Chairman’s Report

This time last year, I referenced the ‘rollercoaster’ year that was. As a nation, we were all faced with unprecedented restrictions and subsequential change that crafted and shaped the journey of the year that followed.

This year has again truly tested us all, not only in our industry but others also. ‘Challenge’ is the word most used, and it gives me great pride to sit on the Board of Bankstown Sports Group, as Chairman, and reflect not only on the challenges, but on the incredible achievements that have been made during an intensely difficult time for so many people.

These achievements are truly humbling. They have been made by a business, and its loyal employees, that have banded together during the darkest of times, and have seen success. Success in staying true to the operational values of Bankstown Sports Group.

Making a difference is the mantra and making a difference to the staff and their mental wellbeing, the local community, and the wider club community network of ClubsNSW. Something that our team has delivered on in abundance.

I’d like to take this opportunity to say a personal thank you to Mark, who recently moved on to a new chapter in his career, the Executive Team at Bankstown Sports Group and the 600+ strong team of staff. It is through you, that this year we have seen a true demonstration of our cultural values that have, in turn, provided the values and experiences that we strive to deliver to our regular patrons and future members. We constantly see examples of how the team are exploring and finding ways to surprise and delight our customers while collaborating to help others succeed. Throughout the period, when the going was tough for many who didn’t necessarily warrant support from the government, our team stood up and explored ways to support each other.

The doors that were perceived to be closed, were opened by versatile minds that looked beyond the norm and transitioned our venue into a NSW Health approved vaccination hub and then into an HSC examination room; by providing a bed and sustenance to ADF support workers who were brought in to the LGA to perform necessary COVID-19 safety checks; the list goes on.

JOHN MURRAY OAM

Chairman

In a year of shade, a real shining light for us all was the opening of Lady Banks Rooftop, named after the Lady Banks Rose in homage to the muse and wife of our locality’s namesake, Sir Joseph Banks. Whilst the venue experienced a troubled introduction with opening delays, we have seen her flourish into a beautiful success and for those who have yet to experience Lady Banks Rooftop, I would strongly recommend you add it to your list of must visit venues. The outlook is exceptional, the food incredible and, collectively with the service, Lady Banks is without doubt something to be experienced.

There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has been a huge focal point of the past year, but for normality to persevere, we must look forward. We are looking forward to expanding on the success of the last year, and we are looking forward to continuing our path of making a difference to the lives of our members, our staff and the local community.

“we are looking forward to continuing our path of making a difference to the lives of our members, our staff and the local community.”

“Making a is the Difference mantra”