PHILLIP ISLAND

2013 ANNUAL REPORTincorporating the 19th Hole Bar & Functions Centre

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Life Members

J. BellA. HamiltonP. B. WestE. J. PattonL. E. K. LangK. J. FrankelL. J. WebsterH. M. GriggD. C. OxleyF. J. ThumpstonP. H. LangewegG. F. MeadJ. A. McKechnieM. DeanA. BurlandR. L. GunnB. SheltonB. Goldberg

Past Presidents

1930-40 L. Wilson1941 F. Loton1942 N. J. Edwards1943 J. Bell1944 W. Gothorp1945 J. W. Bryce1946 F. Hull1947 R Burton1948-50 D. A. Ganley1951-53 J. M. Gardiner1954-56 R. De La Haye1957-58 M. Smith1959 A. M. Rowed1960 C. J. Stephens1961 J. Lawrence1962 A. J. Hamilton1963 F. H. Ware1964 P. B. West1965 J. Willoughby1966 E. J. Patton1967-68 L. J. Webster1960-70 K. Lang1971-74 J. McKechnie1975-76 N. W. Macalister1977-79 K. L. Walsh1980-81 D. Oxley1982-83 K. J. Frankel1984-85 W. L. Elder1986 D. Oxley1987 H. M. Grigg1988-89 L. J. Webster1990 A. M. Denton1991-96 H. M. Grigg1997-02 P. L. Lester2003 F. J. Thumpston2004-05 B. Goldsbury2006 R. Gunn G. F. Mead2007-13 G. F. Mead

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Table of Contents

Vision, Mission & Business Strategy page 4Your Committee & Management Team page 5Statement of Purpose page 6Highlights at a Glance page 7President’s Report page 8General Manager’s Report page 10Business Initiatives page 11Marketing & Communications page 11Secretary’s Report page 13Welfare & Charitable Business Plan Report page 13Appeals, Grants & Local Relationships page 15Islander’s Day Club page 16Breakfast Club page 16Education page 17Memorabilia page 17Sporting sections page 17Our facilities page 18Lest We Forget page 18Year In Review - a Snapshot page 19Treasurer’s Report page 20Financial reports page 21

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Phillip Island RSL Vision Statement

To be the pinnacle benchmark for all Victorian RSL’s both commercially and in

our contribution to the community.

Phillip Island RSL Mission Statement

To support the wellbeing of our members, through the provision of

welfare and commemorative services while continuing to enhance our image and value to the community.

Phillip Island Business Strategy

Membership• 4,500 by 2015• Improved member services and facilities• Grow membership from partnerships

with local community groups

Finance• 75% reduction of EGM debt by 2015• Annual profit increased to $500,000* by

2015

Community• Increased positive awareness to

local community• Support local organisations whilst enhancing the RSL brand• Education program expanded to encompass all age groups

Organisation/Structure• Review RSL Rules and current management structure• Staff development and Reward & Recognition program• Communication strategy

*To achieve this figure a Welfare and community contribution would be $500,000.

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Your Committee

Greg Mead-PresidentServed six years in the RAAF including one year in Vietnam 1968-69. Business background is marketing, sales and advertising. Served 11 years as Deputy CEO at ANZAC House. He is a Life Member and has been President for 8 years. In 2013 was inducted into the RSL Hall of Fame.

Bruce Shelton-Senior Vice PresidentPast President of the South Gippsland National Service Association and the Phillip Island Probus Cub. He is a Life Member, State ANZAC House Firearms Officer (voluntary) and has won the Victorian Premier’s Community Volunteers Award, and in 2012, was inducted into the RSL Hall of Fame. His portfolio includes Education & Memorabilia, Librarian and the Breakfast Club Co ordinator.

Tom Mallaghan-Vice PresidentServed in Vietnam with the RAN. Twenty years with Telecom retired as Manager Customer Training and has been Training and Communications Officer with San Remo SES. His portfolio includes the sporting clubs, raffles, membership and other fundraising activities.

Brian Goldberg - SecretaryPast Director of the Dandenong Workmen’s Social Club for nine years and a retired jewellery manufacturer. Involved with Lions Club.

Chris ThompsonServed in Vietnam, Borneo and the Malay Peninsula. Semi retired real estate agent and holds degrees in history and politics. His portfolio includes the Islander’s Day Club, RSL Rules, liaison with kindred organisations, fundraising and grants.

Terry HeffernanA retired builder and involved with a variety of community based organisations including the Phillip Island Probus Club. His portfolio includes chairing the Welfare Sub Committee, volunteers, and co ordinates the Men’s Sheds.

Steve Davie-TreasurerA Chartered Accountant for 29 years and involved in local tourism for 17 years. His portfolios are finance and new business.

Peter PaulA Primary School Principal for 30 years and a former Bass Coast Councillor.

The Management Team

George Szeitli General Manager

Rosann LaydonHR, Finance & Admin Manager

James GrossExecutive Chef

Maxine SandoMarketing & PR Manager

Venue Supervisors

Marcus Fennell Matt Oxley Christy OxleyShane Earl

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Statement of Purpose of the Sub-Branch

i. Provide for the sick, helpless, wounded, aged, disabled, destitute and needy among those who are serving or who have served in the Australian Defence Forces, the various British Commonwealth Defence Forces, members of allied Defence Forces and their dependants;

ii. Perpetuate the close and kindly ties of friendship created by the mutual service in the Australian Defence Forces or in the forces of nations traditionally allied with Australia and the recommendations associated with that experience;

iii. Maintain a proper standard of dignity and honour among all past and present members of the Australian Defence Forces and set an example of public spirit and noble hearted endeavour;

iv. Preserve the memory and records of those who suffered and died for Australia, erect monuments to their valor, provide them with suitable burial places and establish and preserve, in their honour, the annual commemoration day known as ANZAC Day;

v. Encourage loyalty to Australia and secure patriotic service in the interests of Australia;

vi. Protect the good name and preserve the interests and standing of members of the Australian Defence Forces;

vii. Encourage a member as a citizen, to serve Australia with that spirit of self sacrifice and loyalty with which they served as members of the Australian Defence Forces;

viii. The promotion of a social organisation and Sub-branch of the Branch composed of those who are serving or who have served in the Australian Defence Forces, the various British Commonwealth Defence Forces, Members of Allied Defence Forces, their dependants and such other persons who from time to time may be admitted to membership in accordance with these rules;

ix. To establish, maintain and conduct a Sub-branch of a non political and non sectarian character and to provide, furnish, equip and maintain Sub-branch rooms, reading rooms, recreation rooms and refreshment facilities; to establish and maintain billiard tables and facilitis for other lawful games, sporting facilities and recreation for its members for the maintenance and improvements of friendly relationships amongst the members and generally to afford to members and their friends and guests all the usual privileges, advantages, conveniences and facilities of a Sub-branch;

x. To provide means of social interaction between persons who are members of the League and in particular, members of the Phillip Island RSL Sub-branch of the Branch and their friends and guests;

xi. To make contributions to any charitable relief benefit commemoration or memorial funds of any kind whatsoever as the Committee may deem advisable.

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Highlights at a glance

2012 2013Value of local sponsorships

$48,998 $27,830

Value of community grants

$19,799 $8,200

Staff levels 100 95Staff training $57,000* $34,431Volunteer hours 1,550 11,601+Welfare transports-volunteer hours

800 1,453

*due to gaming legislation changes+new record keeping system

2012 2013Members 2,358* 3,500+Member satisfaction value for money Lone Pine Bistro

75% 83.5%

Level of satisfaction current Member benefits

55% 80.7%

Overall level of satisfaction

80% 91.2%

Likelihood to recommend the Bistro

91.6% 93.4%

*As at 13th February 2013+ As at 30th January 2014

Lone Pine BistroTotal food sales up 5.6% on 2012Total food costs down 2.4% on 2012Food sales 3.6% over budget

19th Hole Bar & Function CentreFood sales 29.9% over budget

Total food sales 4.5% over budget

Your RSL providing community support

$3,800 to PICAL from monies raised at the fundraising Circus performance

$1,640 from monies raised at the Longest Lunch

$3,000 Phillip Island & District Cricket Club

$2,450 National Vietnam Veterans Museum

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President’s reportGreg Mead

There is a degree of sadness in this my last report as President after eight years

in the chair and nine years on Phillip Island RSL committee. A person can spend too long in the chair and now it is my turn to take time out to recharge the batteries. I love this Sub-Branch and I love all that the National RSL League stands for. I don’t believe there is a better or finer person, in this world, than a person who has put his/her life on the line for his fellow Australian.

Over 102,000 Australians have paid the ultimate price for our freedom and many

thousands more died afterwards from war caused injuries and diseases. A great many veterans continually suffer because of their war service. In the war museum in Darwin there are Japanese bank notes that were printed for our use when the Japanese took our country. It is because of our WWII diggers that we retain our sovereignty and are using Australian bank notes instead of Japanese inspired currency.

A great worry for our future is that future staff and future committees will not

understand the ‘Returned Services’ part of our name as those members who have served their country. This is good in one respect as our country has been safe for a long time. But, the worry is that our traditional RSL values may take a backward step and blatant commercialism will take over. To find the perfect blend of traditional values combined with the degree of commercialism required to take us into the future is difficult but achievable. In the past I have been informed of several RSL managers who have spoken ill of service members on a committee therefore we must be vigilant as to who we employ. Your committee has been vigilant but we are not the RSL of the past and it is becoming more and more difficult but we must protect our identity into the future.

The RSL does not belong to the committee; we are only elected to act on your behalf.

Because of this I have often remarked that

every single member is a virtual shareholder in our venue. My thoughts, when taking the chair, were that members don’t want a ‘Coles Cafeteria’ style of dining, they don’t want a boozy hollow, but in fact, what they want is a venue they can be proud of. A Club they can bring their relatives and friends to and proudly state, “this is my club.” Not only is it a venue with quality furnishings, quality committee and quality staff, but it is also a fund-raising venue that supports members and the community with a great many welfare projects. We are, after all, a ‘Non Profit’ organisation. What other organisation can proudly state that their net revenue is donated entirely to welfare.

In addition to our great welfare support, member benefits include a 10% discount

on food and drinks and also members gain ‘loyalty points’ from their RSL spend. As well, gains can be acquired when swiping your member’s card. This action puts you in the local and statewide competitions for a great many prizes. The most important factor though is that when using your RSL for entertainment, your money supports the fantastic work that is carried on behind the scenes, money used in aid of those in necessitous and deserving circumstances.

Whilst mentioning welfare I must applaud the brilliant work of our hard working

volunteers. Our ‘Day Club’ gets together on Monday’s and supports nearly 100 people, people who sometimes are house bound with little human interaction. We believe this gives extra quality and quantity of life to those involved. We now have two Men’s sheds; one woodworking and one metalworking, for those retired personnel with skills but little direction after retirement. Operating three and sometimes four vehicles running members and the community to medical appointments is a priority we are all proud of, especially with the demise of Warley Hospital. Great volunteers such as Kevin, Harry and Cheryl never seem to say no when asked to drive patients to Melbourne. Our Welfare and Charitable committee, under the chairmanship of Terry Heffernan, are constantly reviewing requests for support. All requests are considered then prioritized, as we must

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operate within a set budget.

For our Phillip Island Club, your committee has conducted strategic planning seminars

to take us into the future. Experts from the corporate sector have facilitated these strategic sessions. This type of planning action is of ultimate importance to ensure our future. Your committee members are very well intentioned volunteers who have expertise in many areas but not necessarily in the world of hospitality. I realize many members don’t appreciate change and have a love of the ‘old style,’ but without change, we go the way of many RSL’s that have unfortunately folded. Finding the necessary balance between ‘traditional values’ and the necessary commercialism required to stay in business has been difficult. Please realize our RSL is now a $9 million dollar business. We are well out of the ‘chicken raffle’ days of old. Also, we realise, people today can be fickle and unless we provide a quality venue, people will soon find another venue to attend. Simply, the old smoky hollow RSL’s are a thing of the past; to survive we must embrace new planning and a new future for our RSL Sub-Branch.

In order to achieve Best Practice, your committee commissioned BDO to conduct a

complete review of our current organisational structure and operations. This very detailed review reflects the Club’s management structure based on present circumstances, past experience and market knowledge as to both the most likely set of operating and economic conditions and the course of action the Club is likely to take. After 84 pages of report, we learnt that we are in a solid position, performing well against other RSL’s. Not content with just doing well, we want to be a leader within the RSL network and with this ambition, your committee wanted to learn our percentage ranking in gaming, bar, bistro, goods purchased and administration. We now have knowledge of Best Practice percentage rates within our Industry. We do very well with our limited population on Phillip Island but could do better with fixed cost management. Our General Manager is now setting new structures in place and this is reflected in a

very generous budgeted net profit for 2014.

As I have I have been your President for eight years it is time to step down,

re-charge the batteries, and give someone else a chance to preside. If a person stays in as a volunteer President too long, there can be a tendency to start treading water instead of pushing hard and opening up new areas of business and new areas of welfare.

Succession planning is important and I don’t want to stop the chance of ‘fresh

blood.’ Our AGM is on the 2nd March and I encourage all to attend, vote for committee positions and to ask questions.

It is with pride that I remark on some of our past awards. Several of your committee

members have received life memberships of the National RSL for their work.

Last year, your club won the ‘Best Hospitality Venue’ in Gippsland; this took in

an area of Victoria ranging from Warragul to the far east coast of Victoria. In 2012 we were awarded the best business in the Bass Coast Shire. For the last few years, at the RSL “Hall of Fame” night, your RSL was awarded Number 1 in the State in our category. Many other awards have been given for business excellence, marketing, promotions, welfare etc. These awards are received proudly but we would not have been in the running unless we had superior staff, a great committee and great volunteers. Take a bow those who assisted in achieving these fantastic results. Our total San Remo/Phillip Island is only about 10,000 so we are benchmarked against RSLs which have populations of over 400,000 on call. We have become a force to be reckoned with. Stand Tall.

At the last State RSL “Hall of Fame” night held late November 2013 held at the

Sofitel ball-room, we were again honoured several times. Our RSL again won its grouping as best RSL in the State.

Our General Manager, George Szeitli, was honoured with being voted in as RSL

Manager of the Year. Congratulations George

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for a lot of years of very hard work. Then as a great surprise or shock, I was inducted into the RSLs ‘Hall of Fame.’

For a further twelve months, I will be on committee as Immediate Past President but after that.....

Thank you all and be proud of your RSL .

General Manager’s report George Szeitli

It’s a pleasure to report to you the highlights together with some strategic activities and

achievements for our club in the past twelve months.

The Phillip Island RSL has had another successful year with an increase in overall

profit to $501,000. This great result puts your club in a strong financial position and will assist with the further implementation of key components of our Strategic Plan.I look forward to achieving this with the support of a Board of Directors who are committed to working in the best interests of your club.

2012 was a year focused on implementing and overseeing many changes to

the business model in so this year, we consolidated these changes and focused on value for all our members. Our members received everyday discounts on food and beverage to the value of $130,000.

Special member promotions over the year included:

• Buy one meal get one free• Wednesday Trivia and $10 Parma nights• Servicemen and women eat free

We launched the RSL rewards program where our members received a further

$68,000 in value such as complimentary coffee and dessert as well as the ability to accumulate points and purchase food and beverage with those points. Members had the opportunity to win great prizes each month such as trips to New York, cash giveaways

of $5,000 just for being a part of the RSL membership. These promotions alone gave back a value of $88 per club member.

We will continue to add value to our memberships with great give aways,

fantastic food and beverage offers as well as the ability to accumulate points to spend around the venue including gaming play in the gaming room. So stay tuned we will be launching this great promotion in late June/July, 2014.

I am also pleased to report the stabilizing of our business at the 19th Hole, Phillip Island

Golf Club. We have trialled different strategies over the past two years including TAB, meals and entertainment. The lounge and bistro area have recently undergone renovation which allows us to cater for larger functions, events and entertainment. I thank all the Phillip Island Golf Club members for their support of the Phillip Island RSL in our food, beverage and gaming business.

Investing in the personal and professional development of our staff is key to the

club’s continued success. The past year has included training in Health and Safety, Wine Appreciation, TAB and Gaming. We proudly congratulated D’man Singh and Shane Earl for completing their Diploma of Management.

I would like to thank our Board of Directors for their support during the year and for their

assistance in planning the future direction of your Club by adopting policies and accepting recommendations put to them.

My sincere gratitude to our entire staff for their great efforts in ensuring our

members and guests enjoy each and every visit to your Club. This includes all those people working behind the scenes to assist those in our customer service areas.

Thanks to all the volunteers that help throughout the year because without them

we would not be the great Club we are today.

So let’s join together and support our Club and its people in 2014 creating even better

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value for the members and our community and a great place to visit and enjoy.

Business Initiatives Driving Our Triple Bottom Line Rosann Laydon

Environmental Policy

In early 2013 a full environmental impact study was undertaken by an external

consultant that was funded through a successful grant application from VECCI.The research data obtained from this study gave us an opportunity to review our general operational policies and procedures but with a strong focus on waste management.

One outcome from the study is the implementation of a three (3) bin policy.

We now sort our waste into three specific types General; Recycle and Organic. Whilst the implementation of this process required a shift in standard operational procedures, it has resulted in a positive impact on our bottom line performance by reducing the overall cost of our waste management by $7k annually.

Electricity Contracts

We went to tender in 2013 for our Electricity contract as did a number of

RSL operations. We engaged in a tendering process out of Queensland and were able to include the 19th Hole as part of the negotiation. The outcome of this process has been extremely positive reducing our electricity costs by: $40K annually.

Work Cover Insurance

This is another significant area where cost savings have been identified and achieved

in 2013. Through the implementation of a comprehensive staff induction program in 2012 followed by ongoing training and regular communication with staff on matters of Health & Safety, we currently do not have any work cover claims, this has resulted in a reduction in work cover insurance premiums by $7k this year.

Venue Insurance

The Insurance industry and premium structures has experienced major

changes/increases in the past few years with the inclusion of the fire levy and a number of large claims by clubs and hotels in the wake of natural disasters. We went to tender in 2012 and by strict adherence to our financial policy and procedures, we have been able to reduce the costs of our venue insurance by approximately $8k annually.

Wages and Staff Management

A full review of the organisation structure was undertaken as part of the BDO report

and they have made some recommendations on potential opportunities to improve the structure. However, it is important to note that there has been some positive results achieved in 2013. Key areas including wages, staff management and staff training have seen positive impact on staff morale and productivity across the business. The general opinion among RSL staff is that the PIRSL is a preferred place of employment as the training and skills they acquire significantly enhances their chances of gaining employment in Melbourne when leaving the Island to complete their tertiary studies.

Marketing & Communications Report Maxine Sando

As the President has already alluded to, 2013 was a big year for Awards and

Recognition.

Our Phillip Island RSL won -

• 2013 Bendigo Bank Gippsland Business Awards - Hospitality - our first time entry!

• 2013 SuperPages Bass Coast Business Awards - Marketing & Promotions - second year in a row

• Runner-up 2013 Clubs+ Social Media & Website Award - small to medium club - first time entry!

• 2013 RSL Victoria Awards - Club Manager

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of the Year, No. 1 Club Group 2 and our President was inducted into the RSL Hall of Fame

This year, we partnered with the regional tourism organisation for Phillip Island

- Destination Phillip Island - International visitation program which has seen our Club promoted at international trade missions targeting the lucrative groups and FIT (free independent travel) markets.

We are represented on the local tourism authority’s board - Phillip Island Tourism

& Business Association and have forged strong business relationships with the GP Circuit, Banfields Home for the Aged, National Vietnam Veterans Museum and Phillip Island Nature Parks.

Successful marketing tactics include the use of EDM’s (email direct marketing)

to our member database, outdoor signage at the venue and at the Newhaven Visitor Information Centre, in house multi media, social media and our website - www.pirsl.com.au - which was redeveloped into a fully responsive website. This means that it can be easily read on any device from a pc, laptop, ipad to mobile phones.

Membership retention was also high driven by the regular Member meal deals, RSL

Rewards, Joey’s Kid’s Club and exclusive member events. Membership @ 31st December 2013 is 3,500 - 500 more than at the same time last year.

An on line and in venue member survey was conducted in spring with 290

responses recorded. Highlights were:

• 91.2% Good to Excellent Overall level of satisfaction 91.2%

• 88.8% Good to Excellent Level of satisfaction with food quality

• 83.% Good to Excellent value for money in the Lone Pine Bistro

• 93.4% likelihood to recommend the Lone Pine Bistro 80.7% Good to Excellent

• level of satisfaction with current member benefits

• 89.5% valued being a member of the Club having a real sense of belonging

Phillip Island RSL hosted the Phillip Island Longest Lunch, a major regional event

in the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival’s calendar. Designed to showcase the best of what Phillip Island can offer, over 90 guests from Melbourne, regional Victoria and locally attended, which was hosted at the Rhyll Trout & Bush Tucker Farm.

A corporate video was produced designed to showcase a patron’s experience from start

to finish - it can be viewed on www.pirsl.com.au.

The Joey’s Kid’s Club was developed further this year scheduling regular events

and activities during each school holiday period, a regular newsletter, ongoing specials for Club members and exclusive competitions. The Club now has 300 members, their parents/guardians all having to be members of the Phillip Island RSL. Joey’s has assisted in driving new memberships for us during 2013 particularly in the Female 35 to 45 age group.

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Secretary’s Report Brian Goldberg

A very difficult year for business and the man in the street with the change of

government and with added costs, we all have to make changes to our daily operation. The Committee and staff of your RSL have achieved most of the tasks set out to get us through this period by working together in the same direction.

Due to family commitments, I handed over the Chair of the Welfare Sub Committee

to Terry Heffernan in early 2013, which has resulted in a number of achievements thanks to volunteer and staff support.

All pension requests for help were well attended to by our volunteer Pensions

Officer - John Methven. Our Friday night raffles now in their third year, are going strong and assisted in the funding of our new community bus and welfare vehicle.

The opening of the Metal Shed has given the Men’s Shed added strength to a very

important part of the RSL and community by helping to engage men doing work for the local community by fixing or making a variety of items.

Welfare & Charitable Business PlanTerry Heffernan

The Welfare & Charitable Business Plan was reviewed and revised to reflect the

current programs offered by the Phillip Island RSL. Two new policies were developed and launched to the local community which are in line with the Welfare & Charitable Business Plan:

Welfare Grants Policy & Guidelines

In order to be fair and equitable in decision making, a set of criteria was developed for

the decision making process ensuring that all decisions and processes are transparent. There have been two successful grant applications to date.

Internal communications was also seen as a priority this year in order to ensure that front

of house staff were more aware of regular promotions and events. Apart from regular Staff Newsletters a new staff intranet was developed which enabled them to have 24/7 access to all current promotions, have the ability to bid for shifts, manage their leave, photo gallery, staff messaging and a host of other options.

ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day saw above average attendances:

• Dawn service 2000 attended• Gunfire breakfast 550 served

11am March and Service 2500 attended• Remembrance Day 250 attended.

Phillip Island RSL Gift cards were launched in time for Christmas which are linked to

our Jensens’ POS system. Denominations available are $25, $50 and $100, the latter being the most popular.

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Community Bus Hire Policy & Guidelines

A process for the hiring and use of the community bus ensuring tight controls

around the use and care, fees and general running of the bus.

Welfare vehicles including the bus

From January to December 2013, there were a total of 362 trips to medical

appointments and welfare local transports equating to approximately 30 trips each month and a total of 1,453 volunteer hours. This represents a total value of over $29,000 employee hours but as voluntary work.

Making Men Mentoring Workshop

Partnering with Year 9 students from Newhaven College, a workshop was

conducted which included a golf clinic with the Phillip Island Golf Club Pro, lunch and a general discussion “in the round” facilitated by Phillip Island RSL. The aim was to allow students to hear first hand how adult men dealt with life’s social issues during their youth.

Morning Melodies

Held on the last Tuesday of each month from February to November, this has

become an extremely popular day in the local senior’s social calendar with well over 100 people attending the show and staying for the subsidised lunch.

Visitors are from Wonthaggi, Korumburra, Inverloch and Pakenham as well as Phillip

Island and San Remo community members. A number of different groups are regularly booking tables from six to 14 each month.

Morning Melodies guests were surveyed to establish if another event each month

would be of interest. The outcome was to start a Tuesday Morning Trivia which included a devonshire morning tea and an hour’s game of Trivia. It started off looking very promising but after three months, the numbers diminished to a level that resulted in its discontinuance.

Student Musical Instrument Scholarship Program

A scholarship program was developed to encourage qualifying students to learn an

upper brass instrument. Phillip Island RSL funds the cost of a brass specialist teacher in return for the successful student to commit to playing Reveille and The Last Post at the ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day commemorative services.

Garden of Remembrance

The maintenance is being undertaken by two of our dedicated volunteers - Frank

and Lillian Kump - who have committed at least 40 hours of voluntary gardening. Members have used the peaceful surrounds mainly around ANZAC and Remembrance Days.

Friday Night Raffles

What a great year we had for 2013. It was fantastic to see the Members’ Lounge

full on Friday nights for the raffle. Our efforts saw the purchase of a jumping castle for the Joey’s Kid’s Club, a contribution towards the Community Bus,GPS units for our welfare vehicles and bus. Next on the agenda will be assisting the Men’s Shed with a dust extraction unit and a tv/dvd player for the library for memorabilia films.

Thanks to our sporting groups who assisted each week selling tickets in the Members’

lounge as well as Carmen Bush and her band of ladies who sold raffle tickets in the main foyer each week. Thank you all. We could not have done it without your help.

Pensions

D.V.A. visits Phillip Island RSL four times a year providing members advice

on possible options. John Methven, the Club’s Volunteer Pensions Officer, with the assistance of Brian Goldberg, provides additional advice to finetune member’s claims.To date, 189.5 volunteer hours have been committed to providing this advice to our Members.

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Carols by the Bay

The event was held on 17th December and once again, the Phillip Island RSL

together with Bendigo Community Bank Cowes presented the free entertainment for families. Additionally, we trialled a hospitality marquee offering savouries, cake and coffee to Members as well as entertainment for their children. Several hundred Phillip Island RSL members and their families visited the marquee amongst several thousand people attending the event.

Men’s Shed

One of the highlights was the official opening of our new metalwork shed

on 7th March 2013 by Michael Mihaley, Department of Veteran Affairs. The DVA contributed $15,000 towards the cost of building the shed so that welding and metal work can be undertaken. A further cheque for $12,000 was presented on the day to purchase tools. A delightful morning tea was provided thanks to the Phillip Island & San Remo Advertiser.

Some of the projects undertaken by the Men’s Shed included:

Item For whomArtist easels Art Society of Phillip

IslandTheatre props Off Shore Theatre2 display cabinets and noticeboard

Cowes Early Learning Centre

Penguin nesting boxes

Phillip Island Nature Parks

Numerous Phillip Island Community

The Men’s Shed has 25 active members and also saw the passing of two original

members, Chris Robins and David Pacoe.

Cowes Primary School years 5 and 6 enjoyed working with the Men’s Shed

team assembling tool boxes as part of their elective” as well as Newhaven College Year 9 students manufacturing nesting boxes for local rosellas, microbats and galahs located at the Phillip Island Nature Parks. Over 65

students visited the Men’s Shed over a five day period for two x 2 hour sessions each day.

Terry Heffernan, Men’s Shed Co-ordinator, attended the Australian Men’s Shed

Association Conference, Ballarat in October and attends regular Men’s Shed Cluster meetings including one hosted at the 19th Hole Bar & Function Centre.

New equipment purchased was a table saw and a thicknesser/planer for the

wood working shed. We were even able to sell some of our items at stalls located at Woolworths and St. Phillip’s Church.

Appeals, Grants and Local RelationshipsChris Thompson

A very successful year with ANZAC Day badge sales of $12,000+. Poppy sales

reached $10,800 ($450 more than last year), again the largest amount raised in our history! Fifty percent of these funds go to ANZAC House and the other 50 per cent help fund our Welfare activities.

These amounts could never have been possible without the help of our sporting

sections and partner associations, clubs and community groups who so unselfishly support us so magnificently.

We were successful in obtaining two grants from Department of Veterans

Affairs which we are truly grateful for. We received a $1400 memorabilia grant to purchase the mannequins used to model military uniforms and install a concrete slab for the Ikara missile; and $53,641 to purchase a new community bus to replace the aging 11 seater Ford Transit bus.

Meetings were held regularly throughout the year with -• Leongatha Welfare Centre• National Vietnam Veterans Museum• HMAS Cerberus• Friends of RSL Grantville• RSL Region 10to (a) help us understands what’s going on our

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Committee and management, for their ongoing support.

Breakfast ClubBruce Shelton

The Phillip Island RSL completed its sixth year of providing breakfast to

Cowes Primary School students which had 520 enrolments in 2013. The program commenced on 8th May and is held every Wednesday between 7.45am to 9.00am, concluding 11th December 2012.

A big thanks to our loyal and dedicatedRSL volunteers - Maurie and Gwen,

Helen, Roy and Gay and Steve Davie, all of whom prepare the breakfast.

Our sincere thanks to Bakers Delight and Kim’s Bakery who supply 30+ loaves of

bread (approximately 500 slices) for toasting every week.

EducationBruce Shelton

The Education team continues to present the RSL ANZAC Heritage Training

program to schools and groups including other RSL Clubs.

During the last eight years, we have supplied copies of the Training Program to

32 other RSL’s for their use but unfortunately we have exhausted our pre decimal coin supply and cannot continue to issue framed Australian and Allied Forces collections as used in World War II.

We still conduct ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day services to Griffiths

Point Lodge, Grossard Court, Melaleuca Lodge and newcomer Banfield’s Aged Care.

The Ward Room Library has increased our total number of books to 1005 thanks to

continued donations particularly from Box Hill RSL. Surplus books have been supplied to RSL clubs at Foster, Toora, Fish Creek and Mirboo North.

local region and (b) to offer our help in any way.

Islander’s Day ClubChristine Mead

Islander’s Day Club meets on Monday mornings at the Phillip Island RSL in the

ANZAC room at 10am. Day Club members are required to be an RSL member as we are covered under the RSL Insurance policy.

We have again had an interesting and varied program, including:

• Bus trip to Crown Casino including a lovely buffet lunch

• Boat trip from Rhyll to San Remo• Churchill Island• Bus trip to the Immigration Museum• Christmas in July luncheon• Blumes fashions on display and on sale

A show and tell day, with members bringing something precious to them to talk about

Celebrations included our Day Club’s 7th birthday combined with Melbourne Cup

Day, complete with sweeps and a hat parade. Noble Park Day Club visited us for lunch, and we plan to take a bus trip to visit another Day Club in 2014.

Guest speakersincluded: Ian Baker, a retired photographer from

the Herald Sun; Paul McLean, a police officer who trains officers in the use of the taser and Ron Gardner, who is the pan man.

Other activities offered are gentle exercise games, puzzles quizzes, craft, ten pin

bowling and lawn bowls. Weekly raffle and trading table profits are used to subsidise our trips and outings. We supply morning tea, and a subsidised lunch.

Thank you to all who take a role in running the Day Club, we are very lucky to have

such committed and dedicated volunteers, also many thanks to the Phillip Island RSL

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Books are available on loan to members if recorded with office staff but unfortunately, many have disappeared.

MemorabiliaBruce Shelton

Phillip Island RSL’s Memorabilia display has expanded and is enjoyed and viewed

by members and visitors. From our latest audit, we now have 38 ex-military firearms on display.

On 20th April 2013 with the kind donation by HMAS Cerberus Navy Base, we took

delivery of an Ikara anti submarine missile used by Australian Navy River Class frigates and Perth Class destroyers. The Ikara is on display opposite the Member’s entrance.

On 23rd November 2013 we were honored by a visit of senior navy staff to present

navy uniforms for our new navy display in the Member’s entrance. Those attended were Vic Admiral Rob Walls AO RTD; Rear Admiral Mike Noonan AM RAN and W/O Marty Grogan OAM RANR.

During mid 2014, we are expecting delivery of a large number of memorabilia items

from Vietnam and Irak donated by the Australian government.

Sporting SectionsAnglingGreat achievements this year on the water and socially at the weigh-in barbecues with all our members enjoying a trip to Lakes Entrance.

Members assisted Phillip Island RSL fundraising efforts by selling Friday night raffle tickets, ANZAC badges and poppies.

Results for the year:Club Champion Colin TurnerLadies Champion Dene HoganBiggest Whiting Ted Kerr & Colin Turner Biggest Snapper Colin TurnerBiggest Shark Jeanette KruegerBest Club Person Val Kerr

BowlsTwo teams entered in the Duke of Edinburghcompetition and for a change both played up on the Murray. Although not happy with their results the venues must be good as they will again compete there for 2014.

DartsIt looks like the darts players will be fielding two teams in the Phillip Island District Darts League in 2014. They will be warming up with the “cock of the walk” competition prior to inter club games.

GolfThe golfers held their club championships at Mirboo North in December with a great battle for the club championship held over two days. John Benson and Paul Dickson were tied after this and fought out a sudden death playoff. After two playoff holes, Paul Dickson was victorious and Club Champion for 2013. He was also voted Best Clubman for 2013. Well done Dicko.

PoolThe internal pool knockout competition was held on Sunday 15th December. Winners in the doubles competition were Mark Copland and Ernest Hall. The winner of the singles was Mark Copland. It is not known at this time if there will be a pool team representing our Club in the Westernport and District Pool Association competition for 2014. Phillip Island RSL is looking for interested players.

Thank you to all the sporting teams for your efforts during the past year and good luck in 2014.

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Great facilities for everyone!

• Member’s bar• Comfortable Member’s Lounge• Huge plasma screens• Children’s playroom• Joey’s Kids Club with its own events and

competitions• 220 seat Lone Pine Bistro• Al fresco dining• Function facilities for up to 120 people in

the ANZAC Room and up to 200 people at the 19th Hole Bar & Function Centre, Phillip Island Golf Club

• Bingo Tuesday at 7pm and Thursday at 1pm

• Extensive RSL War library and memorabilia

• Interclub sections - Angling, Bowls, Darts, Pool, Golf

• Community Men’s Shed - Tuesday & Thursday from 9.30am to noon

• Pension and Welfare Office• Islander’s Day Club-Monday’s 10am• Welfare vehicles-by appointment-contact

Administration during business hours• Morning Melodies music program - last

Tuesday in the month February to November

• Wednesday Night Trivia - first Wednesday in each month February to December

• Member’s Friday night courtesy bus 4.30pm to 10.30pm

• Exclusive Member only events and promotions

• 10% discount on food and beverage at the RSL and the19th Hole Bar & Function Centre

• Fully accessible venue with wheel chairs available and ample disabled car parking spaces

• Bus groups welcome with ample coach parking

Memberships

Service $25

Affilliate $25

Social $30

Free for 18 year olds (first year only)

RSL Rewards points are earned at a rate of 2 points for each dollar spent. The value of a point is one cent, therefore 500 points will give members $5 to spend.

If $100 is spent, 200 points are earned.

Points can be earned and redeemed in participating RSL venues across Victoria.

Albert Edward Jones VX93107Leith Norman Roy Cooper VX103924John Cecil J (Jock) Anderson VX107704John Desmond (Snow)Coughlan A220788Alexander Enterkin VX147648Graham (Ted) Prosser 22381131Annie Amelia Prosser 448306 Frank William Lyons 449878Alfred John (Alf) Clarke 431887Thomas William Beaton 3/58850Stanley Watson 3/725075Betty Ellis 510709Joan (Hilda) Jones W/139658

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The Year In Review

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Treasurer’s reportSteve Davie

For the year ended 31 December 2013 the Sub-Branch recorded a combined profit of $662,023 which included a Grant for the Welfare bus of $48,765. This result compared very favourably with the 2012 result of $203,372 and the 2011 result of $347,216 produced by the three entities – the Sub-Branch, the Building Patriotic Fund and the Welfare Patriotic Fund.

At first glance, total sales revenue in the Sub-Branch was up by $1,774,448 but this was principally due to the change in accounting for gaming income. Additional gaming costs of $1,351,373 have been included in the cost of sales. The full year operations of the 19th Hole Bar & Function Centre have also been included in the Sub- Branch results.

The biggest challenge for the 2013 financial year was to have sufficient funds available to meet the gaming licence fee repayments of over $190,000 per quarter. All four payments were made by the due dates with a balance of $2,480,792 still owing at 31 December 2013. At the same time, the balance owing on the ANZ loan for the building was reduced by a further $144,143 and as at 31st December 2013, the outstanding balance was $2,053,616.

As seen in other reports there continued to be strong Welfare assistance provided by the Sub-Branch and this included $215,887 being directly spent on welfare items. The Welfare Patriotic Fund, together with the Friday night raffles, also provided funds to help acquire the Community bus during the year.

A net amount of $184,111 was spent by the Building Patriotic Fund on Building improvements as well as plant and equipment and the vehicle during the year. As was the case for 2013, the financial aims for the 2014 year will be to continue to reduce debt and aim for some growth in the bar, food and 19th Hole areas. Controlling expenses continues to be a very important focus for the Board and management.

My report can only be finished by thanking those people whose support and assistance I receive in my role as Treasurer – from my fellow committee members to our General Manager, George, as well as Rosann, Sarah and Tracey and the other administration team members, through to James, our Executive Chef, and Maxine our Marketing Manager. However both the financial result and the contributions to the community are also achieved due to the tremendous support of all the RSL Sub-Branch staff, our volunteers and our members and their guests. A big thank you to everyone !

Steve DavieTreasurer

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Phillip Island RSL225-243 Thompson Avenue

Cowes 3922

Phone: 03 5952 1004Email: info@pirsl.com.au

www.pirsl.com.au