A WORD FROM OUR CEO What a year it’s been for our Club, members and community. The fact that we have so many members representing Mounties in their various sporting pursuits is a ringing endorsement to the fact that the club is actively involved in connecting people with the community and rings true that we are more than a Club, we are a community.
Since our beginning as a small sports hut, Mounties has brought together talented and committed sports players over the decades, growing our participation and number of sub-clubs which include several elite sporting teams. We are proud to offer legitimate pathway programs as a result from junior development through to elite and professional sport. This year even in difficult times we produced strong positive financial outcome due to the support of our members and you attending our venues. We provided the largest indoor Sub club area of any club, aptly named Murphy’s and we subsidised thousands of local children to play sport From humble beginnings, the Murphy family have been intertwined in some major moments of Mounties History. With a rich story starting with Arthur ‘Spud” Murphy being at the initial round table discussions at an old Cabramatta pub conceptualising a new club at Mount Pritchard and putting up his own land as security for the Club to be built; to Spud’s wife Ethel who become one of the first female club members in Australia when Mounties first opened. Their son Tom who joins Ethel as two of only 20 members to be both founding and life members, setup the first sub clubs, was an Australian Bowling representative and still serves as a current board member. And Tom’s wife, Chris Murphy who was the first female Sub-Club Captain and has also served as a Board Director. So, it is fitting that the latest capital improvement at Mounties, one based on enhancing sub club provision, facilities and social engagement spaces, takes on the
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| 2021 Annual Report
Murphy’s name. The new multi-facetted Sub Club hub was completed in June 2021 and offers a fresh look and vision for our indoor bowls, snooker, darts, table tennis and physical culture and dance, whilst at the same time, paying tribute to our amazing sporting history and achievements. It’s wonderful to see that the original idea of developing a hub for the entire community to enjoy, and which has been a driving force for Tom’s dedication to the Group for more than 50 years is going from strength to strength at Mounties. I should also acknowledge the commitment of the many mums and dads, coaches, and players who help continue the sporting spirit throughout these hardships. It’s that commitment which underpins the great success that Mounties enjoys in its local communities. We’re here to give the best opportunity to play sport at the highest level, despite the pandemic. Congratulations and thanks to all who have been a part of the journey over the past year. Particularly, Club Captain Dawn Kelly and Assistant Club Captain Lyn King, who have provided great support to Spots Director Jenny McNevin and her fellow members of the Sports Committee. These people have unselfishly given their time to ensure that Mounties remains relevant in sport.
DALE HUNT CEO
