Special message from our President

Covid-19

With over 1 million Australian’s losing their jobs in the past week, I know that the Stonecat family has been hit hard too. If I could find the words to ease the burden for those of you doing it tough, I’d use them. Just know that we are one of the best clubs in country footy for a reason. We will get through it together, and thrive again when all of this is over.

 

Footy and Netball update

I have been in regular contact with AFLSE in relation to what the 2020 season looks like. At this stage, the season is on hold until 1^st June. The league is scoping out possible fixtures and ways clubs can save dollars on weekly fees if the season does commence this year. Like all clubs, the league too has been hit hard. Many staff have been forced to take leave, with their positions hopefully re-commencing later this year. There will be a number of considerations too if the season does commence. Will players choose to work on weekends to make up for lost income? Will people come to games, even if restrictions are reduced? Of course, time will tell. We expect to hear an update early May about the fate of the 2020 season.

 

Major events 2020

At this stage the Season Launch, ANZAC Day event, 2010 Premiership Reunion and Ladies Day have been postponed. When we know more about the season, we will be in a better position to make decisions on the 10k Draw, Team of the Decade, Gala Ball and Presentation Night.  

 

Fine Print Australia Knockout Tipping Competition

As you may have seen on Facebook or on our website, the Tipping Competition for 2020 has been cancelled. If you have paid into a players account, they will transfer money back to you individually. If you have made a bulk payment into the club account, Kev Mulvogue is transferring the money back to you to redistribute to your contacts. If you have paid cash, you will be receiving a text message from me in the coming week or so (Your contact numbers were placed on the tipping slip) with instructions on how to receive your reimbursement. Please consider whether you want this as a bank transfer, Stonecat credit, or donation to the Diamond Jubilee Project (only if you’re in a position to do so).

 

If you have paid for a social, Past Player, Coach’s Coterie or Collopy Club membership for 2020 and are doing it tough financially, please get in contact with me (don’t worry, all confidential) if you need to.

 

Room access

We have received the following information from the Frankston City Council in relation to the tenancy of our rooms. “Given the uncertainty of Covid-19, Council will not be issuing a seasonal tenancy to winter clubs until such time there is confirmation on the commencement of the season.” So until further notice, sadly, our rooms will not be open on Thursday night (sorry Lombi and crew) or weekends. On the up-side, Marcus Leonard has kindly offered to spend some time updating the Premiership frames, coaches and other Stonecat memorabilia. We would never have been in a position to do this if it wasn’t for the great work of our Club Historian, Rocky Hardstone. Thanks Marcus and Rocky!

 

Sponsors

With the uncertainty of season 2020, I know that many sponsors are considering their level of involvement. My mantra at school and at footy, is ‘family comes first, second and third.’ So while considering your financial investment for 2020, please prioritise your family and your own personal circumstances.

 

However, in the event you are in a position to contribute funds, whether fully or in part, we would absolutely welcome your sponsorship. The club relies on a number of key income streams to get the season up and running, before we even consider thinking about player payments and weekly league fees. This includes the Knockout Tipping comp, Season Launch, Junior club financial contributions and of course bar income.

 

The main hit to our financial position though, is the current cessation of Bingo. For those of you who don’t know, Frankston YCW FNC have had an affiliation with the Carrum Garden’s Bingo Centre for over 25 years. John Coburn and Paul Desmond were key to setting this up back in 1994. Just as we were beginning to see an increase in revenue, the Bingo centre has been understandably closed indefinitely.

 

So as you consider your options for 2020, feel free to call myself or Ray Matthews to chat through possible scenarios. From extra Collopy Club memberships or more signage, we are open to any ideas you may have. Rest assured, the on-line presence will continue to be a key strategy for exposure.

 

And if you’re not a sponsor, now is the time to support our own! All of our sponsors are listed on the website and throughout the Facebook page. Please also contact me if you’re looking for something, I can help put you in contact with the right person.

 

Diamond Jubilee Project

I wouldn’t be doing my job as President if I didn’t add this. We are keen to bring in another $22,000 (over 55k raised already) through the Diamond Jubilee Project. I won’t bang on about this too much given the circumstances, but if you’re in a position to support this Project, you can do so by donating (tax deductible) through the Australian Sports Foundation via the following link https://asf.org.au/donate/frankston-stonecats/diamond-jubilee-project/

 

Finally, for those of you with children at home, and if we go to remote learning in term 2, please feel free to contact myself or Jack “the teaching guru” Mazurek if you need some extra ideas to continue the learning at home. The key will be to maintain a routine, for your kids, and for yourself. I’m using this opportunity to ‘connect’ with my kids!

In the meantime, please follow what’s being asked of us. That is, stay home. The sooner we follow these guidelines, the sooner we’ll be back playing and watching the game we all love.

 

Regards

Andrew Schneider

President

Frankston YCW FNC