President’s Message
Welcome.
It is pleasing to again have the opportunity to report to you.
2011 has seen the Club Industry under severe threat. One of the most worrying challenges that the Club Industry and therefore this Club and its communities face is the attack by PM Gillard as she seeks to retain the support of Tasmania MP Andrew Wilkie. Under the guise of “Problem Gambling” Gillard/Wilkie seek to impose an all invasive regime with implementation costs estimated at $2.5 billion. The steps proposed will rip the social fabric out of communities especially in country areas, cause a total reduction of the industry Australia wide, restrict our freedom of decision and self-choice and in the view of many will do nothing to address/resolve the issue of those who are problem gamblers. At a time when with little or no scrutiny, electronic gambling is allowed to massively increase its presence across communities with “no return to communities, education or worthy causes”
We should all ask of the Gillard’s/Willkie’s why the attack on people and communities when a number of measures could be introduced that would address the problem. I know of no other occasion in our nation’s history where one single MP has so much power whilst outside of a major political party or the Government.
May I convey my appreciation to all of our internal Sporting Clubs who by their member involvement and activities give true meaning to the “Club”. We are proud of the range of Sporting Clubs that belong and who with our support are achieving remarkable things. Our Sporting Clubs and our Bands/Youth Orchestra are attracting great results. Our support across the wider community and I evidence our support to schools, not only in education but by any number of programs to assist students, is part of our belief that we are a Community Club.
On behalf of the Board of Directors I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you at the Club in 2012.
Warren Glenny AO RFDED
President
