Administration and Finance
“Behind the scenes helping the club run smoothly.”
My first year in the role of Director of Administration and Finance has certainly seen some notable events, which has kept me on my toes this season.
Firstly, after four years working as the club’s bookkeeper, James Lester decided to step down in August 2022. Thank you, James, for your dedicated service to our club over the past few years and I wish you all the best!
Secondly, we’ve seen Melina van der Weerd-Arceo step into a Facilities & Events Officer role, being the friendly face welcoming club guests and contractors, and Carole Irving increasing her support from residence bookings to the club’s Administration Officer. I would like to thank you both for your continuous support to both myself, and the wider club!
And despite the necessary rescheduling of the 2023 Channel Challenge, the Special Events team should be commended for their efforts and success! In the 2022/23 season, the Bass Series Events has contributed just shy of $30k (after expenses) to the club’s financial position.
Many hours are committed and spent by wonderful individuals of our Club to help ensure our teams on the beach can operate smoothly. Thank you one and all! And a special thanks to:
Alex Webster (this year’s Administration Award recipient) for his administrative and bookkeeping support for the Nipper Program!
Terry Aslanidis and Bre McGrath for their significant Surf Guard admin support!
Fi Blackmore for her outstanding efforts looking after the club merch!
Brendan Smart for all of your work towards and success with grants for the club!
I joined the Club’s Board after the Club’s Environment Management Plan had already been set into motion, so there was a little to catch up on, but we’ll be seeing the fruit of the team’s labour during the AGM in July 2023! This project includes the construction of a retaining wall protecting our clubhouse from the North-West sand dune’s glacial takeover (and subsequent revegetation). The full financial impact will be seen in the 2023/24 financials, however at the time of writing, approximately half has been paid (~$200k). This wouldn’t be possible without the financial support from Phillip Island Nature Parks and the Australian Government, and the tireless efforts from Stafford Smith, Brendan Smart, Jason Close and Adrian Koller with regards to grants (applications and follow-up reports), quote acquisitions and liaising with external bodies.
Thankfully, the club’s financials remain strong despite the few large expenses we’ve had (Nippers and successful grants went a long way to this end).
I look forward to what next season brings, and the unexpected ways our club continues to get better!!
Christian Born
Director of Administration and Finance