Confraternity of Brothers Clubs Inc.

Transcription

1 Confraternity of Brothers Clubs Inc. COMMUNIQUÉ Confraternity Conference No 74 Bundaberg Brothers 6 th 7 th and 8 th March 2015 Delegates representing Brothers Clubs from all over Queensland and the Northern Territory converged on Bundaberg for the 74 th Brothers Confraternity Conference. The conference was hosted by Bundaberg Brothers at the impressive Brothers Sports Club. An enjoyable weekend was had by all at what is another magnificent Brothers club. Delegates from member clubs as far apart as Darwin in the Northern Territory and Logan in the South were in attendance. With a membership of fifty one Clubs, the Confraternity of Brothers Clubs is a strong and powerful association providing enormous benefits to its member clubs. The Confraternity comprises of Junior and Senior Rugby League Football Clubs located in all of Queensland s major cities and towns from Cairns in the North to Beenleigh in the South as well as Darwin in the Northern Territory. There are nine clubs in the Brisbane, Logan, and Ipswich area alone and eight Licensed Leagues clubs across the State There are also six Old Boys Associations involved. An interesting agenda covering a range of football and club related subjects provided a wealth of knowledge that clubs can use to improve their performance both on and off the field. Once again the licensed clubs shared their experiences to further improve their operations. Confraternity Chairman Brian Roberts welcomed delegates and in particular new attendees. All were invited to have input during the course of the Conference and to ask questions at the appropriate times. Brian also welcomed our newest club, Flagstone Brothers Phoenix who have recently joined the Confraternity. Mark Barrett, the Chairman of Brothers Sports Club-Bundaberg also welcomed delegates and outlined the house rules and other information for the delegates. Mark spoke briefly on the clubs activities and its associated sporting bodies. 1

2 The Chairman of the Licensed Clubs Sub Committee, Mark Hennelly, from Ipswich Brothers chaired the afternoon s proceedings. These commenced with a sponsors presentation by Greg Watt, Regional Sales Manager, Lion. Mark outlined Lion s current product range and marketing programs. Greg also provided clubs with a number of ways to improve their beverage sales. Greg also explained the Lion Club of the Week competition where clubs can win great prizes when nominated by members. Details can be found on the QRL Website. Following on was Daniel Sayers, the Client Manager for Aon Risk Solutions who spoke on insurance coverage his company can provide clubs. If any clubs are interested, they can contact Viktor Vukovic on or viktor.vukovic@aon.com. The next speaker was Matthew Fitzpatrick, Managing Director, Momentum - Sport, Recreation & Health Consultants. Mathew has worked with a number of Brothers Clubs and has been very successful in helping those secure grants. Mathew spoke on a number of grant opportunities available to clubs. Currently these are limited but there may be more, later in the year. Mathew then explained a useful grant planning process to assist I n preparing applications. If clubs would like further information Mathew can be contacted on or mathew@momentumsrhc.com.au Ray Phillips, Clubs Queensland Relationship Manager, spoke on the activities they have been involved with since our last conference. Ray outlined the many red tape reforms that they were instrumental in having adopted by government. Next came Catherine Mahoney from Local Buy Pty Ltd. Local Buy specialises in setting up supply arrangements for Queensland Councils. There are a range of benefits in using local buy contracts such as protection of existing terms and conditions, price savings, access to a vendor panel and a category matrix. For more information visit their website Delegates were then shown the latest LED sports field technology by Craig Nicholls Director of Jasstech Solutions. Craig explained the benefits of using LED lights to light up playing fields. Benefits include using less lux to produce more light than conventional lighting, no need to warm up lights and remote controls on amount of lux used at any one time. The latter being a real benefit when ensuring that only the right amount of light is used for different activities. Jasstech can be contacted on Freecall: or website: Long term sponsor Aristocrat updated delegates on where they are heading with their products into the future. Aristocrat Business Development Executive Slade Wibberly showed their various gaming machines and explained how they are performing. Slade also showed delegates a range of new machines/games to be introduced this year. Rhys Gadsby from another good sponsor Asahi Premium Beverages Pty Ltd then spoke of their sponsorship and the support required from all clubs. Rhys outlined a standard pricing package for all football clubs designed to encourage all clubs to continue to support the sponsor. Further incentives include an offer to Clubs purchasing 300 cartons of drinks in a year will 2

3 receive a number of items such as water bottles, guzzlers etc. All clubs are urged to support Asahi and indeed all our sponsors. This was followed by Hugh Thompson, the Area Sales Manager for Smith Snack Foods/ PEPSICO Australia. Pepsico is another valued and long term sponsor. Hugh spoke on the opportunity for clubs to request donation stock for sign on days etc. Hugh also outlined sales figures for the various clubs and the most popular stock items. Following the days sessions, delegates enjoyed the hospitality of our sponsors with refreshments and a social get together where we all remembered how good we were in our playing days. Saturday commenced with a welcome from the Mayor of Bundaberg, Counsellor Mal Forman who spoke of the strength of the Confraternity. The Mayor spoke on the many tourist attractions in and around Bundaberg. Unfortunately our Patron Brother Ted Magee was unavailable to officially open the conference due to work commitments. In his stead the conference was officially opened by the original Confraternity Vice President John Rea. The business of the day commenced with the chairman of the Queensland Rugby League, Mr Peter Betros. Peter went through a review of the 2014 season with highlights being 3% growth in junior numbers and a large increase in women/girls (63%). Peter spoke on the XXXX club of the year awards that were outlined the previous day by the XXXX representative Greg Watt. All clubs were urged to enter. Peter also spoke on the Intrust Super Cup competition and the growing Masters game. The informative session included the QRL Blueprint for the future where Peter explained a range of initiatives and responded to a number of questions from the floor. Keeping the theme of informing delegates of the happenings in the administration of our game, Peter was followed by Brad Tallon, the Chairman of the South East Division (QRL). Brad also spoke on the direction the game is taking, including improving the image and player behaviour. Brad also spoke on player attraction and retention. The new organisation and changing roles of district leagues was also explained by Brad. The Division is looking to ensure rules are consistent across the leagues as far as possible. Brian Waldron, General Manager of Aspect Sportswear another major sponsor of the confraternity then spoke on the sponsorship and the products they supply. Brian showed delegates their new hoody s available for only $ Brian also announced that a new Justin Marlow range of supporters clothing will be available in the near future. Mark Bunting, the Operations Manager, QISSRL then updated delegates on the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League and the Confraternity Carnival. This year they have 48 teams competing in Ipswich in June. John Rae also spoke on the Carnival and a new sponsorship by the Carbine Club. John spoke also on 3

4 the work of a number of Brothers Stalwarts and their support over many years these included Noel Cavannagh, Pat Mcguire and Reg Cannon. John also outlined how clubs could benefit by getting involved and supporting the carnival. He then distributed a paper for clubs to consider prior to the next conference. retro jerseys for sale. Following this was Peter Turnbull, Chief Executive Officer, Leagues Clubs Australia spoke on this Association and what they can provide clubs. Of particular interest was the benefits St Marys RLC in NSW provide their junior players, such as free headgear for mini mod players with the wearing of these being compulsory. NRL bid founder Justin Barlow then showed a promotional video and spoke on the bid strategy for the bid for a Brothers NRL Team. Justin then updated delegates on progress including development of a social club. The bid team has also produced a range of Ian Cook, Account Manager Rugby League from valued sponsor Triple Play then advised delegates of sponsorship arrangements and products including some imported products which will require earlier ordering compared to their other garments. Again clubs are encouraged to continue supporting our sponsors. Next was an interesting presentation by Rachel Frazer, Director Protect Life Insurance. Rachel outlined the service her company can provide. Rachael presented in a unique and engaging manner using personal life experiences. Protect has worked with a number of Logan Brothers members and has been a strong supporter of that club for a number of years. Anyone wishing to contact Rachael can do so on Mobile: or by rachel@protectlifeinsurance.com.au The afternoon was spent enjoying the hospitality and facilities of the Sports Club. Some delegates took the opportunity to tour the Bundaberg Rum Distillery. Sunday commenced with the Brothers Licensed clubs providing updates on how 2014 went for their cubs. It was pleasing to note all are travelling well with most completing extensive renovations. Another of our sponsors Alpha Sport then addressed the conference. Brent Messer the General Manager spoke on their products and pricing and provided brochures outlining their rewards programs for the clubs. Brent also provided mobile phone cases to delegates. The Chairman Brian Roberts spoke on correspondence from a member club and explained clubs are invited to source items and advise the Executive. This invitation is on ALL Agendas each Conference. Clubs are always encouraged to identify guest speakers and topics of interest. Brian also discussed timing of the AGM. It was agreed unanimously that it would remain the same i.e. on the Sunday. Discussion was also held 4

5 around election processes, which were clarified with the members who agreed processes to stay the same. It was also agreed we review the Constitution to bring it in line with today s requirements and consider adopting the Model Rules. It was also agreed that minutes of previous AGM will only be presented to delegates at the AGM. Brian Roberts outlined a new proposal to call for tenders from suppliers for our clothing and other apparel and for use of our licensed trademark (Leprechaun). Members agreed to proceed and a subcommittee be formed to handle the process. A general discussion was held around the club awards for junior (Brother Schofield) and senior Frank (Mouse) Melit) Awards their naming and the Award criteria. The Sergeant at Arms, Bob Mulley then named and shamed those that transgressed over the weekend and leveed appropriate fines to the amusement of delegates. Ingham Brothers provided details for the next conference, 9 th, 10 th and 11 th October They also provided a visitor s book to delegates and suggested the Herbert Valley Motel. Ph , hvmotel@bigpond.net.au. Ingham will try to organise a bus up from Townsville. Following on in March 2016 will be Logan Brothers and Darwin in October The football clubs then provided information around team and player numbers for the 2015 season. Most clubs have a downturn however competitions have not started and some sign-on days have not been held. The Chairman also updated the conference on the Brothers Development Program. The program and timetable was distributed to delegates The bagman then reported on our investments on Saturday afternoon and unfortunately we were not successful. The Confraternity of Brothers Clubs Inc. Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held with Brian Roberts being returned as Chairman (his twentieth year). Bob Mulley, Geoff Rackemann and Michael Wilson were re-elected as Vice Presidents. Arthur Burkitt was returned as Treasurer and John Bingham as Secretary. Brother Ted Magee was re-elected as Patron and Lachlan Graff, R.M.W Accountants as Confraternity Auditor. Life Member Terry Sessarago officially closed the conference Brian Roberts and in doing so Terry spoke of Br Ted Magee s apology as he was unable to attend. Terry spoke on various aspects of the conference in particular the QRL and how we can interact. Terry also spoke on the need for succession planning and supporting our sponsors. The member Clubs of the Confraternity of Brothers Clubs Inc. wish to thank Bundaberg Brothers for not only providing the venue for this, the 74 th Confraternity Conference, but for their hospitality also. The Executive also invite your feedback on the content of the Agenda and any other aspects of this Confraternity Conference. Our aim is to ensure the Conferences provide useful information and that the Presenters are of the highest quality. From your feedback 5

6 and positive suggestions, the Executive will endeavour continue to provide you, the Member Clubs, a first class Conference. The Confraternity also wishes to acknowledge our most generous Sponsors and thanks them for their ongoing support and Sponsorships For more Information about the Brothers Confraternity, please contact the Chairman Brian Roberts on ( / mob ) Brian Roberts Chairman Thanks to all our sponsors Lion (XXXX), Asahi Schweppes, Aspect, Triple Play, Smiths Snackfood Company, Aristocrat, Australian Liquor Marketers, Alpha Sport, 5 Star Sports, Momentum 6