club managers’ association australia...stargames corporation managing director and ceo john rouse...

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Club Management February 2006

CLUB MANAGERS’ ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA

“Club Management in Australia” is published monthly byJim Henry on behalf of the Club Managers’ AssociationAustralia. All material is copyright and cannot bereproduced without the explicit permission of the Publisheror Editor. Editorial contributions relating to the club

industry are welcome. Submitted copy should be typed and double spaced. We don’taccept any responsibility for keeping and returning unsolicited material. Photographs

submitted must be captioned. Those sent without prior arrangement cannot be returnedunless accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Views expressed in thismagazine are not necessarily those of the Club Managers’ Association Australia.Although we do exercise the utmost caution, we don’t accept responsibility for claimsexpressed in advertisements appearing in our issues.Subscription rate is $55 a year.ISSN 0045-7205

Please address all business correspondence tothe Federal Secretary

The Club Managers’ Association

Australia

is registered as an industrial organisationof employees in the terms of the FederalWorkplace Relations Act, 1996, andThe Club Managers’ Association is aregistered Trade Union in the terms ofthe New South Wales IndustrialRelations Act 1996. The CMAA is affiliated with the Australian Council ofTrade Unions (ACTU) and the CMA isaffiliated to the NSW State Branch ofthe ACTU, The Labor Council of NSW.

Registered Office

67-73 St. Hilliers RoadAuburn NSW 2144

Phone (02) 9643 2300Fax (02) 9643 2400

P.O.Box 845 Auburn NSW, 1835Email - [email protected]

Office Hours

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pmSeven day telephone answering servicein operation.

OFFICE BEARERSFederal PresidentJim Henry, OAMACCMFederal SecretaryAllan Peter ACCMFederal ExecutiveMembersBill Clegg ACCMDanny Munk ACCMFederal CouncillorsDivision A -City/Eastern Suburbs ZoneLes Clarke, ACCMDivision B - St George/CronullaSutherland ZoneIan Todd ACCMDivision C -Manly/NorthernSuburbs ZoneMario MachadoACCMDivision D - Inner WesternSuburbs ZoneTo be advisedDivision E -Nepean ZoneMichael WiezelDivision F - HunterZone & CentralCoast Zone

Stephen Byfield ACCMDivision G - Great Lakes & MidNorth Coast ZoneRoy AndersonACCMDivision H -Far North Coast Zone& North West StateZoneBrad WhittakerACCMDivision I -Brisbane ZonePam Shelton ACCMDivision J -Illawarra Shoalhaven& Far South CoastZoneGary WilbrahamDivision K -ACT Zone Julie EvansDivision L -Riverina Murray Zone& Mid State ZoneDominicConnaughton ACCMDivision M -Sunshine Coast Zone& Central &Northern Qld. ZoneChris Keen ACCM

Division N -Gold Coast Zone &Ipswich Darling

Downs ZonePeter Constance

Division O -Victoria ZoneGrant Duffy ACCM

Executive OfficerTerry Condon, CCM

AdministrationOfficerGerry Sarlemyn

Industrial RelationsAdvocatePeter Cooper

Education ManagerRalph Kober B.Ed.

Student Services Co-ordinatorNarell HarrisonPeter Schmidt

AccountsPriscilla San Luis

ReceptionistCarol Quirke

TrainingAdministratorKerrie Treasure

Assistant TrainingAdministratorMaria Hudson

Life Members

Harry Walker (decd.)

Norm Robinson

(decd.)

Arthur Justice (decd.)

Len Ewart (decd.)

Lou O’Neill (decd.)

Peter Cameron (decd.)

Bob Harbutt (decd.)

Keith Nolan (decd.)

Les Evennett

John Milne

Fred Chubb, CCM

Alan McDougall,

MBE (decd.)

George Elliot, CCM

Peter Strachan,

ACCM

Hans Sarlemyn,

ACCM

Jim Henry, ACCM

Terry Condon, CCM

Lew Cooper

Barry Stevenson

Greg Pickering,

ACCM

John Allan, ACCM

Allan Peter, ACCM

Wayne Forrest, ACCM

Jim Henry OAMFederal President

Allan Peter ACCMFederal Secretary

Bill Clegg ACCMFederal Executive Member

Danny Munk ACCMFederal Executive Member

Terry Condon CCMExecutive Officer

Publisher Jim Henry, OAM

Editor Peter SharpPhone: (02) 4274 9971 Mobile: 0410 140 036

Email: [email protected]

ContributorsHenri Lach, Katie Cincotta.

Photographer Barry Norman.

Advertising Manager Judy Rayner, Sue FlynnAdvertising Bookings

(02) 9332 2363 & 9360 6177Fax (02) 9361 5142

CorrespondenceThe Editor,

c/- Club Managers’ Association Australia67-73 St. Hilliers Road

Auburn NSW 2144P.O Box 845 Auburn NSW 1835

Phone (02) 9643 2300 Fax (02) 9643 2400

SPONSORS OF THE CLUB MANAGERSCAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

Centre SPONSOR:

CMAA Executive OfficerTerry Condon commentson the latest issuesfacing the Club Industry,takes a retrospectiveglance at the events andmilestones of the yearthat was 2005 andspeaks out stronglyabout the people,particularly the politicians- who have implementedpolicies and decisionsthat have damaged andcontinue to hinder thegrowth of the industry. Pages 40 & 41

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‘Dare to be Different’ isthe theme of theCMAA’s Annual 2006Conference AGMHospitality Expositionand Charity GalaAwards Dinner inSydney next month.The Expo will be stagedin Hall 4 of the SydneyConvention andExhibition Centre onTuesday andWednesday, March 28and 29. Exhibitorbookings for the eventare almost at capacity Report: Page 16.

Expo Exhibitors List:Page 26

Expo Floorplan: Page 27

The CMAA’s Bursaryand ScholarshipProgram is a major partof its training anddevelopment pathwaysand offers members theopportunity to advanceand enhance theircareers. The BursaryProgram, sponsored by17 companies, iscoordinated alongsidethe CMDA trainingsyllabus to ensurebursary winners receivespecific and valuablelearning opportunitiesto further their careersin the club andhospitality industries.The full list of 2006CMAA Bursary winnersis featured on

Pages 29 to 31

Stargames CorporationManaging Director andCEO John Rouse saysthe $144 millionacquisition ofStargames by Americangaming companyShuffle Master isdestined for a long,happy and productivefuture. Shuffle Master’sChairman and CEO DrMark Yoseloff saysthere is outstanding“complementarity”between the firms. Pages 36 & 37

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By KATIE CINCOTTA

CMAA Victorian PresidentBarry West says the VictorianGovernment looks set to keep

its election promise of further gamingcaps, despite research that showslimiting poker machines will have noeffect on problem gambling.

“The State Government is movingtowards implementing the second stageof regional capping of gamingmachines, yet their own researchshows that capping would haveabsolutely no effect on the problemgambling situation,” Barry said.

The Victorian Gambling ResearchPanel (GRP) commissioned a study ofthe Impact of Caps on ElectronicGaming Machines (EGMs).

The report, published in 2005,compared five Victorian regions where

the number of machines is capped tofive uncapped “control” regions.

The report concluded: “In only a fewcases can we find evidence that theregional caps reduced the level ofgaming expenditure at specific venuesin the cap regions.”

The research by the SouthAustralian Centre for EconomicStudies also failed to find significantevidence that by Year 3 of the caps,expenditure at the venues from whichmachines were removed had fallen.

“Most research shows it’s not thenumber of gaming machines in venuesthat is the problem, but it’s the number

of venues that problem gamblers canget to,” Barry added.

Victoria’s CMA leader said the self-exclusion program, implemented bythe industry, had been the only realsolution for problem gamblers.

“Clubs and pubs have been veryproactive in trying to maintain thatself-exclusion program,” he said.

“There’s not one professional clubmanager who would want a problemgambler in their venue.”

Basrry predicts that natural gaminggrowth will cease to exist in Victoria ifthe gaming caps go ahead.

“I have absolutely no doubt that theBracks Government will followthrough on their election promise tostep up capping,” Barry said.

“But they know, and the researchproves, that it will have zero effect onproblem gambling.”

Victorian pokie caps won’tstop problem gamblers

“There’s not oneprofessional club managerwho would want a problemgambler in their venue.”

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By KATIE CINCOTTA

FIRE may have destroyedMelbourne’s Club Kilsyth inNovember, but staff bonding is

keeping the club spirit alive as theyembark on the arduous task ofrebuilding the $6 million venue.

Just weeks after an electrical faultsaw the club burnt to the ground, some100 staff members wore motivationalwristbands to their Christmascelebration - branded with the club’ssignature colours and the letters CK -representing the club’s name and thesentiment of “community” and“kinship” required to resurrect theclub.

“It was very emotional,” ClubManager Sue Munro said.

“Everyone wearing those bandssymbolises the ownership of the club,

as we move forward.” Sue said once the tendering process

was complete, building would takeplace on the remaining concrete slab.

“We’re hoping to start building inFebruary, with the same sandstone

exterior but some changes to theinterior.

“We’ll use what we learnt from sevenyears in business to make it better,”Sue added.

The club’s CGU Insurance hasallowed them to retain 18 key staffmembers, who will be pivotal in thenext eight months as the club attemptsto return to its former glory.

Sue has asked staff to come up withsolutions for what was wrongoperationally with the originalbuilding, which has resulted insuggested changes to the bar andkitchen to offer more space and betterservice.

Club Kilsyth hopes to be tradingagain by September or October.

To contact Club Manager SueMunro, [email protected]

Community and kinship helpsto rebuild Club Kilsyth

Sue Munro

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At the end of November2005, members of clubindustry associations

were invited to witness anevent that can only bedescribed as extremely kindand generous - the endowmentceremony for the MacintoshChair in Paediatric RespiratoryMedicine at the Children’sHospital Westmead.

David Macintosh is knownmore generally in “club land”as the popular ManagingDirector of Paynter Dixon anda keen supporter of clubindustry events including charity fundraisers.

The financial support that David hasgiven through his MacintoshFoundation provides the funding forthe Children’s Hospital to continue

with there pioneering work in the fieldof respiratory medicine.

The Department of RespiratoryMedicine was established in 1977 andhas a well-earned internationalreputation for excellence in bothclinical care and research however

charitable funding is crucial tothe ongoing success of thisdedicated medical unit.

The list of achievements thatunit has gained in the care ofchildren with respiratory illness ismassive and the staff ’scontribution is above and beyond

the call of normal standards as is theirzeal in attempting to repair childrenwith respiratory disorders.

The Children Hospital at Westmeadhas an informative website and isworthy of an inspection.

Macintosh Foundation givesgenerously to the children

Paynter Dixon ManagingDirector David Macintosh (left)with Head of the WestmeadChildren’s Hospital ProfessorKim Oates at the endowmentceremony.

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Foster’s Group has announced itssponsorship of the Melbourne2006 Commonwealth Games.

As an Official Sponsor, Foster’s hasthe marketing rights for beer, spirits,cider and RTD beverages.

In announcing the sponsorship,Foster’s Group President and ChiefExecutive Officer Trevor O’Hoy said:“We are delighted to be associatedwith the Commonwealth Games andlook forward to sharing the excitementof the Games with our customers andconsumers. We are developing a seriesof high profile programs for both tradeand consumers, led primarily by ourbrands Crown Lager (official beer andpresenting sponsor of the RugbySevens), Cougar Bourbon (officialspirit and RTD) and Strongbow Cider(official cider).

“Other brands in the Foster’s multi-beverage portfolio will be leveraged aswell, including our internationalflagship beer, Foster’s Lager, theseventh largest international beerbrand in the world.

“We will also support our tradepartners in realising the enormous salesopportunity the Games provide -particularly those located inMelbourne and surrounding areas,which will be home to tens ofthousands of international andinterstate visitors.

“Sport is integral to Australianculture and I am proud of Foster’s long

history of supporting sport at bothgrassroots and elite levels in Australiaand around the world.

“We are pleased to have theopportunity to involve our customersand consumers in the spirit of theMelbourne 2006 CommonwealthGames.”

Meantime Foster’s continues tocollect awards for its Carlton Draught“Big Ad”, which has clocked threemillion viewings on-line.

It’s not only Aussie beer drinkerswho love the ad - they account for athird of the viewings to date - the restof the world can’t get enough of iteither.

“We knew we had a pretty special adbefore we launched but we have beenblown away by the response fromconsumers and at how far and wide it’sbeen enjoyed around the world,” saidMatt Keen, Genaral Manager RegularBeer, Foster’s Australia.

The “Big Ad” has been a hit acrossthe globe in over 132 countries - TheUS (878,000 viewings), Netherlands(102,000 viewings) and UK (197,000viewings) are big fans, so too areHungary where it’s been played over31,000 times and Germany, whereviewings have topped the 34,000 mark.Not to overlook Jamaica (58 viewings)and Bangladesh (63 viewings).

Foster’s Group set to serveCommonwealth Games crowds

Foster’s Group President and Chief Executive Officer Trevor O’Hoy

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The future of the gaming industryin New Zealand will be underthe microscope in Auckland

this month, when the AustralasianGaming Machine ManufacturersAssociation (AGMMA) hosts theannual New Zealand Gaming Expo.

The Expo, at the SKYCITYAuckland Convention Centre onFebruary 15 and 16,consists of a tradedisplay featuring thelatest in GamingEquipment,Technology andServices, and aGaming conference.

Among the speakerswill be New Zealand’sMinister of Revenue,Peter Dunne, theMinister of InternalAffairs, Rick Barkerand a range of otherlocal andinternational speakerswith expertise in thegaming industry.

The Executive Officer of AGMMA,Ross Ferrar said the conference was anideal opportunity for all those involvedin the industry to gain a betterunderstanding of where gaming washeading in New Zealand and to shareideas and concerns.

“Over the past few years there havebeen some major changes in gamingpolicy in this country, some of whichhave caused surprise and concern forindustry players. As an industry we doseek to work cooperatively withGovernment and regulators and prefera ‘no surprises’ policy”, he said.

“We look forward to this opportunityto improve the dialogue with the New

Zealand Government and regulators. “The gaming industry is undergoing

great change in most areas ofoperations and we all need to keepabreast of these developments.”

Ross said the industry’s current focuswas on building a strong and positivefuture for gaming in New Zealand,while ensuring that operators were up

to date with newtechnologies,changes andthinking.

The Expo’s tradeexhibition featuresmajor exhibitorsincluding AGMMAmembers Ainsworth,Aristocrat, IGT,Konami andStargames.

The New ZealandGaming Expo is thefirst of three annualregional Expos beingstaged by AGMMAduring 2006.

■ The Australasian Gaming Expo isscheduled for September 3 to 5 inSydney;

■ The Asian Gaming Expo willreturn to Macau on June 13 and14.

Ross said the New Zealand GamingExpo will, for the first time, feature anon-line computer system that will helpsupport exhibitors, delegates andvisitors.

“We’ll be using the Expo inAuckland to fine tune the system,which we will then be able to use inthe Sydney and Macau expos later inthe year,” he said.

“It’s nice to see that, once again,New Zealand leads the way.”

New ZealandGaming Expoexplores the future

Ross Ferrar

The gaming industry is undergoing great change in most areas ofoperations and we all need to keep abreast of these developments.‘ ’

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By PETER SHARP

Dare to be Different” is thetheme of the CMAA’s Annual2006 Conference AGM

Hospitality Expo and Charity GalaAwards Dinner in Sydney next month.

The Expo moves form RosehillRacecourse to the Sydney Conventionand Exhibition Centre for the event -Tuesday and Wednesday, March 28and 29. To be staged in Hall 4 at theConvention Centre, the Expo willfeature a wide range of educationalsessions and Hospitality Expopromoting the industry’s best suppliers.

CMAA Executive Officer TerryCondon said the move from Rosehillto the city, which was formulated tomeet the growing needs of the Expo’sexhibitors, was a big decision for theCMAA.

“It was a decision that was necessaryto allow the Expo to grow and bettermeet the needs of club and hospitalityprofessionals, staff and organisations

servicing the industry,” Terry said. “Wecould see that Rosehill would not meetour needs into the future, so we hadthe opportunity to make the switch toDarling Harbour - and I believeeveryone will benefit. Although wehad looked at Darling Harbourpreviously, it doesn’t always becomeavailable so, when the opportunitycame up, we decided it was right forthe CMAA and the industry.”

A highlight of the first DarlingHarbour Expo will be the CMAA GalaAwards Night on March 28 when theAssociation recognises the outstandingwork and contribution of members andindustry associates.

The Awards Dinner will featureCMAA Hall of Fame presentations,CMAA 21-Year Memberspresentations, Silent Auction withproceeds to the Ted Noffs Foundationand History of the CMAA BookLaunch.

Access the CMAA website -www.cmaa.asn.au - to register for theAwards Dinner.

CMAA Federal President Jim Henry,OAM, said the CMAA Expo’s successwas due to the support of itsmembership.

“Participation in such events as this2006 CMAA event assures theongoing management excellence theAssociation strives for and reflects theprofessional attitude of themembership,” Jim said. “Thisprofessionalism is reflected in thestatus the club industry has achievedin the business world.

“I thank our good friends, theindustry trade suppliers, for theirongoing support and this year they

present a comprehensive range ofgoods and services.”

Conference workshops and panelsessions on both days will be held inthe Conference Room at the westernend of Hall 4 and feature leadingsenior club managers and traderepresentatives who have been selectedfor their expertise.

The Conference starts at 9am onMarch 28 and 8.30am on March 29with the Hospitality Expo open from11am to 5pm each day.

The CMAA AGM MembersMeeting is scheduled for 9am to 10amon March 28 at the western end ofHall 4. Members will receive 10ACCM activity points for attendingand signing the register.

Delegates can pre-register online atwww.cmaa.asn.au and avoid theregistration queues to receive a securityID badge before the Expo.

If delegates choose not to registeronline, the completed RegistrationForm can be faxed to: TRADEVENTRegistrations (02) 9211 1137 or mailthe Registration Form to: P.O. BoxK550 Haymarket NSW 1240.

The 2006 Expo floorplan was ondisplay at the CMAA stand at theAustralasian Gaming Expo at DarlingHarbour last August and has attractedalmost capacity bookings.

Industry members, sponsors andsuppliers who are interested inparticipating in the 2006 CMAAHospitality Expo can contact exclusivesales agent Judy Rayner, of RaynerSales and Marketing -www.raynersalesmarketing.com.au -on (02) 9360 6177, (02) 9332 2363 [email protected]

Judy said the venue switch fromRosehill Racecourse to DarlingHarbour had produced a positiveresponse from the industry and therewas only a handful of sites stillavailable for the Expo.

“We have several new companiesinvolved and we’ve had nothing butpositive feedback from everyoneinvolved in the event,” Judy added.

“The new hospitality aspect to theExpo also has attracted a lot of newinterest in the event ... it should be anexciting time for everyone involved.”

‘Dare to be Different’ Expo theme

“

Judy Rayner

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By HENRI LACH

Avisit to the Coolangatta andTweed Heads Golf Clubreinforces the proposition that

golf is the nation’s fastest-growingparticipant sport.

If fact, you’re likely to buy a heatedargument here if you pull out that oldchestnut about fishing being ahead ofgolf, numbers wise.

At this club, everyone talks golf. A female staffer at the reception

desk and a player can be overheardcomparing notes about the approach toa certain green.

Inside the club and in the car park,golf and only golf is the topic underdiscussion.

If the conversation turns to theweather, it’s in the context of how it’saffecting the golf.

General Manager Phil Dark wearshis heart on his sleeve when it comesto the game.

He’s been a keen golfer since hisyouth.

He spent nine years as GeneralManager of the Murray Downs Golfand Country Club in NSW, just overthe border from Swan Hill, beforetaking up his current job.

He’ll tell you his handicap is on asteady 12, and that he tries to playevery Saturday on one of his club’s twochampionship courses.

“My handicap blows out occasionallyto 14, but I haven’t been worse thanthat in recent years,” he said.

Any weekday - in good, bad orindifferent weather - the club’s vast carparks are chock-a-block.

Anywhere and everywhere, there isactivity - on the fairways, the greensand in the driving nets.

Given the number of cars and theaction on the fairways, a casual visitorcould be excused for thinking that amajor national tournament was takingplace.

Phil Dark dismisses this sort ofparticipation as just another day onthe greens and fairways of the club he’s

nurtured as CEO for the past fiveyears.

It’s worth noting the club’s name issomewhat misleading.

It is located well and truly south ofthe border into NSW - severalkilometres from Coolangatta - andunder the umbrella of NSW legislationand tax laws.

Its playing membership composition,however, justifies the double-barrellednomenclature.

“Of our 1800 playing members, thenumbers from each side of the borderare very close to 50-50,” Phil said. “Inthe last financial year we had 215 newmembers, 109 of them live in NSWand 106 live in Queensland.”

Membership has been growingsteadily during the past five years,thanks to some innovation by Phil andhis board, along with the high-qualitymaintenance of the greens andfairways.

“Golf is our business and our main

source of income,” Phil said.“Anything spent on the courses is aninvestment.”

The board has been generous inmaintaining that major investment bypouring $3.8 million into courseimprovements since 2002, including$250,000 for a new irrigation system,and annual maintenance costs ofanother $700,000.

Attracting full-playing memberscontinues to be priority, but Phil isaware of changing trends and the needto cater for those changes byintroducing a system of restrictedmembership.

One scale of restricted membershipattracts an entrance fee of $350(compared with $1000 for fullmembership), and an annual fee of$735 ($790 full member). Anintermediate membership costs $350for the entrance fee and an annual feeof $420.

Numbers game at Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club

The clubhouse car park is packed, even on a dull and drizzly day.

CONTINUED P20

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These special memberships allow forfull voting rights, but restrictnomination for club directorship andplace limits on playing rights.

Phil explained the philosophybehind the introduction of therestricted memberships: “While latestresearch tells us that golf is Australia’slargest participant sport, the researchalso points out that the game haschanged dramatically during recentyears.

“Figures show that while the numberof golfers is increasing, fewer arejoining clubs.

“Only 35% of golfers belong to club,with the other 65% as social golfers.

“It’s a case of more people playingless golf.

“We are trying to entice more ofthese social golfers through ourrestrictive memberships.

“Of course, we are hoping that oncethey realise how enjoyable competitiongolf is, and the camaraderie involved,they’ll want to become full members.

“Our restricted class membershipalso gives members the opportunity todowngrade their golfing time for

whatever reason and still retain theirmembership.”

Coolangatta and Tweed Heads GolfClub also offers golfing enthusiastswhat Phil believes is a uniqueopportunity in Australia - to play ontwo different championship coursesnot only different in layout, but alsofeaturing different playing surfaces.

“The greens on the River Coursehave 328 grass, while the West Coursegreens are Bent grass,” Phil said. “Eachprovides a different surface and adifferent challenge.”

The club is very active in promotingjunior golf, with children as young aseight taking to the course on a regularbasis.

The club’s annual Junior OpenClassic - held in October - attractsabout 200 players.

Phil Dark’s immediate concern is tokeep working on attracting more ofthose social golfers.

“Our best promotion for this club isby word of mouth from members andplayers who appreciate the quality ofour courses,” he said.

Phil’s also determined to keepworking on lowering that handicap.

Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club General Manager Phil Dark ...keeping up the numbers.

Coolangatta and Tweed Heads GolfClub is proud of its commitment to theenvironment.

A colourful sign at the entrance tothe main car park proclaims the statusof its 101 hectares of fairways andgreens as a wildlife sanctuary.

That 101 hectares is freehold land. General Manager Phil Dark said that

in these days of buoyant propertyprices that 101 hectares has attractedthe attention of many a developer.

“We get them [developers] knockingon the door all the time wanting to buythe land, but we’re not selling,” Philsays with a smile.

And why would this affluent club onthe banks of the beautiful Tweed Riverwant to sell?

It’s debt free and its income fromgolf alone topped $2.3 million in thepast financial year, contributing to aprofit of well over $1 million.

The club’s current financial positionis a far cry from the early ‘90s whenthe introduction of gaming machines inQueensland sent the club industry infar north NSW into a downward spin.

Phil has ensured that during histenure that the club becomes lessdependent on gaming, and more on itsroot business of golf.

There are still only 97 machinesthere - the same number as when hetook over in 2000 - although they arebeing constantly upgraded.

The new tax regime in NSW has notbitten as hard as it has in some otherclubs. Nevertheless it’s about aspopular here as a thunderstorm oncompetition day.

FROM P18

Natural beautyproudly protected

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The smiles are as big as thefairways at Murray Downs Golfand Country Club with the

club emerging from more than 13 yearsin receivership. The club was releasedfrom receiver management onNovember 30, 2005, marking asignificant turnaround in its fortunes.

It will continue to trade under thedeed of company arrangement put inplace by the club Board withdebenture holders and pre-receivercreditors in May 2003.

The club has repaid more than$717,000 to pre-receiver creditorssince that time and expects to repay afurther $400,000 in the first half of2006. Participating creditors areexpected to be repaid their fullentitlements by 2010. It went intoreceivership in April 1992 withsignificant accumulated losses.

President Bill Gurnett blamed theclub’s financial position at the time on“exorbitant interest rates” and theintroduction of poker machines intoVictoria. It continued to lose moneyduring the initial receivership periodwhile a turnaround strategy wasformulated and implemented.

The turnaround strategy includedcost cutting and greater emphasis onlocal trade, with the restaurant a majorfocus. The club’s poker machines alsowere upgraded.

Bill said receivership had allowedpeople to “get on with the running ofthe club” instead of “putting out grassfires”. The turnaround had been due tothe collective efforts of many people.He thanked the Board members for“keeping the faith” and said it was onlythrough their hard work that MurrayDowns has prospered.

While it had been “a long drag”, hesaid the club was lucky to be one ofthe small number of businesses thathave traded out of receivership.

Nick Malanos, of Star DeanWilcocks, the club’s receivers andmanagers, said there were very fewbusinesses that could have continuedtrading in receivership for more than

13 years and retained its identity. Thepositive outcome had been achievedthrough the support of the localcommunity and the tireless efforts ofthe club Board, management and staff.

Nick said Star Dean Wilcocks waspleased to have been involved in sucha “success story” in today’s competitivebusiness environment.

Co-appointed receiver, Ron DeanWilcocks, said the ANZ Bank’s supportalso had been critical to the club’ssurvival. When the receivership beganthe bank debt was way above the club’sassets. He said the bank had beenentitled to simply sell the club’s assets,meaning the Swan Hill Region wouldhave lost one of its major businessesemployers and tourist attractions.

“We have had a wonderfulrelationship with Star Dean Wilcocksand, in particular with John Star whohad been acting either receivermanager or a consultant for the past 13years,” Bill said. “John’s businessacumen ensured appropriate businesspractices were in place for the club toprosper. When John retired, we wereequally happy with Nick Malanos’srole as receiver and manager.”

Bill said the Board and managementwere in the process of formulatingplans to further develop the club’sfacilities. “We hope that when theplans are finalised that the works willbegin in 2007 to again improve andmaintain member’s facilities at firstclass standard,” he added.

Albert Cachia, from Bartlett Cachia,will continue to administrate the Deedof Company Arrangement and willoversee the club’s performance andoperation. John Star will also haveongoing involvement.

Murray Downs Golf and CountryClub General Manager MichaelAlexander thanked the managementteam and the staff for their “tirelesswork” over many years. “I’m lookingforward to a prosperous future for theclub,” Michael added.

‘Lucky 13’ for Murray DownsGolf and Country Club

Murray Downs Golf and Country Club emerged from more than 13 years inreceivership in late November and enjoyed a day of celebration on December 8.

24


Club funds new Poker MachineTax through technology savings

Cabramatta Rugby League Clubhas been able to dramaticallyturn around a disturbing

“drinking problem” at the club thanksto modern technology.

The “drinking problem” was theclub’s bar trade $192,000 nett loss andthe technological solution wasClubLink.

The moment the club installed TheGenerate Group’s ClubLink solution inits five bars, profits rose sufficiently tosignificantly offset the impost of theNSW Government’s Poker MachineTax.

The ClubLink system turned theclub’s bar trade $192,000 nett loss intoa $4000 nett profit within the first 10months and remains on track to returnapprox $275,000 every year.

Cabramatta Rugby League Club hasleased the ClubLink solution overthree years and realistically expects thesystem to last well beyond 10 yearswith only normal repairs andmaintenance.

This will see a return of $2.75million for an outlay of $154,000.

The club’s Chief Executive OfficerAdrian Vermeulen was confident thesystem would revolutionise bar trade,stock control and enhanceproductivity at the 8000-member club.

“I had used the Generate BevLinksystem at the Forbes Services Club andthe Forbes Golf Club and it wasbrilliant, an invaluable managementtool,” Adrian said.

“When I arrived at Cabramatta inmid-2004, I felt naked withoutGenerate’s ClubLink solution.

“The club had an old till system witha stocktaking facility, but there was noreal-time reporting.

“The lack of information and controlwas exacerbated by the factadministration is in a separate buildingto the club, which madecommunicating with staff even moredifficult.

“Really, I had little idea of what washappening at the bars.”

The club’s Board of Directors

accepted Adrian’s recommendationand the club is leasing ClubLink overthree-years for $4300 per month.

ClubLink controls all of the club’sbeverages - including beer, spirits, wineand post mix - which amounts toaround $2 million in sales annually.

“Before I arrived the club relied onits poker machine takings, but I knowthere are good profits to be made atthe bar,” Adrian added.

“Our gross profit rose five percentagepoints as soon as the Generate systemstarted operating - and that waswithout raising drink prices.

“The trend continues today.”The $200,000 net profit turnaround

has happened despite the fact the clubsells schooners of full-strength beer tomembers at a remarkably low $2.40.

“The ClubLink technology gives us astocktake procedure which is second tonone,” Adrian said. “Now dailystocktakes by staff are not seen asonerous. They simply stock the fridgesto par level.”

ClubLink also has enabledmanagement to pinpoint areas ofwastage and, subsequently, take stepsto address the issues.

“The system also has uniquepromotional aspects,” Adrian added.“It enables us to feature individualproducts with special offers and tracktheir sales. It also has function cardfacilities, statement reporting, time-controlled happy hours and allowsbonus points incentives.”

ClubLlink cash registers atCabramatta Rugby League Club arelinked to a back-office computer aswell as to a PC on Adrian’s desk.

“It means I can know exactly what ishappening in each bar every minute ofthe day without having to leave mychair,” he said. “The system gives meinstant access to all bar results,providing direct comparisons betweenactual sales and amounts in each till.This allows me to analyse theperformance of individual products andoperators in bars, and to changepricing at the touch of a button.”

Adrian said the bar staff had adaptedquickly to the ClubLlink system.

“They were able to design the tilllayout to suit their own needs and TheGenerate Group met all their requestsand provided the necessary training,”he added.

Cabramatta Rugby League Club Chief Executive Officer Adrian Vermulen.

make a note in your diary now !

52 Abbacus Cash Systems Pty Ltd61 Ainsworth Gaming Technology44 Amore Coffee170 AMZ Furniture Pty LtdPB16 Apex Cleaning Chemicals211 Aristocrat Technologies Australia 165 Arnotts Snackfoods103 Aruze Gaming Australia164 AVS Group of Companies184 Axeze Pty Ltd158 Bank West157 Barmetrix Training Pty Ltd210 Barringtons145 Bevcon Solutions & Premier Hospitality Services181 Big Bottle Wine56 Blendtec110 Bounty Limited43 British American Tobacco Australia75 Cadbury Schweppes & WGA / Club Games Services58 Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club / HRT Solutions12 Cash Handling Systems Pty Ltd116 CashCode Company. Inc45 Chifley Financial Services149 Classique Leisure Products/Grosfillex Australia34 Cleanaway139 Club AV153 Club Connect55 Club Plus Superannuation57 Coca Cola Amatil (Aust) Pty Ltd78 Collections Design Group93 Community First Credit Union111 Cootamundra Components Pty Ltd146 Corrective Services Industries33 Daily Press Pty Ltd81 De Bortoli Wines138 Deane Apparel / Hyperbola177 Delacon Pty Ltd / Kinetik Internet Systems Pty Ltd15 Ebet Gaming Systems98 Eco Elegance172 Enterprise Development NetworkPB18 Essential Bathroom Services77 Essential Cleaning Group Pty Ltd156 Event Pro Software204 Feastcorp Pty Ltd100 Feltex Carpets176 Finrent Pty LtdPB15 FM Club Support46 Foster’s Australia83 Fugen Constructions Pty Ltd179 Furniture New Vogue11 Generate Group53 Global Coffee Solutions137 Global Gaming Industries Pty Ltd113 Golden Games59 Gopher Graphics178 Guardian SRS37 HPA Newcastle58 HRT Solutions / Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club138 Hyperbola / Deane Apparel180 IGT166 i-Mobile Pty Ltd

48 Independent Gaming186 Independent Liquor Group150 Indo Pacific Currency Equipment Pty Ltd162 InfoGenesis Pty Ltd161 Insight Services (NSW) Pty Ltd99 JCM Australia207 Jensen Data Systems42 JETZ Retail Systems94 Karo Australia Pty Ltd177 Kinetik Internet Systems Pty Ltd / Delacon Pty Ltd119 Konami109 KPMG25 Maxgaming183 Merddin Pty Ltd39 Merlot Constructions (Aust) Pty Ltd60 Micros Fidelio163 Multiscreen Channel Pty Ltd73 Network Construction209 NuFurn143 Orlando Wyndham Group Pty Ltd 155 Orwark Compactors Aust.Pty Ltd148 Osram Australia205 Paltronics Australasia95 Paul Langmack Financial Seminars102 Paynter Dixon Constructions173 Pitney Bowes Australia Pty Ltd35 PPC Membership Card Solutions38 PPC Membership Card Solutions112 Premier Building Group145 Premier Hospitality Services & Bevcon Solutions51 Reed Contructions AustraliaPB14 Reels Diagnostics 171 Rentokil Pest Control175 Retail Systems Australia32 Rev Ad Display & Signs79 Ricmar Commercial Furniture and Upholstery14 RJ Graphics208 Screencheck Australia74 Security Plastics182 Sensaroma142 Shadola Sunscreen Systems 84 Spacebud Pty Ltd117 Sprintquip Pty Ltd10 Stargames174 Statewide Business Training159 Steam Australia141 Supagas101 Superior Fit114 Technoprom Pty LtdPB17 The Robin Hunt Organisation168 Tooheys NSW91 Total Concept Projects40 Tree Creation96 Tyrrells Vineyards147 UniPage80 Universal Tickets36 Video Craft (Aust) Pty Ltd75 WGA/Club Games Services & Cadbury Schweppes41 WineSource82 Zig Zag Apparel Pty Ltd

SYDNEY EXHIBITION& CONVENTION CENTRETUESDAY 28TH MARCH, 11 AM - 5 PM

WEDNESDAY 29TH MARCH, 11 AM - 5 PM

Entry to the expo is free ofcharge to all managers, directors and staff ofRegistered Clubs.

CMAA HOSPITALITY EXPO 2006 EXHIBITORS LIST

29


By TORY SORBELLO

The CMAA late last yearannounced the list of 51winners in the 18 categories of

its 2006 Bursary and ScholarshipProgram.

IGT has made a substantial $32,000investment in its four bursaries withinits Peter Clarebrough MemorialGaming Bursary and recipients of the2006 bursaries are Geoffrey Holland(Dubbo RSL), Michael Brennan(Wests Illawarra), Sharon Brawn(Castle Hill RSL) and CameronProvost (Parramatta Leagues Club).

These four CMAA members willjoin the CMAA’s multi-city tourwhich includes a visit to the GlobalGaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, andthe IGT Factory and Global HeadOffice in Reno, Nevada, in earlyNovember.

IGT Australia Managing DirectorAndrew Hely said IGT was proud of itsongoing support of the CMAA Bursaryand Scholarship Program, having beeninvolved as the major sponsor for morethan seven years.

“This very worthwhile contributionto the industry affords gamingmanagers the ultimate educationaimed at improving their gamingbusiness acumen as well as providingthem with the latest insights andfreshest ideas which may be adapted totheir own gaming environment,”Andrew said.

The IGT Bursary offers the winnersaccess to the latest and mostsophisticated international gamingroom designs and managementprocesses as well as cutting-edgegaming technology.

This quartet, like the many other2006 Bursary Program winners, will bearmed with new information andgreater understanding to give them theadvantage to more effectively plan thefuture growth and improvements oftheir gaming floors.

“Educating gaming managersultimately serves the whole industry,

including players, as new technologyand more entertaining games becomeavailable and gaming rooms areredesigned,” Andrew added.

“Clubs benefit from adopting thesuccessful processes of other gamingfloors ensuring that local resources arebetter utilised by leveraging provenconcepts.”

The IGT Bursary was one of 51awards which club managers couldapply for under the CMAA’s Bursaryand Scholarship Program.

However IGT’s is the only bursaryoffering four overseas trips valued at$8000 each.

A minimum of 25 industryexperience points are required to applyfor the CMAA 2006 IGT PeterClarebrough Memorial GamingBursary, along with the KPMGAmerican Club Manager’s ConferenceStudy Tour, and Coca-Cola HospitalityExpo Study Tour.

CMAA Education Manager RalphKober said the IGT Bursary providesmanagers with the opportunity to beexposed to international markets andexperience first-hand the latest trendsin electronic gaming and casinomanagement - a view shared by thewinners.

The winners of the CMAA 2006IGT Peter Clarebrough MemorialGaming Bursary are scheduled to leaveSydney in early November for a two-week tour.

CMAA Bursaries open door toindustry career opportunities

The CMAA’s Bursary and Scholarship Program is a major part of its training anddevelopment pathways and offers members the opportunity to advance andenhance their careers through sponsored bursaries. The CMAA’s high-valuedsponsors generously provide the financial support to make these training anddevelopment opportunities a reality for members across Australia. The BursaryProgram, sponsored by 17 companies, is coordinated alongside the CMDA trainingsyllabus to ensure bursary winners receive specific and valuable learningopportunities to further their careers in the club and hospitality industries.

To be considered for one of the 51 CMAA bursaries in 20 categories, applicantshad to submit a nomination form based on four set criteria ...

1. a letter from the club President, General Manager or Secretary Manager; 2. an application form listing three bursary preferences; 3. employment history; 4. industry and education activity summary.Industry activity is determined by a CMAA points system which allocated a value

for each industry-related activity they participated in, e.g. 10 industry points isearned for each CMAA Zone Committee Meeting attended.

IGT sponsors the Peter Clarebrough Memorial Gaming Bursaries and to offer asnapshot of the CMAA’s Bursary Program TORY SORBELLO, a 3rd year BachelorCommunications (Journalism) student at the University of Western Sydney, lookedat IGT’s major commitment to the program with the company’s Australia ManagingDirector Andrew Hely and profiled the four winners of the 2006 bursaries.

Andrew Hely

Sponsors make program possible

■ BURSARY WINNERS - P30■ LAS VEGAS AWAITS - P31

30


PETER CLAREBROUGH MEMORIAL GAMING BURSARY - sponsored by IGTCameron Provost Operations Manager Parramatta Leagues ClubMichael Brennan Gaming Manager Wests IllawarraSharon Brawn ACCM Gaming Manager Castle Hill RSL ClubGeoff Holland ACCM Secretary Manager Dubbo RSL Memorial

Club Ltd

AMERICAN CLUB MANAGER’S CONFERENCE TOUR BURSARY - sponsored by KPMGShelley Payten Secretary Manager Milton Ulladulla Ex-

Servicemen’s & Citizens Club

HOSPITALITY EXPO TOUR BURSARY - sponsored by Coca-ColaMandy Ne’Roi Functions Manager Mingara Recreation ClubStuart Burrows Operations Manager Club Marconi

AUSTRALIAN CASINOS STUDY TOUR BURSARY - sponsored by StargamesSimon De Munck ACCMOperations Manager Club RiversColleen Inskip Operations Manager Wangi District Workers

ClubStephen Brown ACCM Secretary Manager Belmont Golf Club

FINE FOOD SHOW & STUDY TOUR BURSARY - sponsored by Profitable HospitalityMerissa Proops Food & Beverage Club Five Dock

ManagerJoshua McAleer Secretary Manager Grosvenor Club LimitedLisa Caswell Operations Manager Bateau Bay Bowling Club

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS IN CLUB MANAGEMENT DEGREE SCHOLARSHIP- sponsored by Coca-ColaDean Café Chief Executive Officer Young Services ClubNerine Ockwell Trainee Manager Mollymook Golf ClubJason Moore Secretary Manager Windsor District RSL Club

CLUB MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP - sponsored by BarringtonsLauren Heydon Secretary Manager Warragamba Worker’s &

Sporting Club LtdBrett Gorham Assistant Manager Young Services & Citizens

Club

WINE INDUSTRY STUDY BURSARY - sponsored by Tyrrell’s WinesGlenn Wallace ACCM Operations Manager Canberra Labor Club LtdColin Eisenhuth Duty Manager Dooleys Lidcombe

Catholic Club

CMAA VISIONARY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM BURSARY - sponsored by Scott & BroadMichael Foulkes Catering Manager Cabra-Vale Ex-Active

Servicemen’s Club LtdMichelle Appleby Human Resource Revesby Workers Club

Manager

FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGEMENT EDUCATION BURSARY - sponsored by National Coffee DistributorsSusan Blake Duty Manager Bexley RSL & Community

ClubChris Kermond Duty Manager Revesby Workers ClubBronte Kolinac Duty Manager Barrier Social Democratic

ClubDamian Watts Purchasing Manager Castle Hill RSL Club

CLUB DUTY MANAGER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM BURSARY - sponsored by The Enterprise Development NetworkKatrina Jones Office Administrator Cardiff RSL Memorial ClubAndrew King Duty Manager Dapto Leagues Club

Limited Garry Weston Customer Services Club Rivers

ManagerGail Caton Duty Manager Windsor District RSL Club

CLUB GAMING MANAGEMENT EDUCATION BURSARY - sponsored by MaxgamingTroy Sheary Shift Manager Mingara Recreation Club

LtdDaniel Passfield Operations Manager Cardiff RSL Memorial

ClubRyan Hayes Gaming Manager Club Rivers

FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM BURSARY- sponsored by True Blue ChemicalsPamela Waring Events & Functions Revesby Workers Club

ManagerGraeme Tonks Gaming/Functions Paddington-Woollahra

Manager RSL Club

Karen Way Gaming Manager Club Marconi

MARKETING MANAGEMENT EDUCATION BURSARY - sponsored by Russell Corporate AdvisoryBen Hamilton ACCM Secretary Manager Cardiff RSL Memorial

ClubPatricia Ede Administration Manager Telarah Bowling ClubPatricia Proctor Operations Manager Toronto RSL Club

FOOD SAFETY RISK MANAGEMENT EDUCATION BURSARY - sponsored by Fisher:Kidd & AssociatesManaging Risk Training CourseChris Unicomb Compliance Manager Bankstown District Sports

ClubJames Nicholas Sous Chef/Relief Food Hornsby RSL Club

Services Manager

Managing Food Safety Auditor Training CourseMichael Kowilaw Catering Manager Tuggerah Lakes Memorial

Club

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT EDUCATION BURSARY - sponsored by Paul Langmack Financial SeminarsStuart Jamieson Operations Manager Carnarvon Golf ClubClaire Woodley Office Administrator Birrong Bowling & Sports

ClubAllan Hudson Finance Manager Laurieton United

Servicemen’s Club

CMAA EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE BURSARY - sponsored by InfogenesisGlen Fraser ACCM Secretary Manager Northmead Bowling &

Recreation ClubKarren Howe ACCM Secretary Manager Barrier Social &

Democratic Club

CLUB MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE BURSARY - sponsored by LPK CleaningDarling Harbour ConferencePhil Ryan ACCM Secretary Manager Wollongong Ex-Services

ClubSally Dickinson Finance Manager Arana Leagues ClubAGE ConferenceChristine Haynes Marketing Manager Tuggerah Lakes Memorial

ClubWayne Rinaldi ACCM Venue Manager Sebastopol Bowls Club

CMAA 2006 Bursary winners ...

31


MICHAEL BRENNAN Gaming Manager, Wests Illawarra Leagues Club

Michael has been in his rolesince June 2005 and hasworked in the club industry forthe past 10 years, starting asa casual steward at CollegiansLeagues Club while studyingfor a degree in Commerce atthe University of Wollongong.“I enjoy the diversity of theindustry, the opportunities thatare available and the people,”he said. Michael exceeded the25 industry experience pointsrequired to apply for the IGTbursary because he is aLeagues Club Association ofNSW Director, has completedthe Visionary LeadershipProgram with the CMAA andhas almost completed theClub and Gaming ManagementDegree at Southern CrossUniversity. Las Vegas presentsan exciting opportunity. “I’mlooking forward toexperiencing the vibe of Vegasand bring back ideas andconcepts that will helpimprove my skills andknowledge and some newideas to add to our businessat Wests,” he said. Michaelacknowledges initiatives suchas the IGT bursaries rewardprofessionals for their hardwork. “The bursary offersapplicants, particularlymanagers, recognition andreward for their commitmentto the industry. “

Managers appreciate IGT tourGeoffrey Holland began

his club industry career atNewcastle Tattersalls in1972 before moving on toBarham Services Club in1980 as an assistantmanager and joined DubboRSL in 1987. He enjoys theindustry’s diversity, asentiment shared by otherIGT bursary winners. “Theclub industry acts as afulcrum to deliverentertainment to a lot ofpeople, whether providing asocial environment to minglewith friends or havingsomething to eat at areasonable price,” he added.Geoffrey’s involvement inCMAA-organised eventshelped him accumulate the25 experience points toapply for the IGT bursary. “Itry to attend the CMAAAnnual General Meetingeach year, as well as manyeducational seminars aspossible. I was even luckyenough to attend a CMAALeadership Course.”Geoffrey is excited about theeducational prospects of thebursary tour, which includesa trip to the G2E expo. “G2Eopens new opportunities tolearn ... it’s about world’sbest practice. Australianmanagers bring back newinformation on such thingsas building and gamingroom machine layout.”

CAMERON PROVOSTOperations Manager,Parramatta Leagues Club

Cameron entered the clubindustry in 1993, working forthe Orange Ex-Serviceman’sClub as a casual barman. Thenext decade brought a move toSydney and work at HarbordDiggers Club, Dee Why andBelrose bowling clubs, beforelanding his role at ParramattaLeagues Club. His CMAAinvolvement started in 1999 asa trainer, teaching the GamingAnalysis Program (GAP), RSAand RCG courses and theGaming Management Program.Apart from the industry’sdiversity, Cameron enjoystraining people and see themdevelop into managers andsuccessful people within theindustry. He earned 106industry experience points in2005 by attending the Mid-YearConference at Jupiters, Networkand Zone meetings along withCMAA workshops andseminars. Cameron’s 2006bursary tour objectives are toacquire the latest industry-related information for personalbenefit and for aspects ofParramatta Leagues Club’sStrategic Plan, including securityand surveillance, food andbeverage, customer service,finance and operations. “TheIGT bursaries give clubmanagers a chance to studyaspects of the industryoverseas, something perhapsnot possible with their club dueto financial reasons.”

Sharon Brawnstarted in clubs at FiveDock RSL in 1994. Tenyears later, shereturned to work forCastle Hill RSL. Sharonis attracted to theindustry because ofthe people and varietyof tasks that “keepsthings interesting”.Sharon achieved herindustry experiencepoints through “lots ofeducation” last year,attending seminars ongaming, finance,marketing andbudgeting. She appliedonly for the IGTBursary this year as itencompassed allfacets of aneducational tour.“There are 400exhibitors at G2E and Iwant to see everythingon offer. There’s alsogreat networkingopportunities with USindustry people. On mylast CMAA tour, I met40 club managersfrom around Australiaand am still in contactwith almost all ofthem. People whowant to get ahead inthe industry have anopportunity to do sovia a bursary such asthis.”

SHARON BRAWNGaming AnalysisManager, Castle Hill RSL

GEOFFREY HOLLANDSecretary Manager,Dubbo RSL

32


By PETER COOPER, CMAA Senior IndustrialRelations Advocate

As we continue tocontemplate the effects of theFederal Government’sWorkChoices Legislation onCMAA members employedunder both our State andFederal Awards, one of ourgreatest fears is membersmay be forced to embarkupon Common Lawemployment contracts. The main concern here is theCMAA’s lack of standing inthe Common Law Courtjurisdiction and the likely costfacing individual memberswhen starting proceedings forbreach of contract disputes. At the end of the day, thelegal fraternity will be the onlyreal winners.

Aprelude to what lays ahead wasa case before the SupremeCourt NSW in December

2005, where the employer commencedproceeding against its employee forfailing to abide be a notice provisioncontacted in an employment contract.

Both parties are well and truly“legaled up” with Senior Counsel and,while this is a cost jurisdiction, the realargument is about a 26-week noticeperiod not given by the employee.

In calculating the suggested level ofthe employee’s remuneration, it couldbe suggested that the cost of theagreement will exceed the payoutbeing sought.

This matter was between a high-

profile news presenter and a nationaltelevision broadcaster and - at the timeof writing - was subject to appeal bythe employer.

Supreme Courts are generally notoverly exposed to employment lawmatters, but this, obliviously, willchange with the new IR laws.

The Court’s short and simple rulingwas along the lines ... “If it walks like aduck and quack’s like a duck, it mustbe a duck”.

To quote the judge ... “The disputebetween the parties involves onesimply stated question: what is theexpiration date of the contract? In myopinion, the answer is equally simple,derived from the terms of the contractitself, and it favours the defendant(employee)”.

Labour analysts are yet to dissect andcomment on this decision, but myshort take on the matter is “the duck”(fixed-term contract) is really a rooster(ongoing employment contract) indisguise.

What is a fixed-term employmentcontract?

It’s an agreement to undertake aspecified job for a specified period.

There is a stated understanding thatthere is a definite beginning and adefinite end of contract.

The employment is automaticallyterminated after an effluxion of time.

Courts have adopted the following

principle in determining thatemployment contracts are not genuinefixed-term in nature ...

1. The Agreement includes aprovision that notice is to be given onthe termination of employment;

2. The Agreement expires andcontinually gets renewed on a yearlybasis;

3. The contracted position is not fora specific task and the employercannot adequately justify a goodbasis or reason for appointing theemployee under a fixed term contract.

In this case, the employee had beenemployed since 1995 on a series offixed-term contracts, the latest agreedto via a letter of confirmation signedby the parties for a two-year period inDecember 2003 and ending onDecember 31, 2005.

I submit the parties should havesigned a fresh contract with all impliedterms expressed clearly in such adocument.

The signed letter of confirmationcontained acknowledgement of certainlimited terms i.e. salary and notice oftermination provisions for either party.

The letter served the purpose ofrecognising an ongoing employmentrelationship with limited variations.

The employee resigned in mid-December 2005, stating that sheintended to cease employment onDecember 31, 2005.

She had sought - and was granted -long service leave expiring on January16, 2006.

The judge indicated the contract didnot permit any further remunerationbeyond December 31, 2005.

Nonsense! The parties understood the current

salary rate was to be paid for the longservice period - November 2005 toJanuary 2006 - and this point isdistinctly different to the payment ofaccrued entitlements due at thetermination of employment.

Employment Contracts vFixed-Term Contracts

Peter Cooper

CONTINUED P33

33


In this case there are two facts to bedealt with ...

1. If the judge’s knowledge ofpoultry is to be up held, there was nonecessity for the employee toformally resign her position as itautomatically came to an end afterthe effluxion of time (December 31,2005).

2. As there was no new contract inplace, the employer could expect itsemployee gave the long-standingnotice requirement of 26 weeks andwork the notice out until June 30,2006. On this point, the letter ofconfirmation of employment in 2003stated: “(a) Your employment maybe terminated by the giving of 26weeks notice in writing by either partyor, in the case of termination by theemployer, by payment of an amountequivalent to 26 weeks salary in lieuof notice.”

The employer was very clear inseeking adherence to these provisions,

as other provisions put the employeeon notice in the following terms ...“Accordingly you agree that [youremployer] shall be entitled to seeksuch relief including injunction reliefto prevent any such breach.”

This may lead to a claim forsubstantial damages against theemployee.

It can only be speculated that, withthe new employer’s eagerness to obtainthis employee’s services, whether acontract of employment was offeredincluding an indemnity clausecovering any cost arising from theemployee’s former employmentrelationship.

If this decision stands, it could havenegative consequences for career-basedmangers who, from time to time, areemployed under a series of rollingfixed-term contracts.

This decision now questions well-established Industrial Law Courtdecisions on these types ofemployment relationships

The CMAA at most members’forums reminds members to seek the

Association’s advice before enteringinto any employment agreement.

This message is of even greaterimportance, given the change to ournational employment law landscape.

Federal Government’s“WorkChoices”

Despite Government assertions tothe contrary, there is no economicbenefit to the Government’s industrialchanges - and there is certainly nosocial benefit.

The fact is the Government’s IRchanges are not sound, economicallybased reforms or sound, socially basedreforms.

They are ideological, extreme, unfairand divisive.

The real workplace reform is in thetraining of the Australian workforce atall skill levels.

We have a national skills shortage sothe Government advertisesinternationally for skilled migrants,having failed to train Australians athome.

The real workplace reform is in the training of the Australian workforce at all skill levels.

FROM P32

34


Five Dock RSL andCommunity Club isenjoying a resurgence

in memberships -particularly in the under30s demographic - since amajor redevelopment ofthe club’s ground floor andlower ground floor levels.

The two-stagedevelopment by designand construction companyPaynter Dixon includedthe refurbishment of thelower ground floor loungeand bar - known as the “RBar” - and the groundfloor bistro and foyer.

Club membership hasjumped by more than3000 or more than 45%and General Manager KenDiaz said the relaxed andstylish ambience of therevamped “R Bar Lounge” has sparked its popularity as anightspot for local members and guests - particularly in the18 to 35 age group.

“The R Bar was transformed from an old sports bar to themodern facility we have today, serving as a nightclub insummer and more of a sports bar with big screens in winter,”Ken said. “At first, older members were a bit apprehensiveabout the change, however it’s now a very popular area ofthe club. We realised we needed to provide amenities thatwould appeal to younger people and the R Bar has workedwell in that respect.”

Paynter Dixon’s NSW Marketing Manager LindsayVerdon said the $1.2 million refurbishment project hadsucceeded in modernising the club and providing memberswith more services and amenities.

“The challenge with this type of renovation is tointroduce new elements and areas that blend with the club’sexisting style and design,” Lindsay said.

“The diversity of this project was also challenging, fromdesigning a new bar/nightclub through to creating aninteractive children’s playroom.”

The project also included new male and female toiletsand new non-smoking lounge.

The interactive children’s playroom, knownas the “Fish Bowl” featuring vividly colouredgraphics of underwater creatures, already is awinner with the children.

The Bistro redevelopment has increased theseating capacity, allowing more people to enjoythe area at any one time. It was also given amore modern look using sleek stainless steel forthe servery and kitchen and dark-woodfurniture throughout. Earthy tones completethe look with brown, beige and cream usedthroughout to give a relaxed feel.

“The response to the changes in the club hasbeen fantastic,” Ken added. “Theredevelopment was competed a year ago andwe have had an increase in memberships from7000 to 10,000.”

Stylish renovations draw newmembers to Five Dock RSL

A makeover of the lower floors of Five Dock RSL and Community Club has resulted in asignificant membership boost and first-class amenities for established members.

36


If someone told you they weremarried in Las Vegas, you’d beentitled to consider the foundation

and future of what is perhapssomething of an impulsive start to alifetime union.

But the latest marriage made inVegas - the $144 million ($US108million) acquisition of Stargames byAmerican gaming company ShuffleMaster - is destined for a long, happyand very productive union, accordingto Stargames Corporation ManagingDirector and CEO John Rouse.

Based in Milperra, in Sydney’swestern suburbs, Stargames employsmore than 190 staff to design, build,test, market and distribute gamingproducts worldwide with outlets onevery continent.

Mr Rouse said Shuffle Master’sacquisition of Stargames makes sensefor all Stargames business stakeholdersand that it was time for Stargames tomove into its next stage of

development. “I could not think of abetter way for this to be achieved thanas a part of the Shuffle Master family,”he added.

Shuffle Master’s Chairman and CEODr Mark Yoseloff said there wasoutstanding “complementarity”between the two companies.

“Both Mark and I are excited aboutthe future and we both look forward tocompletion of the acquisition, asmooth integration of Stargames intothe Shuffle Master family and muchsuccess together,” Mr Rouse said.

Shuffle Master is in the final stagesof acquiring Stargames, which startedlast July and should be completed thismonth.

Stargames recommended lastNovember that its shareholders acceptShuffle Master’s $1.55 per share offeras it was considered to be in the bestinterests of all Stargames stakeholders.

“We considered the offer fairlyvalued Stargames shares,” Mr Rouseadded.

A major international gamingequipment and technology companywith a market capitalisation of about$1.33 billion (US$1billion), ShuffleMaster is the second-largest publiclylisted gaming equipment company inNorth America after IGT and is biggerthan Alliance Gaming (Bally) andWMS Gaming.

Shuffle Master’s business focus is onutility products, including shufflers,chip sorters and intelligent tableproducts, and entertainment products,including proprietary table games, sidebets and electronic table games.

Mr Rouse said that for Stargames togrow strongly as an independentAustralian-owned company ininternational gaming markets, it wouldhave required substantial capitalexpenditure and would not have beenwithout risk. He said the decision toaccept the Shuffle Master offer wasbecause that strong growth could be

Marriage made in Vegas

Stargames CEO and Managing Director John Rouse (left) toasts the acquisition of his company with Dr MarkYoseloff, Chairman and CEO of American Gaming company Shuffle Master at Stargames Milperra base.

CONTINUED P37

$144 million acquisition of Stargames a ...

37


more quickly achieved, with greatercertainty, if Stargames became part ofan international gaming group such asShuffle Master.

For customers, suppliers and otherpartners, Stargames will become part ofa group better able to support thecompany’s growth.

Mr Rouse described the acquisition a“great opportunity” for Stargamesemployees as Shuffle Master hasannounced it intends to retain thesenior management team and all theemployees subject to an operationalreview. “We expect Stargames to growstrongly under Shuffle Master’sownership and help support ShuffleMaster’s business worldwide intechnology development and supply ofgaming products, so there will begreater opportunities for our employeesin the future,” he added.

The Stargames head office atMilperra is complemented by thenearby Research and Developmentcampus, including the engineeringdepartment, game development studio,assembly plant, warehouse andadministration offices.

The plant has an annual assemblycapacity of up to 7500 machines on asingle shift basis.

Stargames has offices in Newcastle,Brisbane, Christchurch and Auckland,New Zealand. It also has productsinstalled all over the globe, includingMacau, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia,Singapore, Philippines, Mongolia,Kazakhstan in Asia, Nevada,California, British Columbia in NorthAmerica, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia,Columbia in South America, SouthAfrica, the United Kingdom andRussia.

Shuffle Master’s acquisition willprovide Stargames with access to theUS company’s vast portfolio of gaminglicences and approvals in NorthAmerica and other internationalmarkets, its large distribution andtechnical service network, proprietarytable games content and funding fornew business development that isstrategically and financially in thecompany’s best interests.

Stargames will benefit from ShuffleMaster’s size, reputation andoutstanding track record of success.

Shuffle Master intends to supportthe growth of both Stargames MTGM

(multi-terminal gaming machines)business and EGM (electronic gamingmachines) business and proposes togrow MTGM business globally and itsEGM business in Australia, NewZealand, Asia, and selectedinternational markets where it hasidentified special opportunities.

Stargames also expects to retain allits important strategic relationshipsand extend its long association withWMS Gaming in the Australian andNew Zealand markets.

Stargames has achieved a lot overthe past six years, developing world-class technology and products andbecome a world leader in multi-terminal gaming development.

It has established a strong presencein the Australian gaming markets andin other significant internationaljurisdictions.

Having delivered a $6 million to $8million net profit after tax in each ofthe past three years, Stargames hasbeen significantly cash flow positiveand paid increasing dividends toshareholders.

“This has been achieved because ofthe outstanding efforts of our people,supported by our Board andshareholders, as well as our importantcustomers, partners and suppliers,” MrRouse said. “I am extremely proud ofwhat Stargames has achieved.”

The flagships of the Stargamesproduct range are the outstanding PC-based gaming machine technologyplatform, Vegas Star fully automatedmulti-terminal electronic gamingmachines for clubs and casinos andRapid Table Games, which are dealer-determined multi-terminal electronictable games for casinos.

Stargames Corporation Managing Director and CEO John Rouse has agreed tostay with Stargames to oversee the next stage of the company’s evolution.

Rather than steering the ship as the Stargames senior executive, he will workalongside the management team of major international gaming equipment andtechnology company Shuffle Master. At 55, John says he would like to play moregolf but, because Stargames is so important to him, he will stay on to ensure theacquisition is successful for Shuffle Master and Stargames stakeholders.

“This is a wonderful deal for Stargames ... for the shareholders, customers,suppliers and employees, and secures the company’s future. It’s a very exciting

time and we couldn’t have a better partner thanShuffle Master. Mark Yoseloff [Shuffle Master’sChairman and CEO] and his team have visited theStargames complex a few times now and areimpressed with what they see and what Stargamesbrings to Shuffle Master’s business future.

“I’m satisfied and confident that we have made agood business decision.” John said.

John’s arrival at the gaming industry was asomewhat “outback route”, but it’s a destination heis pleased to have reached. “I have had a great time- a very busy time, but a wonderful time -

establishing Stargames, and I’ve enjoyed every moment of the experience andworking with the great team of people we have here at Stargames,” he said.

John gained an economics degree at Sydney University and added a businessdegree from Macquarie Uni. He joined BHP iron division in 1970 after working atCSR and various jobs followed within BHP along with a steady climb up thecorporate ladder. In 1992, aged 42, he became the CEO of the Australian JockeyClub, and held that position for three years. John then met John Iliffe, industrialist,chairman of AWA, Woolworths and GIO, who offered him the Managing Director’sjob at AWA, a large electronics manufacturer and operator of the totalisator systemat all NSW, Queensland and South Australian racecourses.

AWA was something of a natural progression to establishing Stargames. In theshort-term he is focused on making Stargames a successful addition to theShuffle Master corporate portfolio.

John knows that if Stargames are dealt the right cards, they will win the hand.

Rouse signs on for Stargames new voyageFROM P36

38


James Boag’s Premium Lager has donea Makybe Diva by being recognised as“Best Premium Beer” at the

Australian Liquor Industry Awards for thethird successive year.

The award, announced in Sydney latelast year, is highly regarded as it is votedfor by hoteliers and retailers acrossAustralia.

J.Boag & Son Director of Sales andMarketing Lyndon Adams said thecompany was extremely proud to receivethe prestigious award for anunprecedented third year running.

“For J.Boag & Son, this award is theMelbourne Cup of industry awards so wehold this win as highly as I’m sure theconnections held Makybe Diva’s thirdconsecutive cup win - it’s very special tous,” Lyndon said.

The win comes amid a proliferation oflocal and international premium beers onthe Australian market.

“To win this award for the thirdconsecutive year, given the level ofcompetition now in the premium segmentof the beer market, is testament not onlyto the commitment to brewing the finestquality beer, but also the clear andconsistent sales and marketing supportthat the brand has received.” Lyndonsaid.

“In particular, the use of the uniqueblack-and-white images, taken byphotographer Helmut Newton, that havebeen adapted into distinctive televisioncommercials, have developed mystery andintrigue around the brand, whichdifferentiates James Boag’s Premium Lagerfrom its competitors.”

Lyndon said another indication of theJames Boag Premium Lager’s brandstrength has been the successful growth ofJames Boag’s Premium Light, a lowalcohol version of James Boag’s Premium.

“We anticipate that this brand still hasa lot of growth ahead as more peopledecide that it is worth investing a littleextra to really enjoy the light beer thatthey are drinking,” Lyndon added.

The ‘Diva’ ofAustralia’spremium beers

40


Could there have been a worsestart to 2005 for our northernneighbours who were

recovering from the disastrous BoxingDay Tsunami?

The CMAA immediately supportedthe national appeal for victims of theAsian Tsunami, donating $10,000 onbehalf of members to the clubs appealand supported Father Chris Riley’sYouth Off the Streets - Asia Appeal tobuild an orphanage in Banda Aceh.

There was a charity race day inconjunction with Hawkesbury RaceClub and numerous clubs initiatedfund-raising efforts.

Fr Riley guaranteed all money raisedwould be used immediately to supportthe children orphaned in Banda Aceh- and he has been true to his word,unlike some “professional” charitieswho, after more than a year of peoplesuffering, still hold in trust more thanhalf the funds that well-meaningAustralians donated.

Care Australia’s Executive OfficerReverend Tim Costello slighted clubsby refusing to accept a donation of$500,000 because he considereddonations from organisations thatsanction gaming were “tainted”. Itseems he had a problem with priorities,but soon changed his mind when allthe adverse publicity started to appear.

In writing this report, I note thenominations for Australian of the Yearand it amazes me how people, such theFr Riley or Wesley Noffs, who giveeverything for the under privileged ordisadvantaged, rarely - if ever - get amention.

The club industry received a belatedChristmas “gift” when NSW TreasurerMichael Egan decided he had wreakedenough havoc across the state andresigned from Parliament. TreasurerEgan’s legacy is he will be rememberedas the person who tried to destroy theregistered club industry in NSW - notthe state’s most successful treasurer.

——

The CMAA hosted a successful visitto our “Sister” Association, the ClubManagers’ Association AmericaAnnual Conference and TradeExposition, in New Orleans. Sadly theGulf of Mexico coast was devastatedsome months later by HurricaneKatrina which all but wiped NewOrleans from the face of the earth.

—— The CMAA conducted a very

successful Conference and HospitalityExpo at Rosehill Gardens Conventioncentre in March. Conferenceregistrations and Expo visits exceedprevious figures and showed that,although the State Government wasintent on stifling the club industry, it

was moving forward strongly. Delegateswho attended these sessions embraceda new learning concept “open space”facilitated by Joe Bowers. The CMAAMid-Year conference at ConradJupiters Gold Coast attracted recordnumbers of delegates and surveysshowed the three-day conferencecontent met delegates’ needs.

—— NSW Minister for Gaming and

Racing Grant McBride released theGovernment’s response to theIndependent Pricing and RegulatoryTribunal (IPART) report into problemgambling, which had been handeddown in 2004. The general thrust ofthe report support the principles of aculture of shared responsibility,development of evidence-based policyand a policy formulation frameworkcoordinated by a single responsiblebody.

—— The Workplace Surveillance Act

2005 (NSW) received assent and willregulate three kinds of surveillance inthe workplace - camera, computer andtracking.

—— The NSW Department of Gaming

and Racing continued the 35a Auditsof clubs with the Department andaudited clubs reporting close to 100%compliance. The Industry Code ofPractice has been completed and allmanagers are urged to work within itsguidelines.

——

Many challenges and issuesfor CMAA to tackle in 2006

From the ExecutiveOfficer’sDesk

with TERRY CONDON

Fr Chris Riley Grant McBrideBob Carr

CONTINUED P41

41


NSW Premier Bob Carr retired inAugust after breaking Neville Wran’srecord as the longest-serving NSWleader and Morris Iemma took thereins of the Labor Government. ThePremier rode into town on his whitecharger to right the wrongs of previousleaders and almost immediatelyremoved the Vendor Tax, whichprompted a downturn in the NSWproperty market, thrust and added taxburden on the nest eggs of many blue-collar Labor voters and saw investmentdollars shift interstate. He alsotrumpeted that he would fix thedraconian club poker machinetaxation laws, but it appears that likemany other “champions” of the clubindustry that he’s big on words, butshort on action. Apparently heconsiders juggling tax rates and telling950 clubs they would be better offwould soothe the anger of clubs,despite the fact his “offer” will ripmore out of the industry than theCarr-Egan grab - and $560 millionmore than the NSW Coalition’sMemorandum of Understanding. It’squite obvious that the Government’s“number crunchers” have done theirfigures and decided that, with theavalanche of other problems in NSW -hospitals, education, police, transportto name a few - they would be betteroff taking on the club industry, grabthe money, try and fix the otherproblems, and hope the club industryfalls for the “spin”. Bob Carr andMichael Egan have taken the state -and the club industry - to the cleanerswith heavy taxation policies and NSWis looking for a leader - not another“spin doctor”. Let’s hope the Coalitioncan provide one.

—— The Federal Government gained

control of the Senate in July for thefirst time since John Howard becamePrime Minister. Howard announcedthat he had been given a mandate toreform the Australia’s IndustrialRelations Laws, despite the fact hefailed to mention he would do so witha Senate majority when announcingpolicy statements before the lastFederal election. By year’s end theFederal Government had forced thisdisgraceful legislation through bothhouses of Parliament after Australianworkers had taken to the streets to

voice universal objections to what wasbeing done to present and futureworkers of our great country. It appearsthat after 10 years as Prime Minister,“little Johnny” was worried he wouldbe remembered in history only as thenation’s most mundane PM. Hecertainly changed that and will beforever remembered for dismantlingmore than 100 years of workers’ hard-fought reforms because he knowswhat’s best for Australia’s workers.

—— July 4, 2005 brought the first in a

range of progressive restrictions onsmoking in NSW clubs which willculminate with a complete ban onsmoking in all internal areas in July2007. Victoria, ACT and Queenslandclubs have been dealing with smokingrestrictions since 2004.

—— The TVN/Sky Channel dispute

continues to cause havoc in racingacross Australia with clubs as the meatin the sandwich, paying through theneck to provide a service to membersat a cost that should be borne by theTAB before it pays shareholdersdividends. Betfair, a new form ofgambling on racing, has been licensedin Tasmania and will accelerate in thedemise of racing in Australia as weknow it.

——And so, to 2006 ... what lies ahead

for the CMAA?■ March brings a bold venture in

moving our AnnualConference/Trade Exposition toDarling Harbour on March 28 and29. A gala Charity Awards nightwill be held on March 28 whenthe CMAA’s history will belaunched.

■ Our Mid-Year Conference isscheduled for June 25 to 28 atJupiters Gold Coast.

■ The CMDA’s 2006 EducationCalendar has been expanded forall members to continueeducation programs.

■ On the political front, the clubswill encounter more legislationand regulations - in particular,rewriting the Liquor Act to reinin the hospitality industry. Wewill continue the fight to overturnthe additional gaming tax. Theadverse effects of the FederalGovernment’s WorkChoiceslegislation already has started toaffect CMAA members with someBoards and CEOs forced to playjudge and jury on members’working rights.

FROM P40

John Howard

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of theMembers of the Club Managers’Association Australia will take placeat 9am on Tuesday, March 28, 2006in the Conference Room, Hall 4,Sydney Convention & ExhibitionCentre, Darling Harbour. Members willreceive 10 ACCM activity points forattending the meeting and signing theMembers’ Register.

42


By KEN BURGIN, of Profitable Hospitality

Let’s make 2006 different in thefood and beverage department ...more profitable and more popular

- part of the future, rather than a relicfrom the past. Let’s take on the twomajor stress areas: staff and profitfigures ... and use better menus andservice to improve results and membersatisfaction.

This is the year to move towardsfreshly grilled rather than “long ago”roasted. A char-grill gives you theopportunity to present a premiumproduct, cook it quickly and serve itwith light, fresh side dishes. Fries arealways going to be popular but let’s seeif we can reduce their use a little andadd imaginative vegetable side dishes.

Every construction company iscoming to you with great ideas aboutrebuilding and making the bistro moreglamorous. That’s great, but 2006 willbe the year for more research beforesigning contracts, visit not only otherclubs but modern “eat street” precinctsin big cities to see how smartrestaurants, cafes and pubs are feedingcrowds quickly and with style. Notmany of them are using bain-maries!

You may be from a small town, butyour guests see all the latest trends onTV and in magazines, so let’s give thema taste of something more sophisticated.

Modern chains such as Gloria Jeans,McCafé and Oporto are also makingmajor inroads into Aussie eating habits,so check what they’re doing well as youplan for the future.

Whatever you change, theimprovements need to allow forflexibility and experimentation - nomore resting on the laurels for 10 yearsbefore the next upheaval. So ensureyou have movable counters, stoves onflexible gas hoses and signs that can berewritten any time. Food displays willhave major improvements this year, andwill see the end of expensive andunhygienic salad bars and better displayof desserts, salads and sandwiches.Gladwrap gets the flick because nowyou’re selling so much product thatthere’s no need to armour-plate itagainst the weather and the customers.

Desserts will change from being largeand heavy to smaller, lighter andincreasingly made in-house. Goodbyeto big slabs of cheesecake and carrotcake. Say hello to the home-mademuffins, gelato, mango mousse andtiramisu served in parfait glasses.

Instead of serving dessert to onecustomer in 20, you can achieve astrike rate of one in four. How many doyou serve now?

The coffee shop changes to a café,and becomes famous for its coffee ratherthan an embarrassment.

Keen coffee suppliers are regularlytraining staff and the machine isupgraded to fully automatic so quality isguaranteed and staff can manage thecrowd of fans who gather round for acappuccino when bingo finishes.

No more long queues and three-minute coffees. Our new target is 30seconds flat from order to fluffy finishedproduct.

Functions are now recognised as agreat source of profit and modernfunction menus are offered across allprice brackets, supported by plenty ofhelpful information on the website.

Good coffee, great sandwiches andhot dishes are on offer in comfortablesurroundings, all served by attentivestaff who are trained for modernfunction work. This is the year when

food takes its rightful place on thewebsite, at the “heart of the club”.

And the year when the chef learnsmore about how websites work andorganises professional food photographyto make it look as good on the screen asit does in real life.

It’s also time to start contactingmembers more regularly, using emailand SMS to tell them about specialdinners, meal deals and the new menu.

And it’s the year to get more in touchwith customer opinion. Most Aussiesdon’t say much if they’re not happy,saving it up to tell their friends laterand never returning. Let’s organise it soyou hear about problems straight away,and praise flows freely when the bistrohas done a good job.

This is also the year for directors andmanagement to learn more about newfood ideas, so the annual visit to theGaming Expo also includes visits topopular eating areas to see how smartoperators work. The annual cateringand fine-food trade shows are a must forall the kitchen staff, who come backenergised from seeing new concepts andtasting new food.

2006 will be the year for moreeffective staff management ... more-effective job advertisements that reallyattract attention, posted online and onthe club’s website. They must work toposition your club as the place wheresmart staff want to work.

Commit to having an hour ofuninterrupted conversation with youremployees at least twice a year,covering their skills, attitude, accuracyand speed of work, their effectiveness asleaders and aspirations for the future.

This is also the year for handlingpoor performance fairly and muchfaster, in the kitchen, the bar andanywhere in the club ... less toleranceof the slow and the shifty, and plenty ofshort training sessions for those withpotential who need coaching. It’s theyear for more courage to confrontproblems when they arise. As you makepositive changes, everyone’s morale andproductivity will improve, and so willthe gross profit figures.

Ultimately, this is year for moreenjoyment at work and looking forwardto the start of each week not the end.

Your New Year’s resolutions

Ken Burgin presents the FoodService and Kitchen EfficiencyWorkshop for Clubs for the CMAA at ■ Auburn on February 16, ■ Albury on February 27, ■ Canberra on March 13, ■ Brisbane on April 4. Contact the CMA on 02 9643 2300for bookings and more information.

Ken Burgin

43


44


By NICK HARTGERINK

Wests Illawarra Leagues Clubin Wollongong opened forbusiness in January, 1956 -

an auspicious year in the history ofregistered clubs in NSW.

It was the year the NSWGovernment formally legalised pokermachines in non-proprietary clubs.

Labor Premier Joe Cahill said themachines had become “an essentialpart of the economy of clubs” and towithdraw them would place manyclubs and jobs in jeopardy.

There’s a certain irony then, that inWests Illawarra’s 50th anniversary yearthe club movement is battling so hardagainst another Labor Governmentdetermined to raise its poker machinetaxes to levels the industry believes areunsustainable.

Not that the new club was in aposition to cash in on the change inthe poker machine laws in 1956.

It had just four “pokies” when it wasofficially opened in rented premises onthe Princes Highway at Unanderra onJanuary 28 that year.

The club had been founded by agroup of dedicated Western Suburbs

Rugby League Football Club officialswho were determined to start the club- both as a social venue and to supportsport in general, and rugby league inparticular.

To say the founding fathers’ visionhas been spectacularly fulfilled wouldbe an understatement.

Fifty years on, Wests Illawarra is avibrant and flourishing club withalmost 20,000 members who enjoyexcellent facilities and services.

The club is one of the biggestsupporters of sport in the Illawarra

region, providing financial backing to16 sporting organisations representing12 sports - rugby league, baseball,basketball, soccer, cricket, hockey,swimming, touch football, darts,snooker, fishing and golf.

Wests Illawarra also pours hundredsof thousands of dollars a year intocommunity organisations across theIllawarra region - from surf lifesavingclubs to youth support programs,schools, drug rehabilitation and the

Wests Illawarra celebrates halfcentury of golden memories

The current WestsIllawarra Board(pictured left)continue to overseethe fulfillment ofthe club’s foundingfathers’ vision as asocial venue and tosupport sport ingeneral, and rugbyleague specifically

CONTINUED P45

45


children’s ward at WollongongHospital.

To celebrate the club’s 50thanniversary, Wests Illawarrahas produced a magazinewhich charts the history of theclub itself, and the sportingorganisations it supports.

Many of the pioneeringmembers are still involved inthe club, and their stories aretold in the magazine.

“Wests Illawarra has such aremarkable sporting heritagethat we felt it was importantto celebrate it by recording thehistory of each sporting clubthat we support,” ChiefExecutive Officer PhillipBragg said. “We also wanted tohonour our pioneers byproducing a history of the clubthat puts down on record howwe started and recognisesmany of the people who havecontributed to the club overthe last 50 years.”

Not surprisingly, rugbyleague takes pride of place inthe 50th anniversarymagazine.

The Wests Illawarra RedDevils have produced anextraordinary number of representativeand top grade players over the years.

Heading the list is the great BobFulton - one of the game’s sevenImmortals - who played 20 Tests and15 World Cup matches for Australia,as well as winning Sydney premiershipsas a player and coach, and captainingand coaching the national team in aplaying and coaching career thatspanned more than 30 years.

Fulton is the only man ever to playfor, captain and coach winningpremiership teams and Kangarootouring sides.

He had been discovered in the Westsjunior ranks, and coach KeithHenniker rushed him into the reservegrade team as a 17-year-old in 1964.

Fulton was then snapped up byManly, where he quickly made hismark on the Sydney first grade scene.

He was first selected to play forAustralia in the 1968 World Cup andwent on to become one of the game’sgreatest players and coaches.

Wests’ other internationals are

Graeme Lye (1969), David Waite(1973), John Dorahy (1978), RoyceAyliffe (1981), Steve Roach (1985),Garry Jack (1985) and current St

George-Illawarra Dragons starJason Ryles, who played his firstTest in 2003.

The club’s NSWrepresentatives include BruceOlive (1958), Alan Maddelena(1969), Brian Hetherington(1984) and Brett Rodwell(1995), while many other Westsplayers have gone on to play firstgrade in the Sydney (nowNational Rugby League)premiership.

Warren Ryan started hiscoaching career as captain-coachat Wests in 1971 and 1972,winning the grand final bothyears, before moving to Sydneywhere he established areputation as one of the mostinnovative and successfulcoaches of the modern era.

Wests Illawarra’s othersporting clubs have also enjoyedgreat success over the years,none more than the WestsIllawara Cardinals BaseballClub.

Between 1950 and 1965 theywon 15 consecutive minorpremierships, appeared in 16consecutive grand finals andwon 12 premierships.

In a second golden era from1972 to 1982 the Cardinals won

10 consecutive minor premierships andnine grand finals, including six straightfrom 1977 to 1982.

St George Illawarra international forward JasonRyles is a product of Wests junior league teams.

The original club had just four “pokies” when it opened officially in rentedpremises on the Princes Highway at Unanderra on January 28, 1956.

FROM P44

46


Organsiers have scheduled anexciting program of seminars,interviews and panel

discussions with key hospitalityindustry professionals at Fine FoodShow Queensland next month.

Facilitated by hospitality specialistKen Burgin of Profitable Hospitality,the three day program - March 26 to28 at the Brisbane Convention andExhibition Centre - will explorecritical topics for chefs, hotel,restaurant, catering and club managers.

The “10-day Kitchen ProfitProgram” will offer tips and techniqueson speedy ways to cut costs, boost salesand double profits.

CMA Magazine Editor Peter Sharpwill join photographer Mark Burginand Maureen de Groot, editor of BestRestaurants of Australia website, for an“Easy Marketing” session.

They will provide insight and ideasabout how to market a businesseffectively and efficiently, while “Whatdo chefs really want?” provides answersto attracting and keeping the bestchefs in club kitchens.

The “10 Step Guide to OnlineMarketing” covers the latest in gettingtop rankings for websites and growingbusiness much faster.

Another special focus for Clubs willbe a panel discussion with leading clubmanagers Dean Bowtell of Southport

Sharks, Brad Morgan of BroncosLeagues Club, Anne Stovin ofCurrumbin Palm Beach RSL Club andMartin Taylor of Bribie Island BowlsClub, who will discuss their successstrategies to make money from food.

Interviews and panel discussionsidentifying effective management

styles and business models to generateefficient and profitable returns fromthe kitchen will be relevant to allserious “foodies”.

“The Entrepreneurs Panel” discusionbrings together smart operators,including Jane Deery, co-director ofBrisbane’s iconic Story Bridge Hotel,to talk about the latest trends,challenges and profit strategies.

Brisbane hospitality identity FelBevacqua, architect of the successfulDomino Pizza chain, has implementedan innovative business model based onmentoring, incentives, high individualjob satisfaction and staff retention tosupport the growth of four thrivingrestaraunts in the Brisbane CBD, willoffer some insights into hisenterprising approach to managingstaff, trends, and maintaining qualityin a growing business.

To register your expression ofinterest, and receive more informationabout the seminar program, Back-of-House tours and evening hospitalityvisit www.profitablehospitality.com orcall 1800 001 353.

Entry is restricted to members of thefood and hospitality industry.

Persons not in these categories -including children - will not beadmitted.

For more information visitwww.foodqueensland.com.au

Queensland prepares to dine out at Fine Food Show

CMA Magazine Editor PeterSharp will investigate story ideasand feature concepts, as well asgaining feedback from industrymovers and shakers at a dinner atBroncos Leagues Club on Sunday26 March. This event is for clubmanagers who would like to have asay about what they really wantfrom their magazine. Visitwww.profitablehospitality.com toregister - numbers strictly limited.

Peter Sharp

48


By KATIE CINCOTTA

BEER icon Foster’s is nowtoasting its new status as one ofthe world’s eminent wine

producers. Its recent $3 billion-plus acquisition

of Southcorp, which saw it lay claim tobrands such as Penfolds, Lindemans,and Rosemount Estate, now promisesan excellent harvest from a booming$4 billion domestic wine market.

For the business that began brewingthe first Foster’s Lager in 1888, thecreation of Foster’s Wine Estates bringstogether the former Southcorp andBeringer Blass Wine Estates businesses,giving Foster’s a new wine portfolio of50 brands.

According to AC Nielson, thecombined Foster’s and Southcorpbusinesses now account for 33% of theAustralian wine market by value.

Euromonitor positions Foster’s as theworld’s leading premium wine producerby revenue with the number onedomestic premium wine brand in theUS (Beringer) and the top spot forpremium wine in Australia with WolfBlass.

With so much new authority, clubmanagers are asking what the liquorpowerhouse has in store for on premisein Australia?

John Edwards, general manager ofpopular Wests Ashfield Leagues Club,says Foster’s has been scant on detailsfor how the takeover will affect clubsat a grassroots level.

“We’ve had a long association withSouthcorp and they’ve always beenvery good but it’s up to the seniordepartment to come forward withinformation to the trade,” John said.

Foster’s Corporate Affairs ManagerKim Willcox says little will change inthe short-term.

“Members of the club industry willnotice few changes in the near term,

Foster’s drinks to theirbig squeeze on wine

A brief look at Australia’s wine history■ The first vines arrived aboard one of the ships that brought the first

European settlers to Australia in 1788. Initially, wines were producedin the rich coastal region around the fledgling city of Sydney. JohnMacarthur established the earliest commercial vineyard.

■ In 1822, Gregory Blaxland shipped 136 litres of wine to London,where it was awarded the silver medal by the forerunner of the RoyalSociety of Arts. Five years later, a larger shipment of Blaxland’s winewon the gold Ceres Medal.

■ Planting of vines accompanied the spread of European settlementacross the Australian continent and, by the beginning of the 20thcentury, Australia was exporting some 4.5 million litres of mainly full-bodied dry red wines to the United Kingdom.

■ The end of the Second World War saw a rapid influx of migrants fromEurope who brought with them a strong culture related to wine.

■ 1996 to 2003 saw a spectacular growth in exports following rapidlyincreasing international appreciation of Australian wines. Major wineproducers from abroad have invested in Australian wineries andAustralian companies have taken controlling interests in wineries incountries such as France and Chile.

Source:: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

From crop to tabletop

Foster’s Australia National Sales Manager (premise wine) AndrewMcCarthy says the bigger Foster’s family promises clubs a morepersonalised approach to wine.

CONTINUED P49

49


with Southcorp sales and marketingteams still operating on a stand alonebasis until February,” Kim added.

“Clubs will continue to be offeredtheir usual brands and be serviced inthe usual way by their existingSouthcorp and Foster’s Australiarepresentatives until February 2006when Southcorp sales and marketingare integrated into Foster’s Australia.”

After the key Christmas tradingperiod, Foster’s Australia customers,including clubs, will be offered tailoredbrand and service solutions from amulti-beverage portfolio thatincorporates beer, wine, spirits, ciderand non-alcohol products.

Foster’s Australia National SalesManager (premise wine) AndrewMcCarthy said the bigger Foster’sfamily promises clubs a morepersonalised approach to wine.

“We’ll be more targeted in how wecome to the marketplace,” Andrewsaid.

“We won’t be talking to a localbowling or football club about WolfBlass Platinum but we definitely wouldtalk to them about Koonunga Hill orWolf Blass Red Label.

“It will be about having a closerelationship with the club.

“That’s how we’ll get away withhaving 1000 products.”

Kerry Scarlett,Assistant Manager atMelbourne’s award-winning MulgraveCountry Club, saysSouthcorp’s focus onpromotions has made iteasier to drive winesales.

Kerry, winner of the 2005 CMAAAssistant Manager of the Year Award,hopes Foster’s will continue thatmarketing support.

“Southcorp offered a lot ofpromotion wine,” she said. “Foster’sshould lead by that example.”

Andrew says Foster’s plans to offerenhanced support for venues throughits new Beverage Services Departmentwith a focus on customer marketing todeliver well-integrated promotions.

“We’ll be designing things to fit the

club market perfectly, like our recentMelbourne Cup day presentation withsweeps and fashion prizes,” he said.

Efficiency is also on the agenda forthe new Foster’s Wine Estates, whichhopes to solve wastage of wine by theglass with new technology thatminimises oxidisation andcontamination.

A product release is scheduled forearly 2006.

Andrew Nankervis, Key AccountManager on premise for Fine WinePartners - the new joint venture

between spirit and liqueur importerTucker Seabrook and beer giant LionNathan - says recent wineconsolidation is proof of an ever-competitive business climate.

He believes the bonus of merging isthe efficiency of dealing with onecompany.

“There’s less paperwork andbookwork which is good news for time-poor businesses,” Nankervis said.

The 11-year Tucker Seabrookveteran says despite Lion Nathan’srecent involvement, Fine WinePartners regards itself as “the littleguy”.

He believes the exclusive nature ofits wine portfolio will help it competeagainst market leader Foster’s.

“We have products of the ilk ofHenschke, Cullen and Moss Woodthat you can put on the wine list atvirtually any price,” he said. “It’s aboutadding margin to the business.”

Nankervis advises clubs to focus onniche lines to offer consumers a pointof difference to retail.

“Clubs are steering away fromcommercial wines because consumersare a lot savvier for what things areworth,” he said.

Kerry Scarlett also is aware ofchanging palettes and notes a trendtowards the crisp and grassy sauvignon

blanc, which may beovertakingchardonnay as king ofthe whites. As for thechanging shape of thecorporate wine world,club leaders remainpositive. Kerrybelieves on premisewon’t suffer as long as

prices remain competitive. John Edwards argues that the

industry needed a pressing, and thatdespite a cloudy forecast, there aresunny days ahead - which is good newsfor both winemakers and clubmanagers.

“The Australian wine market ismarking time at the moment fromwhat was generally perceived to be anoversupply,” John said. “I think it willtake a little while to sort itself out butI’m sure it will.”

FROM P48

“We’ll be designing things to fit the club market perfectly, like our recentMelbourne Cup day presentation with sweeps and fashion prizes.”

“It will be about having a closerelationship with the club.

That’s how we’ll get away withhaving 1000 products.”

50


Latest Audiovisual Technology at Display and Connectivity Roadshow

Image Design Technology (IDT),Australia’s leading importer anddistributor of advanced audiovisual

(AV) and data distribution and displaytechnology has launched a number ofworld-first AV technologies at itsbiannual event, the Display andConnectivity Roadshow.

The technologies demonstrated at theroadshow - in Melbourne, Sydney andBrisbane in late November and earlyDecember, 2005 - enable businesses totake advantage of true AV/ITconvergence, while delivering a superiorand more cost -effective AV solution.

The technologies include industry-leading display technology from ClarityVisual Systems and InFocus, AV controlsystems from Calypso Control andJupiter Systems; signal distributionsolutions form Magenta Research andprojector solutions including a portable3D projector from Lightspeed Designand InFocus.

The technologies launched at theroadshow include:

Calypso Control Pro I/O - Launchedat Infocomm 2005 in Las Vegas, the ProI/O introduces the world’s first openarchitecture control product for theprofessional AV industry; addressing thegrowing small room control market. It isan intelligent rack mount controlappliance that converts inbound controlcommands to outbound serial(RS232/422), relay and IR commands.It is compatible with nearly any userinterface device, ranging frominexpensive IR remote controls to fixed-mount touch screens and hand heldtouch screens. The Pro I/O webbrowser utilises a simple ‘forms-fill-in’concept for set up and configurationand means no programming knowledgeis required. It is also scalable with aseries of expansion modules available forlarger projects. When combined with anIR or RF remote control, the Pro I/Oprovides powerful smallroom/multimedia device controlwithout needing a PC.

“The professional AV world hasshifted from specialty to broad markets,as AV becomes more prevalent acrossbusiness, education, healthcare andelsewhere,” Calypso President David H.

Parish said. “Customers will no longertolerate proprietary, complex and high-priced solutions. The move to openarchitecture solutions is important asAV dealers expand their business. Openarchitecture solutions bring more userchoices, greater simplicity and lowerprices.”

Magenta Research MondoMatrix(tm) - The world’s first full-matrix scalable Cat5 switch platformand the first Cat5 full-matrix switcherscalable to 256x256, which is aquantum leap from the previous 16x16.The switcher is also capable of2048x1536 resolution computer video,which enables it to handle futureapplications as well as High-DefinitionTV. By transforming RGBHV switchingfrom traditional coax to Cat 5 with oneconnector per image, the Mondo Matrixdramatically impacts the rack space andconnections needed to accomplish thesame switching task. As a result, theMondo Matrix significantly reducescosts for cable, installation, power andrack maintenance.

“We feel that the Mondo Matrix willrevolutionise switching - in many casesit will render coax approaches obsoletebecause of the tremendous benefits ofchanging over to our Cat5 solution,”Magenta Research President and CEOKeith Mortensen said.

Lightspeed Design InFocus(tm)DepthQ(tm) 3D video projector is theworld’s first, affordable, portable 3Dprojector that delivers real-time 120 Hzstereo 3D at a fraction of the cost ofother single-lens 3D projectors. Thenew InFocus DepthQ 3D videoprojector uses the latest TexasInstruments Digital LightProcessing(tm) technology and providesa stunning 2000:1 contrast ratio.Whether in the office, laboratory,boardroom, or game room, the InFocusDepthQ 3D projector makes 3Dvisualisation more accessible.

The IDT Display and ConnectivityRoadshow is designed to providechannel partners and end users with aforum to see IDT’s industry leading AVsolutions at work. Pro AV industry andend users should visit www.idt.com.auor call 1300 666 099 to register.

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COURSES

Tu 21 W 26

M 20 Th 27

(S1) M 13, Tu 14 (S2) Tu 4,& W 15 W 5 & Th 6

W8 & Th 9

M 13

Tu 18 & W 19

W 26 & Th 27

(S1) W 19 & Th 20Cont. May

(S1) Tu 7 & W 8 (S2) W 26, Th 27 & F 28

(S1) M 6 & Tu 7 (S2) M 10 & Tu 11

W 15 & Th 16

Th 30

Wallsend DubboTu 21 & W 22 M3 & Tu 4

DubboW 5

Melbourne DaptoM 6 & Tu 7 M 3 & Tu 4

Melbourne WyongW 8 W 12

MARCH APRIL

Courses featuring a code prefixed by either BSB, BSZ or THH are nationally recognised & accredited training units. Upon successful completionof assessment requirements, participants will be issued with a Statement of Attainment and/or a Qualification. For further information contact

Narell Harrison or Peter Schmidt at the CMDA, either; Phone: (02) 9643 2300 or Fax: (02) 9643 2400

Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol(THHBFB09B) (LAB approved) ACCM Unit - 1 Day

Provide Responsible Gambling Services(THHADG03B) (LAB approved) ACCM Unit - 1 Day

Duty Management Development Program 2 x 3 Day SessionsContent includes: HR Fundamentals, Cost Control, Leadership, Compliance/Risk Management.Participants receive a self paced Computer Skills CD-ROM and a comprehensive Effective BusinessWriting workbook. This program targets Duty Managers and Senior Supervisors.

Analyse and Report on Gaming Machine Data THHADGO1B ACCM Unit 2 Days(Prerequisite for Gaming Management Development Program) Deals with the collection, analysis,reporting of EGM data per statutory requirements and variances through cash flow analysis.

Manage Payroll BSBADM505A 1 DayDeals with managing payroll services, the calculation, processing of salary payments, group taxationand related payments.

Deal with Conflict Situations THHGCS03B 2 DaysFor anyone who has to lead teams, resolve conflict with staff, customers and their peers.

Monitor Staff Performance THHGLE06B ACCM Unit 2 Days Deals with the skills and knowledge required to monitor staff performance, includes skills in performance appraisal and counselling.

Manage Workplace Relations THHGLE10B ACCM Unit 2 x 2 Day Sessions. This unit deals withthe skills and knowledge required to manage workplace relations, from an industrial relationsperspective.

Financial Management ACCM Units 5 Days (Prepare and Monitor Budgets THHGLE14B and Manage Financial Operations THHGLE15B) Provides Managers with the skills and knowledge to develop budgets and manage a Club’s financialoperations. *Financial Fundamentals is the pre requisite for this program.

Develop and Manage Marketing Strategies THHGLE12B ACCM Unit 2 x 2 Day SessionsFor Managers who are responsible for the strategic marketing and promotion of functions within theirdepartment or club.

OHS Risk Management for Supervisors and Managers (Implement Workplace Health, Safety & Security Procedures THHGLE02B)Ideal for all supervisors and managers. Meets the training requirements for supervisors and managersas stated in the OHS Regulation 2001Coaching Skills for ‘Buddy System’ Line Trainers 1 Day(Coach Others in Job Skills THHGTRO1B)Ideal for supervisors and managers who are responsible for on-the-job training of other staff members. Deals with planning and preparing for coaching sessions, conducting sessions in theworkplace and following up to monitor participant progress.

REGIONAL TRAINING

Analyse & Report on Gaming Machine Data THHADGO1B ACCM Unit 2 Days(Prerequisite for Gaming Management Development Program) Deals with the collection, analysis,reporting of EGM data per statutory requirements & variances through cash flow analysis.

Interpret the NSW Club Employees State Award 1 Day(Prerequisite for Payroll and Roster programs) Covers the provisions of the award. For those who areresponsible for controlling shifts and adhering to labour/roster targets.

Monitor Staff Performance THHGLE06B ACCM Unit 2 DaysDeals with the skills and knowledge required to monitor staff performance, includes skills in performance appraisal and counselling.

Coaching Skills for ‘Buddy System’ Line Trainers 1 Day (Coach Others in Job Skills THHGTRO1B)Ideal for supervisors & managers who are responsible for on-the-job training of other staff members. Deals with planning & preparing for coaching sessions, conducting sessions in theworkplace and following up to monitor participant progress.

CMDA Training Program March - April 2006For full content details of each of the programs contact the CMDA on (02) 9643 2300 or refer to the 2006 calendar on our website; www.cmaa.asn.au

53


Crown Commercial has beenappointed to produce Guinnessglasses and be the exclusive

supplier to the Australian hospitalitymarket.

Diageo, makers of Guinness, madethe appointment recently which seesCrown Commercial producing threeGuinness glasses.

Venues will now be able to offer thisincreasingly popular drink in aselection of Guinness-branded glasses.

Previously, Guinness has been servedin the traditional Guinness pint glass,but it can now be served up in eachstate’s favourite glass size as well, like aschooner in NSW or a pot in Victoria.

The Guinness glassware rangecomprises:

■ traditional Guinness 570ml pintglass with its tulip shape;

■ Guinness 285ml - a halfpint/pot/middy;

■ Guinness 425ml - known as a

schooner NSW and a pint in SA. Both the 285ml and 425ml are

Crown Glassware “Conical” styles. Guinness Brand Manager Sally

Byrne said the reason the companyencourages venues to serve GuinnessDraught in a branded Guinness glass isbecause Guinness drinkers drink withtheir eyes.

“When a consumer pays that littleextra for an imported premium beerthey expect it to be delivered in thebest way possible,” Sally said.

Crown Commercial also nowproduce and sell Coca-Cola’s “perfect

serve” glasses through its nationaldistribution network.

The Coca-Cola glasses - “Short”(266ml) and “Cooler” (355ml) - addstyle to the presentation of the world’sfavourite cola.

Each glass has faceted styling toprovide good grip, rim toughening toadd to longevity and the well-knownCoca-Cola logo.

Contact Crown Commercialdistribution (1800 252 360) for moreinformation on the Guinness andCoca-Cola ranges.

Guinness glasses exclusivelywith Crown Commercial

Day Date Meeting Venue Zone Lunch

FEBRUARYFriday 10/2/06 07:00 Carnarvon Golf Club Inner West Golf Day 13:00Tuesday 14/2/06 09:30 Caloundra RSL Club Sunshine Coast AGMTuesday 14/2/06 09:30 Everglades Country Central Coast AGM 13:00Tuesday 21/2/06 N/A Las Vegas, Hawaii. 79th World Conference on N/A

- 5/3/06 Club Management in Hawaiiwww.cmaa.asn.au

MARCHTuesday 28/3/06 13:30 Darling Harbour Inner West Zone AGMTuesday 28/3/06 09:00 Darling Harbour Sydney CMAA Annual Conference

- 29/3/06 www.cmaa.asn.au Tuesday 28/3/2006 09:00 Darling Harbour Federal Council Meeting 09:00Tuesday 29/3/2006 12:30 Darling Harbour CMAA Annual General Meeting 10:30Tuesday 28/03/06 18:00 Darling Harbour CMAA Annual Awards 18:00

Presentation Gala Dinner

APRILFriday 7/4/06 07:00 Horton Park Golf Day Sunshine Coast Golf Day 13:00Tuesday 16/5/06 07:30 TBA Inner West N/ATuesday 23/5/06 09:30 Tewanton Noosa RSL Club Sunshine Coast 13:00

CMAA DIARY DATES FOR ZONE MEETINGS & INDUSTRYFUNCTIONS IN 2005 / 2006

54


St Marys District BandClub General ManagerLarry Collins and

Gaming Manager ChrisDebrincat decided to createsomething unique for theirClub.

It had to set aside the Clubfrom its competitors ... agaming product of their owncreation ... a product thatwould provide players withmore excitement and value.

They had ideas but neededexperts to help realise theirdream.

Their concept was to linkthe Club’s 179 gamingmachines to one progressivejackpot system.

They proposed to display the jackpotson up to 10 plasma screen across theclub and wanted to connect the screensto the jackpot system via radiofrequency transmission instead oftraditional cabling.

They wanted to guarantee that one oftheir players would win a jackpot ofbetween $45,000 and $50,000 on

average every three weeks and a newjackpot theme that captured theexcitement of grand prix racing.

They set about organising thehardware, signage, equipment and theinstallation requirements from theirtrusted suppliers, but the F1 grand prixcontent was missing.

They contacted Showorks Australiato partner them in developing the

graphical theme required andShoworks General ManagerMark Bennett listened to thecriteria.

Not only did the Club want agrand prix theme, the track hadto be the Monaco circuit, thegraphics had to be high-quality3D with different scenes andeffects, sound and music -including a voice-overdepicting the famous MurrayWalker and the cars, buildingsand billboards had to displaylogos of the club, restaurant,night club and the jackpottheme.

After many months ofdevelopment and production

work, Showorks finally delivered “TheWinners” theme ready for action.

“Thanks to everyone involved weachieved our dream and we aredelighted with the outcome,” LarryCollins said. “In particular, Showorks’production exceeded our expectations.Their outstanding graphics and sounddelivered a quality product and theresults are exceptional.”

St Marys Band Club drives a dream

St Marys District Band Club Gaming Manager ChrisDebrincat, Showorks Australia General ManagerMark Bennett (centre) and St Marys District BandClub General Manager Larry Collins (right).

The Hospitality RegionalRoadshow is back for a biggerand better year when it opens its

expo doors on the NSW North Coastfrom February 20 to 24.

The 2006 expos have moreexhibitors, products and services, andmore opportunities to speak direct toindustry suppliers with its new format.

Staring on Monday, February 20, atthe Central Coast Leagues Club atGosford, the Hospitality RegionalRoadshow heads north to Panthers PortMacquarie on Tuesday, February 21 andto Coffs Harbour Ex-Services Club onThursday, February 23, in conjunctionwith the ClubsNSW Far North CoastRegion Meeting.

The tour finishes at Twin TownsServices Club as part of the Far NorthCoast Northern Sub-Region Meeting inTweed Heads on Friday, February 24,covering the major regional bases onthe NSW North Coast map.

Promoting major and local hospitalitytrade suppliers, industry experts, skilledprofessionals and local businessopportunities in regional areas, theRoadshow’s one-day events are the $2billion hospitality industry’s onlymobile marketing trade expos thatbring regional hospitality operators -hotels, motels, restaurants, caterers,hotels and registered clubs - togetherwith Australia’s leading industry tradevendors while networking withhundreds of people.

The Roadshow allows local operatorsacross NSW to inspect the latestproducts and services to help theirbusinesses in the competitivehospitality sector.

The 2006 exhibitor line-up offersmore diversity, including food andbeverage suppliers, gamingmanufacturers, interior designers,furnishing suppliers, commercialbuilders and contractors, information

technology professionals, point of sale,telecommunications, financial andstrategic management services, security,training and education.

Trade specials include, vendordiscounts, a wide-range of innovativepremium products and services, andinformative and topical workshops.

The Roadshow is in each region forone day and pre-booked appointmenttimes are available.

Doors open to trade clients from10am to 4pm with lunch included.

In 2005, more than 100 tradesuppliers participated in the Roadshow,attracting thousands of operators andvisitors.

For information on the HospitalityRegional Roadshow or to book anappointment with suppliers, contactPaula Gilmour (02 - 8218 2190 or 0425 275 207).

www.regionalroadshow.com.au

Regional Roadshow NSW North Coast Expos kick off

56


ACTGreta EvansWoden Tradesmen’s Union ClubPhone: (02) 6285 1995Fax: (02) 6285 2592

NSW

CITY/EASTERN SUBURBS:Shane DollimoreBronte RSL ClubPhone: (02) 9389 7544Fax: (02) 9389 2568

MANLY/NORTHERN SUBURBS:Luke SimmonsNorth Sydney Leagues ClubPhone: (02) 9202 8888Fax: (02) 9955 7619

INNER WESTERN SUBURBS:Stuart JamiesonCarnarvon Golf ClubPhone: (02) 9649 6255Fax: (02) 9749 4240

ST GEORGE/CRONULLA:Tracey Van Rossum, ACCMClub Rivers

Phone: (02) 9533 3144Fax: (02) 9533 3812

NEPEAN:Joseph Bayssari, ACCMSeven Hills RSL ClubPhone: (02) 9622 2800Fax: (02) 9621 8121

CENTRAL COASTDelia WedesMingara Recreation ClubPhone: (02) 4349 7799Fax: (02) 4349 7800

HUNTER:Andrew Walker, ACCMPelican Flat RSL ClubPhone: (02) 4971 2165Fax: (02) 4972 1660

THE GREAT LAKES:Christine ShannonForster Bowling ClubPhone: (02) 6554 6155Fax: (02) 6555 6526

MID NORTH COAST:Glenn Buckley, ACCMWoolgoolga R.S.S. & A. ClubPhone: (02) 6654 1234Fax: (02) 6654 0156

FAR NORTH COASTPhillip Mallon, ACCMCabarita Beach Sports ClubPhone: (02) 6676 1135Fax: (02) 6676 1245

ILLAWARRA ZONE:Matthew O’HaraOak Flats Bowling & Rec ClubPhone: (02) 4256 1400Fax: (02) 4257 1050

FAR SOUTH COASTMichael O’Sullivan, ACCMMilton Ulladulla Bowling ClubPhone: (02) 4455 1555Fax: (02) 4454 0539

RIVERINA/MURRAY:Paul Barnes, ACCMMoama Bowing ClubPhone: (03) 5480 9777Fax: (03) 5480 9888

SOUTHERN RIVERINA:Craig MuirCoomealla Memorial ClubPhone: (03) 5027 4505Fax: (03) 5027 4350

NORTH WESTERN:Sharon GoodhewNarrabri RSL ClubPhone: (02) 6792 1844Fax: (02) 6792 1696

MID STATE:Andrew SpiceForbes Services Memorial ClubPhone: (02) 6852 1488Fax: (02) 6852 3227

VICTORIA:Wayne Rinaldi, ACCMSebastopol Bowling ClubPhone: (03) 5335 9146Fax: (03) 5335 5440

QUEENSLAND

BRISBANEChristine MannixSunnybank Community & Sports ClubPhone: (07) 3344 7222Fax: (07) 3344 2944

SUNSHINE COAST:Tony Costain, ACCMCaloundra RSL ClubPhone: (07) 5491 1544Fax: (07) 5491 7101

GOLD COAST:Anne StovinCurrumbin Palm Beach RSL & Ser. Mem ClubPhone: (07) 5534 7999Fax: (07) 5534 7831

QUEENSLAND SUB ZONES:

BUNDABERGHellen RyanHervey Bay RSL & Services ClubPhone: (07) 4128 1133Fax: (07) 4124 2370

ROCKHAMPTON/GLADSTONEWill Schroeder ACCMYaralla Sports ClubPhone: (07) 4972 2244Fax: (07) 4972 6355

Zone Education Officers

club managers’ association australia...stargames corporation managing director and ceo john rouse...

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