Working Together

Some days later, it emerged that the Minns Government will sit for the next four years with 45 seats in our parliament and see themselves as having a mandate for their announced policies. We wish Premier Minns all the very best for his term.

We should be proud of our democracy and process. There are many places in the world where elections bring out the worst in people for their own gain — and Australia is not one of those places.
I’m delighted to welcome David Harris MP as our new Minister for Gaming & Racing and look forward to working with him and his team. Mr Harris hails from the Central Coast and has many club friends in that neck of the woods. He is currently being briefed on his portfolios and is setting up his parliamentary office. 

This past month has seen the ClubsNSW regional meetings in full swing. These meetings are for directors and management and can spark lightbulb moments for your club. It’s been terrific to catch up with everyone and hear what’s happening at your venues. 

We have changed the regional meeting presentations to panel conversations, with ClubsNSW management and the board delivering an update about what’s happening in our industry. We then take your feedback and answer your questions — we’re available and we’re listening.

I encourage your attendance so you can stay ahead of the curve, bring new concepts and questions for discussion at your boardroom table, and more broadly inform your governance processes. The next round is generally the regional AGMs, so put up your hand to join in the organisation of these meetings if you can, as with all volunteering, you’ll be surprised how much you gain in return for a few hours a month.

The Club Gaming Code of Practice is just one of the items we will be discussing at the next round of regional meetings. The Code is a tool for ClubsNSW, as your peak industry body, to illustrate to politicians and the community how seriously we take our responsibility to our members and guests in the area of gaming. There will be a requirement for your club to be engaged, and we will walk alongside you to ensure your compliance. 

Just a reminder that ClubASSIST is the ClubsNSW help hotline for all members. As a club director, you might like to test a concern or get an answer to something that is on your mind, or as a manager across your club business, you might be able to see an issue that you require some clarity on. So, please call us on 1300 730 001. I will be manning the phone for a day later this month — I look forward to chatting to everyone who calls. This service is a window to our industry and informs us of the issues and topics on your mind and in your business.