PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD Mr. Paul Archer
Season 2020 was not what we expected when we conducted our AGM in February, we were looking forward to a successful 99th year of operations. The year started with our country coming to grips with the worst bush fire season in decades, the Association donated $1500 to the South Coast Bushfire appeal with funds from the Leo Randle Trust. However, in March we realised that 2020 would be challenging and little did we realise that our country and the world would face a pandemic, not seen for a century. Our lives were changed, football season suspended and at one stage we doubted that we would have junior football at all in 2020. Borders closed, restrictions on social gatherings, working from home and the numerous loss of jobs. Australia was most fortunate that we closed our international borders early and thanks to the good work of our health officials and governments this lessened the impact of COVID19 but still too many lives were lost. As a Committee we were required to make many difficult decisions, our general meetings, training, and social events were suspended, we introduced weekly video sessions on rulings in an endeavour to maintain a connection with our active base. The Committee conducted regular meetings via Zoom to ensure that we were up to date with the COVID-19 requirements. Eventually, our Junior League was able to conduct a reduced season and we acknowledge the hard work of the Junior League and our local district clubs for their efforts in getting community football up and running with COVID-19 protocols in place, a wonderful achievement. 7
CBDRLRA Inc. 99th Annual Report & Financial Statement – Season 2020
