On Tuesday, 31 May, the board of management met for the May board meeting.

The board discussed amongst other usual agenda items, the complexity of the changes to fees and levies (after receiving members' feedback). The board have been contemplating the financial impact upon us for a few months now and have made the decision to increase fees to ensure fiscal responsibility. The reality is that we are facing significant head winds and material increases in the cost of living. We are experiencing inflationary pressures like the 1970's. The head winds to the economy over the next 6-18 months will be uncomfortable for many and as a club we need to address the financial impact and make the necessary adjustments.

We have received many pieces of correspondence and feedback from members. Feedback has been mixed. Some of you understandably are upset and disappointed and some of you have acknowledged the fiscal responsibility we have taken to ensure the financial wellbeing of the club. We thank you all for taking the time to provide your feedback.

I can now advise of from 1 July 2022, we will be reinstating a nomination fee for new members. The nomination fee is $550. The nomination fee does not apply to new juniors and new country members. 

The nomination fee has been reinstated to: 

• Establish a capital sinking fund - nomination fee income will be set aside and strengthen the balance sheet of the club.
• Ensure that our membership is stable - removing the temptation for temporary members or members jumping from club to club. 
• Align ourselves with clubs of similar prestige.

It is forecasted the reinstatement of a modest nomination fee would strengthen the balance sheet by at least $30,000 annually.

A nomination fee for new members gives us the capacity to reduce the instalment plan surcharge (a surcharge/fee on existing members), which was previously advised for 9 instalments to the total of $225. This has now been reduced to $126 ($14 x 9). The 6 monthly instalment option remains the same (no change) at $50 surcharge.

We will also provide members with the option of redeeming their $400 debenture in return for a credit to their "top up" account. The money in this top up account doesn't expire and can be utilised across hospitality and pro shop. This option will be offered to members when the renewals are sent out shortly.

We do however encourage members to support the financial wellbeing of the club and consider paying annually. To encourage members (of any category) to pay in full annually, we offer the following incentive:

• At the Annual General Meeting, we will draw the name of 3 members (who have paid their fees annually) to receive a $500 credit each over the bar
• We will also draw monthly, a member who will attain designated parking for a calendar month (can only receive once for the year) - commencing 1^st August 2022 (to be drawn at presentations on the first Saturday of the month)

Club President