2014 season over the Gungahlin Jets can again feel satisfied with its achievements. A club that totally relies on volunteers to run operations stands tall with outcomes on and off the field.
Senior and Junior committees provided opportunity for players from both genders young or old to participant in the game of Australian Rules for building a culture that will draw many more people and families to the club. Judging by the amount of teams and new players the club has fulfilled this goal. Well done and thanks to respective committees, coaches, managers, mums/dads, players and of course volunteers who are all making the Jets a happy club.
This year the Board applied a conservative approach in managing the club’s finances. Caution was adopted when sponsorship was down on last year by been prudent when approving expenditure. At the AMG the Finance Director will present current financial position of the club.
Better or improved facilities became a reality this year with co tenancy of the Gungahlin Enclosed oval (GEO), upgrade of lights, enlarging canteen, covered area at Amaroo and the Hangar. No matter how modest they all contributed towards membership/supporter comfort. Who will forget the AusKick kids receiving their awards on what was an Arctic Park special kind of day in the Hangar without having to worry about the poor weather. If all goes to plan extension will be completed by start of season 2015. It was something worth fighting for and a big thanks to Chief Minister Katie Gallagher who assisted the club’s plight by donating $40,000 towards its completion.
Sponsors although been down on last year were again major contributors towards revenue. Some of you dug dip to help the club during some tough times especially during the phase of burglaries at the Hangar. Thank you to all no matter how large or small it all adds up you are friends of the Jets – a friend in need is a friend indeed!
The support the club received during the burglaries was over whelming from media, politicians, members of the public and special thanks to Mike Walsh who became the club’s unofficial Media liaison officer. I believe this period demonstrated the club’s resilience to focus on the big picture on what appeared a time of misery. The club prevailed – with a little help from its friends!
The club continued to work towards a relationship with Belconnen AFC. Both clubs devoted resources towards bring quality football to the Gungahlin area. A good example was round 19 NEAFL game between Belconnen vs. Hills District and Jets as curtain raiser at the GEO. The club was given the opportunity not only to host this level of game also to raise funds through catering. Currently the game is going through a restructure and a lot of uncertainty on the make of the senior competition. The club will employ caution in this matter not to comprise its strategic objectives set out in the new Strategic Plan for any short gap fixes.
I mentioned earlier their were many people behind the seen helping the club during time of adversity one was the club’s number one ticket holder – Senator Kate Lundy who answered my calls in times of need. One in particular stands out when I rang her at 8 am and she answered – at the time she was in Perth. That was her commitment to the club – thanks Kate.
Finally big thanks to my fellow Board Directors who carried out many tasks at the club. Your professionalism is evident on not only giving governance, but guiding the club through some challenging situations. Our achievements can be measured for providing better facilities, strong financial management, building a positive club profile that is admired and respected by other clubs. We can be satisfied on a job well done and our legacy a new Strategic Plan that will provide a document to assist the incoming Board for governing the club in next three years.
Again thank you all for been part of the Jets family and keeping the club strong.
Yours sincerely
Joe Cortese
Chair
Gungahlin Jets AFC
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