2024 PRESIDENTS REPORT

Dear Members,

It’s with great pleasure that I present this year’s report on Bexley RSL and Community Club. Thanks to your continued support, I’m delighted to announce that the Club achieved a net profit of $559,622 for the financial year ending 31 December 2024.

Our operations generated a trading profit of $1,451,714 before non-cash depreciation and amortisation of $838,471, and borrowing costs of $31,956 associated with the purchase of 28 Stoney Creek Road. We’re also proud to share that membership grew by an impressive 37.4%, bringing us to 8,790 members strong. This result is especially encouraging given the ongoing cost-of-living pressures felt by so many in our community.

During the year, the Board successfully negotiated a five-year lease extension with the Bexley RSL Sub-Branch. While our goal of securing a 20-year lease was not realised in 2024, we remain confident in achieving this long-term arrangement. Such certainty will enable future capital investment that directly benefits you, our members, and the broader community.

We continued to proudly support local causes through the ClubGRANTS scheme, providing a total of $162,947 in funding and in-kind support to 10 local community groups. Despite the challenges we’ve all faced, our commitment to community remains strong, and we’ll keep seeking new opportunities to give back and strengthen our role as a trusted community partner.

This year is also a Board Election year, covering the term from 2025 to 2027. Details will be shared in April alongside the AGM notice. The election results will be announced at our Annual General Meeting on the 25th of May at 10:30am. Members will also be asked to vote on a small but important amendment to our constitution removing the 5km rule provision, in line with updates to the Registered Clubs Act.

At the time of writing, we’re putting the final touches on one of the most significant upgrades to our Club in recent years, preparing for the highly anticipated arrival of Mike’s Grill. This transformation includes a complete kitchen renovation, front-of-house upgrades, and the installation of brand-new, state-of-the-art cooking equipment, including a pizza oven. The redesigned kitchen now features an open layout, allowing members to see the chefs in action. Mike brings over 20 years of experience and is known for generous portions, unbeatable value, perfectly cooked steaks, jumbo schnitzels, and classic club favourites like chicken boscaiola, parmys, and burgers. We’re confident Mike’s Grill will quickly become a local favourite.
While we celebrate the milestones of 2024, we also acknowledge the evolving landscape ahead. As we adapt to changes like cashless gaming, enhanced harm minimisation strategies, and more robust responsible gambling practices, we’re embracing the future with confidence and a clear focus. With your support, we are ready to meet these challenges head-on and continue to grow stronger together.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’d like to sincerely thank our General Manager, Christian, for his outstanding leadership and commitment. I also extend our appreciation to Jayson and his team, our past caterers, for their dedication over the last seven years, and we wish them every success in their future endeavours. A heartfelt thank you as well to our Vice President Les Crompton, our Board of Directors, the Sub-Branch, the Club’s management team and staff, and, of course, to you, our valued members. Your loyalty and ongoing support are the reason we continue to thrive.

The future looks bright for Bexley RSL, and I look forward to sharing more exciting moments with you in the year ahead.

Brian Beatty
President
Bexley RSL and Community Club Limited