Coledale RSL Club Limited – Frequently asked questions
Following the note to Members to update on the financial position of the club and appeal for member’s support, we have received some questions and suggestions from members. The information below is provided to address some of these and provide further information to help members understand our position and offer ways to help or get involved to support the club.
Financial situation – how has this happened?
Coledale RSL Club has been experiencing a decline in revenue over an extended period with trading losses in most years since 2015. The renovations including the deck, new gaming area/machines and number of other initiatives were made to try and increase membership and improve results. Although we have seen increase in membership, we have not seen an overall improvement in revenue needed. Post “lockdowns” we have not seen the anticipated increase in patronage and revenue that we had hoped for. The investment in the renovations completed in 2020, the unforeseen COVID-19 business interruption and continuing trading losses have all contributed to the club’s reserves being reduced.
Our ability to make significant financial decisions such as further structural changes or take risks is currently severely restricted. This can only change if our member patronage increases, and the Club’s reserves can be built up.
The Board monitor trading results closely and will continue to seek independent advice on the best way forward. Everyone involved in the running of the club is committed to the club’s survival and we hope members will show their support and contribute to our future success by using the club more or returning.
The club’s finances are audited annually, and our latest Financial Reports are published on our website. In addition, the AGM includes updates on our financial position. In response to Members suggestions we have posted our most recent unaudited accounts for the year to date on the club noticeboard. We are seeking to keep Members informed whilst we try and improve the financial position of the club.
Member feedback
The club Board and Management will continuing to welcome member input into how to ensure the meets the wide and sometimes differing needs of our members and guests. Our recent member survey was completed by nearly 400 of our current and financial members. The survey helps us understand the opportunities and issues and possible future changes to make the club a welcoming, popular and financially successful club for members and guests.
The Dividing wall is a topic often raised by members
The wall was included in the renovation work because of professional advice received on the regulations applicable to gaming areas in the club.
The board acknowledges this has been unpopular with some members and that members feel this has been detrimental to the atmosphere and activities such as bands/dancing etc. The current board would like to investigate changes to the club layout if possible, unfortunately the cost implications of structural changes and removal of the wall is prohibitive at this point.
Raffles
In recent times, we have had to make changes to the number of raffles and the prizes simply because of the lower take up and reduced member participation.
Based on member and staff feedback, we have been able to re-introduce Sunday night raffles with our first Meat Raffle being held on 10th July which was very well supported. We encourage Members to continue supporting this so that we can continue these popular events.
Bistro Opening Hours
We have received feedback requesting that we look at extending all-day opening hours for the Bistro on Sundays. We have been working with Carlos and the team to introduce longer Bistro service hours on Sunday afternoons, which commenced recently. Please help make this a success by enjoying a great meal with family and friends on Sunday afternoons.
Big screen sporting events
Some members have suggested more “live screening’ events, however recent attendance at our publicised State of Origin games was very low and loss making. We will continue to look at ways to run “live screening” events when we can be more confident of more support.
Food – My Little Brasserie
We receive regular feedback and comments on our food offer provided by Carlos and his team. Our recent member survey completed by 382 members told us that over 73% of respondents rated the bistro as “Extremely satisfied” or “Very satisfied”.
Carlos and the club management are in regular discussion to try and improve the offering, opening hours and specials. In response to member feedback we are currently looking at ways to improve our services.
Live music
A number of members have requested us to reintroduce Music at the club. Unfortunately, the financial results from our Live Music events held between December 2021 and January 2022 were not positive. We have received some member suggestions on music events and if we can find ways to confidently increase the profitability of these, we will re-look at this opportunity.
What will happen to the club premises and the RSL Branch if Coledale RSL Club ceases to trade
The club premises are owned and controlled by the Coledale RSL Sub Branch, which is one of about 340 local Sub-Branches to NSW RSL based in ANZAC House in Sydney, which is a separate entity to the Coledale RSL Club. The board and management of the Club and RSL Sub-Branch are independent of each other. Our relationship is one of landlord and tenants.
At this stage there is no imminent intention for the club to cease trading. We are seeking ways to ensure the continuation of the club.
Any future decisions regarding the property will rest entirely with the RSL Sub-Branch and or RSL NSW.
Board make–up and Director turnover
We have received some questions regarding the board make up and changes.
The management and board members of the club are largely of part-time or volunteers. All but one of our current board were at the AGM in May. The Clubs part-time Secretary and Treasurer spend significant amounts of un-paid time on club business and many hours at the club. Our volunteer directors are all club members and local permanent residents and commit un-paid time and effort to help with the club management and oversight.
The current board members have a mix of experience and professional backgrounds including the ADF, Government, Financial Services, Small Business ownership and Business Management and are currently working with Staff, Carlos, the RSL Sub Branch and others to improve the club’s position.
From time to time board members will change due to personal circumstances and work commitments; this is inevitable given the volunteer nature of the board.
If you feel you could offer expertise and give time to the club as a board member or as a volunteer to help out in other ways, please get in touch us via hello@coledalersl.com.au we’d love to hear from you.