Board Chair’s Address at Launch of The Brisbane Golf Club Foundation
Background
The idea for The Brisbane Golf Club Foundation first arose many years ago, but its development into a fully considered model took some time. Despite the very best intentions of good people there were many distractions and a myriad of confusing structural issues to consider to get everything settled. It is pleasing to now arrive to this night as I strongly believe this launch signifies the beginning of something very special and positive for our Club.
Purpose
Foundations are born from a vision of a better future, a vision of addressing challenges and a vision of creating opportunities. Our Foundation is intended to be a catalyst for an even better Club.
In short, the Foundation has been established to provide financial support to the Club:
• in its growth and development of golf;
• to improve facilities; and
• to establish new facilities,
for the use and enjoyment of Club members.
The key element is that the Foundation is to provide financial support. The Foundation does not in itself undertake or oversee any plans or works. The Foundation supports the Club. The Club identifies key programs and projects, the Club prioritises these and the Club manages these. Where and when it is able, and after receiving a request for assistance from the Club, the Foundation will assess each opportunity and potentially contribute towards those programs and projects that are consistent with the Foundation’s purpose.
Recent events have again challenged the Club and the Club Committee to revisit and re-prioritise future plans. Floods, fires, storms and even viruses have a way of challenging Committees at this Club. These are not un-familiar foes. The Club and its members will of course deal with these as they arise. To the extent these events disrupt the normal order at the Club, the Club will adjust. To the extent these events create future opportunities to improve or establish new facilities, the Club may seek support from the Foundation. The Foundation and the Club will always maintain very open communication lines to discuss programs or projects the Foundation may support.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Club President Deb Kember and former Club President Mark Deuble and their respective Committees for the support in establishing the Foundation and for the continuing relationship. I note Deb and Mark and many of the Club Committee are here tonight showing their ongoing support.
Governance
It is important to understand the Foundation has been established as a separate company with its own Board and Constitution. This was done to maintain the independence of the Foundation and to keep funds raised separate from the operations of the Club.
The initial Board of Directors consists of Peter White, Sue Lewandowski, Stephen Deane, Cameron Gibson and myself. I expect you will recognise these Directors as significant long-term members and supporters of the Club, all of whom have committed their time and effort to establishing and growing the Foundation. The Directors are here tonight and I encourage you to chat with them about what we are trying to achieve.
The Foundation will also have a small membership consisting of recent former Club office bearers who accept an invitation to become members. The Board will be accountable to these Foundation members annually.
All funds and assets raised by the Foundation are held by the separate company but administered by the Club’s office. The Foundation will prepare a set of audited Financial statements each year which will be available for all to review.
How you can help?
Tonight is really about setting the stage for the Foundation. We want the Foundation to become part of the conversation at the Club, not in the dark corners but in the Garden Room, on the course and in the Members’ lounge. This is about creating a Future Fund that will help us with the journey of building tomorrow’s Club. A successful Foundation will not only enable that, it will get us there sooner than we imagined. But it will ultimately rest on the support of members. If you and the other 1500 or so members share the goal of tomorrow’s club sooner and support the Foundation, then we will have great success ahead of us. This won’t be a one year, a three year or even a ten year success story. This is intended to be an ongoing multi-generational support to the Club.
There are many avenues for Club members to provide support:
1. Donating to Club projects through the Australian Sports Foundation will be tax deductible. The Foundation will communicate approved projects to Club members, enabling them to make these donations through the ASF website.
2. For those not seeking tax deductibility, donations can be made directly to the Foundation. These donations could be project specific or general in nature.
3. Bequeathing support through estate planning ensuring a long-term lasting relationship with the Foundation and the Club.
4. Supporting future Foundation events and fundraising activities. These will be communicated to Club members through the year.
5. Becoming a sponsorship partner which can be beneficial to the member, the member’s business and the Foundation.
6. Spreading the word. Talking with fellow members about the Foundation, what it is attempting to achieve and why it should be supported.
On the table at the entrance tonight you will find brochures and related forms for your consideration. Take these as you leave and share them with fellow members. They will also be available around the Club and will be accessible on the Club’s website.
Closing
If you wish to discuss any questions or queries on the role of the Foundation after tonight, please contact me or any of my fellow Directors.
Finally, I will leave you with a Greek Proverb that inspires me:
“A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they will never sit.”
I believe this captures the essence of what the Foundation is trying to achieve, perhaps without limiting the focus to just old men.
Thank you.
Phil Wikman
Chair
The Brisbane Golf Club Foundation Ltd
