HON. SECRETARY’S REPORT Mr. Mario Cafarelli
Mr. Chairman and Members, It gives me great pleasure to present the 2008 Annual Report and Financial Statement for the members’ consideration. The 2008 season came and went in the blink of an eye. It seems that every year gets shorter and shorter. We did, however, find time to pause and reflect on the first One Hundred Years of rugby league as the game celebrated its centenary. At Canterbury we started the season in style with a Cocktail Party in March. This was a very well attended and popular function. Also in March, the NSWRLRA held a Centenary Function at the SCG Members’ Pavilion, which coincided with that body’s first meeting one hundred years ago. The over-representation of Canterbury members at that function did not go unnoticed by those in attendance. As always, our association remains strong at the grade level. The Annual General Meeting was held on 7th February. Mr. Peter Winchester, Mr. Bradley Clyde and Mr. Garry Hughes were reelected as Patrons for 2008. The continued support of these three gentlemen is very much appreciated by the association. John McCormack did not seek reelection as Treasurer and the members elected Brad Zarb to the position. Brad brings a new enthusiasm to the position and has fulfilled his duties with dedication in his first year. George Elias was replaced by Chris Cafarelli on the committee. All other positions remained as per 2007. I wish to thank George for the two years he served on the committee. In 2008 George took on the role of Assistant Director, replacing Chris Bettiol. I also wish to thank Chris Cafarelli for his input into the committee in his first year. Chris has brought youth and a different perspective to the committee, even though on occasions Paul Archer was seen reaching for the Quik-Eze. The association again sent members on excursions during the year. Matthew Zada and Kim Archer visited the Sunshine Coast and Mark Zada traveled to Perth with Glenn Jeffcoat. Matthew, Mark and Glenn all refereed various matches in those areas and gained valuable experience in the process. Western Australia Referees 8
