PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2023
In my first season as President, 2023 has been an exciting year of learning, development (both in self and in the club), understanding and working on enhanced plans for growth as we started a new cycle with a new Coaching Director, Administrator, and majority turnover of the Management Committee. Most fortunately, all involved were up for the challenge, rolling out another successful year whilst learning on the run for the great game of Rugby League and for the community.
I would like to thank the many volunteers that support our Club, including my fellow Committee Members, Coaches, Managers, Sports Trainers, Leaguesafe’s, First Aid Officers, Canteen helpers and the Players. Thank you also to our Sponsors. None of this happens without everyone’s continued support.
Below are a few facts and events I think we can be proud of as a Club:
- Successful pre-season Game Development program headed by new coaching director Chris Muharem with our team of committed coaches and support of the Brisbane Broncos, WPB and Norths.
- 2023 membership was at combined total of 450 players and volunteers over 23 teams (351 players combined juniors and over 35’s players).
- Huge boost for grassroots footy with a total of 60 players from our U6’s and U7’s all receiving free rego and playing apparel thanks to great support and fundraising from the West Arana Hills Old Boys Association, Arana Leagues Club and the Over 35’s playing group of 2022 at our inaugural Old Boys Day.
- Growth in player development with one Div 1 Side this year with three Div 1 sides expected to be playing out of our juniors for 2024.
- Our Under 13 Div 2 boys, Under 14 Div 1 boys and Under 16 Community North girls all making the finals.
- Our Under 13 Div 2 side played in the Grand Final.
- Another successful Old Boys Day, in its second year running, raising funds for grassroots and development of the club.
- Proud representation with all our international teams wearing our “Pink Panther” special edition jerseys, showing growth in support around development for the girls and women for the game of Rugby League and for the club.
- Hosting of Senior and Junior finals.
- One of the best playing fields in the competition thanks to the ALC and our groundsmen, Owen and Steven Hill.
- Trophy Presentation Day held at Grovely State School.
- VIP Night held at Ferny Grove Bowls Club.
- Continued strengthening of relationships with our major partners at Arana Leagues Club, Arana Sports and West Arana Hills Old Boys Association.
- Continuing improvements for Leslie Patrick Park and Hanran St training fields. Current grant applications are in for a lighting upgrade at Leslie Patrick Park and an irrigation upgrade at Hanran St.
- Thanks to Brisbane City Council for aeration and top dressing of Kev McKell Oval from the 2022 floods.
- Successful re-introduction of our senior men for 2024 with the announcement of our new head coach, former Brisbane Bronco, Queensland Maroon and Australian great, Jharal Yow Yeh
Looking forward to a bigger and better 2024!
Josh O’Sullivan
President