I would like to welcome you and your families on behalf of the Football Club (the “Club”), give you a brief update as we begin the 2024 season, and remind you that the annual Parramatta Leagues Club (PLC) member election will take place in February 2024. It is crucial that qualified Club Members cast their ballots by 5 p.m. AEST on February 23, 2024, and actively engage in these elections.
Cash Management
An overview of the 2023 financial year for the Leagues Club and the Club is given in the Annual Report, which was just produced by our parent organisation, the Parramatta Leagues Club (PLC). The PLC Annual Report is available at https://www.parraleagues.com.au/annual-report/.
We continue to be healthy financially, finishing the year ending October 31, 2023, with a profit. We are able to improve funding for football, community programmes, and game-day experiences because of higher earnings from our core business areas.
Construction on our Kellyville Park development is moving forward as planned, with completion scheduled for 2025. This is a multigenerational project for our club; it’s a top-notch facility that both the present and next Eels generations will call home and which will play a significant role in our football programme in the future.
Importantly while the Eels NRL, NRLW and Elite pathway programs will have a world class, centre of excellence, our shared vision with Hills Shire Council is to develop one of the largest community sports precincts in Western Sydney. Once the project is completed, Kellyville Park will have over 700 players and staff (elite and community) using the facility weekly with over 65 per cent of the regular users being community and grassroots participants.
Kellyville Park will cater to the growing needs of our community and increase sports participation from grassroots all the way up to NRL and NRLW.
Governance and Stability
A strong partnership with our parent PLC is crucial for the ongoing success of both organisations. Stability at the board level has been instrumental in the progress of the Club since the appointment of the Administrator in 2016.
Establishing distinct governance structures, including boards to supervise the operation of each organisation, was a crucial component of the Administrators reform. This allowed for separate accountability for the management of the two organisations. The PLC Board was previously in charge of both operations. If you’d want additional context on why this reform was necessary, you can read the letter I wrote to Members prior to the 2019 vote’s winning outcome here.
Our current governance arrangements were supported by the NSW Government and have reestablished confidence in both the Club and PLC, which is evidenced by the NSW Government providing the Club a $33m grant towards the building of the Kellyville Park facility. Without this grant, along with the $15m grant from the Federal Government, and contributions from the Hills Shire Council the building of the Kellyville Park facility would not be possible
Leagues Club Election
Thankfully, the reset of the organisation provided by the appointment of the Administrator has offered a strong period of stability and growth for both organisations. We now have two highly qualified Boards and Management teams guiding the Club and Leagues Club.
Considering our historical challenges, we need a well-credentialed Leagues Club board focused on overseeing a professionally managed PLC. A successfully governed and managed PLC will continue to contribute to the success of the Parramatta Eels.
I would like to emphasise the importance of Club Members who are eligible PLC members to cast their votes in the upcoming PLC election. I encourage each eligible member to participate actively in the upcoming elections, contributing to the selection of nominees who have the necessary skills and experience to guide the PLC into the foreseeable future.
Voting is open for the PLC from January 30 to February 23. The Annual General Meeting will be held at Parra Leagues Club on Tuesday, February 27 at 7 p.m. You can find comprehensive voting instructions on the PLC website.
The Eels’ expansion and success have been greatly aided by board stability, and PLC ought to have the same chance.
I hope to see you all during the upcoming season.
