purchase made be members and each the member can take advantage of specials offered by Rebel Sport. This applies to all of Rebel Sport’s range, so whilst the club will have a Hockey Supplier and we will encourage all hockey purchases to be made through the club, all other sporting and equipment needs purchased can provide the club with great value. For anyone who is a current Rebel Sport Member, please ask to have your membership
linked to Greensborough Hockey Club next time you shop. For anyone who is not a member, please sign up and select Greensborough Hockey Club as your club of choice. I would like to take this opportunity to say how excited I am personally about the future of our club.
The continued growth of the Northern District Hockey League presents a wonderful platform for a long term sustainable base for everyone to enjoy. The commitment, dedication and work from those involved, both in the junior NDHL program and also the senior summer NDHL program, has been extraordinary, I think many people would be staggered if they saw the time some of our volunteers
have invested. Being new to my role, I won’t name names for fear of missing people with my limited knowledge, but I will say a massive thank you on behalf of the whole club to all of you. I am really looking forward to seeing more people get involved in this evolution for the club as with the growth comes more demand for support and the support will be difference between it being long term successful pillar for us or a great idea that was once run. I look forward to enjoying a great 2016 with you all and please feel free to approach me or any of your committee with feedback and ideas.
Kind regards,
Matthew Trounce
President
0418 240 866
president@greensboroughhockeyclub.com.au
*Note – Sinking Fund Levy is capped at $40 for families with more than 2 juniors. Please note: The fees outlined above are in addition to the registration fees levied by Hockey Victoria.
1. Hockey Victoria Registration: All playing members are reminded to complete their Hockey Victoria registration by 28-Feb, to ensure:
- They are covered by player insurance & eligible to participate in pre-season training & practice matches
The following link will takes you to the Hockey Victoria registration 2016 – Hockey Victoria Registration
2. Payment of Club Fees: The club fees are required to be paid as follows:
- 50% by Round 1
- 50% by Round 9
How to Pay:
- Step 1, Register with Hockey Victoria to trigger the creation the appropriate invoice – 2016 – Hockey Victoria Registration
- Step 2, Pay as per the details below.
Eftpos:
Bendigo Bank 633-000 Account 107308512
Ref: Name
Payment Plan, Credit Card or Cash:
At Club contact Adam Mirecki: treasurer@greensboroughhockeyclub.com.au
Cheque
Post to PO Box 118, DIAMOND CREEK VIC, 3089
Please Remember:
To be eligible for training & selection, you must have:
- No outstanding debt for 2015,
- Paid your 2016 membership fees by the due date, or
- Have an agreed payment arrangement with the Finance Committee, &
- Provide assistance when your team is rostered for Canteen or Umpiring duties
For further information please contact Adam Mirecki by email at treasurer@greensboroughhockeyclub.com.au or by phone 0439 325 966.