Monday 12th November 2007
President's Report / Secretary's Report
If the strength of an organisation is measured by the number of members, it can be said that we are as strong as ever.
Our competition and social playing numbers remain the same, but it is in the support of various activities within our season (ie tournaments, lightning carnival, barbecues), that there is almost no participation, especially from the higher grades.
This lack of support, while shrugged off at the moment, will eventually start to chip away at the enthusiasm of those persons organising these events.
In the latest newsletter from Bev James you will read about succession planning, please take this seriously. I am sure that you are all aware that most of the committee members have been serving the Association for a long time. I have no doubt they will continue to do the best they can, which is considerable, as STTA is still the envy of some other table tennis Clubs and Associations.
If you feel that you can contribute in any small way (ie as club representative, volunteer), please come aboard, and help keep this Association moving forward.
Jo Storken,
President, STTA
You will notice that a discussion item association with 'succession management' features on the 2007 STTA AGM agenda. It is of great concern to the Executive that the makeup of the Committee and volunteer base resides within the Life Members of the Association, all of whom have served Southern for a minimum period of 15 years, some significantly longer.
A snap shot look back on 2007:-
Twenty years young - the Southern stadium was officially opened in 1987, with building extensions (office, meeting room, wet areas) undertaken in 1998. Playing matches initially on a home and away basis, and utilizing the St Vincent's Recreation Centre as a headquarters, the Association has certainly increased its presence and role in the community since its inception in 1973. There are quite a few members who have experienced the whole journey.
Active After School Program - Again both Rex Rayner and Alvan White have been busy delivering ASC, Active After School Programs each term. A program is generally eight weeks in duration and often three different schools receive the program each term.
End of season barbeques - the concept of having a barbecue on match nights, thus not asking players to go out of their way to attend special events, seems to have some acceptance. Rather than having a formal presentation night (numbers were dwindling each year), an activity on match night, and presentation of trophies on grand final night seems at this point in time as players preferred option.
Active Club Grant - funding of $1,000 was received which enabled Southern to purchase two robots, one for the coaching trailer for us in the field, the other for coaching undertaken at the stadium.
Strategic Plan - work is almost complete on a five year strategic plan for the Association. This will form the basis of developing the annual business plan and provide direction for the Association. Some of the objectives and activities listed highlight the need for Southern to adopt a more formal approach to operational management to satisfy sponsor and local and state government business like / legislative expectations.
To the Executive and other volunteers, congratulations, another years job well done. I know each of you is asking...where is my replacement, I am ready to hand over the reigns...please hang on a bit longer. Hopefully there is such a thing as 'succession management'.
Maurice Quinn
Secretary, STTA