Monday 1st December 2003
President's Report / Secretary's Report
Looking back on this year, there is nothing that really excites me in the sense of 'great things' that happened.
The player numbers have remained stable in both competition and social play, although that is a positive outcome these days. We need all existing members to promote the game to new players.
Our Committee has been refreshed by some new faces this year, and that is really good for the future, but again, more younger faces need to now step up to give those long standing Committee members faith that STTA is in good hands for the future.
The Executive Committee has once again guided us through the year with a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment. The nightly venue management role of the canteen helpers continues and is greatly appreciated. Helen Berry, STTA Recording Secretary, Bookings Officer and canteen helper is a treasure in all that she does, and despite the involvement of Geoff, Maurice and Bev at State and National level, they still managed to attend to their STTA chores.
It is a pleasure to serve the Association guided by these people and I look forward to 2004 when I am sure some very exciting things will occur. Thank you to all who in any small way either contributed to the running of / supported & patronised STTA in 2003, your continued support will be greatly appreciated.
Jo Storken,
President, STTA
The 2003 calendar year I found to be very demanding, and attempted to spread myself too thin. With the passing away of TTSA Finance Director, Molly Gleeson, I agreed to take over that portfolio for the remainder of the TTSA financial year. As State Junior Table Tennis Coach, significant commitment was required in preparing the Team for the National Championships in late September 2003. I have not sought re-election as TTSA Finance Director and I currently enjoy a short rest in respect to State junior coaching commitments.
I thought it important to outline the above, as the workload was greater than I care to take on in future years. But more so, I was not able to fulfil my STTA Secretary and other duties / activities in a manner to my satisfaction. I thank Bev, Helen, Geoff and Jo for 'covering' for me in 2003. I enjoy working for / being around STTA and look forward to re-establishing that close relationship in 2004. Despite my lack of presence, as expected, life at STTA continued through the efforts of the Executive Committee and those who assist with venue management, coaching and other such activities.
Now to capture the year in a few dot points .... I would be lost without reference to Bev's newsletter published during the year:-
STTA Web Site & Quarterly Newsletters - well done Bev. Through your efforts good communication is maintained with our membership. This year I have also had contact from various persons overseas who have visited the web site and seek to visit Southern on their holiday to Australia. I am aware of two such persons from overseas who did just that....the magic of the web.
Individual Achievements - Southern was well represented this year in terms of State Team representation at all National Championships....the Youth, Seniors, Juniors and Veterans. Once again, congratulations to Michelle Hodgson who represented Australia on 2 occasions throughout the year.
STTA results in local newspaper - thanks Helen. Our presence in the local paper has attracted a few new players to the Association.
Lightning Carnival & Players Tournament - both were conducted during the school holiday break and both were generally well supported.
Players competing in STTA Winter Competition - this year saw another small drop in players participating in the STTA Winter season, and again it is amazing how many 'fill in' players participated.
Junior Development - Southern still has a presence in the school environment through Alvan, Rex, Jo and Joe. School holiday programs are conducted during each term break, and 'in house' junior coaching (from the Friday Night Juniors) is starting to look promising. Encouraging signs, but a lot more work is required.
Teams in TTSA Winter Competition - STTA had 5 teams entered in the TTSA Winter Competition in 2003. Division 5 was won by Southern this year, congratulations to the team of David Longbottom, Chris Dobrovic, Steve Battle and Daniel Laidlaw. Again, thank you to David Longbottom for co-ordinating this activity and representing STTA on the TTSA winter sub-committee.
Air Conditioning - in last years report I mentioned the wheels were in motion. I can now advise that Southern has been successful in an Active Club Grant (Minor Works) and will shortly be in receipt of $10,000 from Recreation & Sport sponsorship as part funding towards the air conditioning project. This means we are committed as said funding must be spent within a 12 month period of receipt. As they say, watch this space. Geoff Goss is the key driver in bringing this goal / project to fruition.
National Veteran Championships at ETSA Park - I thank the membership for tolerating a rather 'bare' stadium during the first week of October. In conjunction with equipment from other table tennis venues, ETSA Park was transformed into a 25 court table tennis venue to host the 2003 Australian Veteran National Championships. Some 300 players from around Australia participated in the event.
New Service Rule - the change was accepted by players with little impact to an individuals game / method of serving.
Winter Presentation Function - it was great to finally be able to attend the function this year. Observations revealed everyone enjoyed the meal and evening held at the Christies Beach Hotel / Motel.
Another year passes us by. Thank you to all who helped Southern get through it. While the membership will have to endure the heat of summer for most, if not all of this season, I look forward to providing you with a more comfortable playing environment in 2004. Best wishes to all for Christmas and the New Year.
Maurice Quinn
Secretary, STTA
Last Updated: 28 Apr 2006 10:51 AM