News & Advocacy for Members

CEO Message

Annual Report for the Year Ended 30 June 2023

Dear Members,

In some respects, this is our ‘post-pandemic’ snapshot of how the industry is progressing after a once-in a century event.

Clubs are a not-for-profit entities that exist to provide facilities and services for their membership and the local community in a very inclusive and socially responsible way.

In our great State of Victoria clubs employ over thirty (30) thousand staff, welcome 2.3 million members and contribute socially through their facilities, services, and donations to a range of local and state charities, schools, and community groups. This social contribution of bringing people together and providing a welcoming an supportive environment in which to enjoy sports, cultural and community activities is so important. Our younger generation needs to be encouraged to have a break from their iPads and electronic devices and enjoy socialising and communicating with friends, to continue the proud traditions of clubs giving back to our community.

From a post-pandemic recovery perspective, the industry has bounced back. Whilst member clubs report a good return of patronage, staffing is an ongoing pressure for managers filling rosters to operate at full capacity. Recruiting and training new staff to work in the hospitality and club sector is also a constant challenge. To this end, CCV and Clubs Australia have been advocating to the government and making submissions concerning a range in of initiatives that we believe would assist our industry through policy changes to Migration laws, Apprenticeship support and employing people living with a disability. We will continue to provide the government with visibility around these issues and where we see the needs to support clubs through more tailored policy settings.

In the government advocacy and policy space, we have been actively representing clubs through feedback to the government with respect to key issues and inquiries such as the Federal Inquiry into Disaster Resillence and other areas, including: 

• Anti-Money Laundering regulatory settings for clubs with gaming machines.
• Visitor sign-in regulations.
• Gambling harm minimisation regulatory impacts.
• Gambling harm minimisation regulatory impacts.
• Governance of Incorporated Associations.
• Liquor Licensing Regulations.
• Commonwealth Privacy Review Report.
• Commonwealth Privacy Review Report.
• Country of Origin Food Labelling.
• Cost model for Commonwealth anti-discrimination laws.
• Department of Employment and Workplace Regulations submission.

Your Industry Partner

Over the past year, CCV has maintained a blended delivery of both online webinars and member briefings to ensure that time-poor club leaders have access to seminars and updates in the eventuality of being unable to attend some face-to-face events. Feedback from members is clear, indicating a preference for continued digital and online content to deliver enhanced convenience and accessibility across the club sectors.

We will continue to develop and deliver more online content to support our members in the areas of occupational health & safety, workforce management and planning, good governance, and statutory compliance topics.

This year, we combined regional board meetings throughout the calendar (Bendigo and Warragul) with our ‘clubs and community’ events. These forums recognised and celebrated the fantastic contributions that club volunteers make to their clubs and local communities. Local Counsellors, Mayors, and Members of Parliament attended these events. CCV appreciates the support from the regional club network, who assisted with the facilitation and organisation required to deliver these first-class events.

Our Awards night was held in the Melbourne Room at the Convention Centre in August 2022 and was a stunning night, with Nicky Buckley as a Master of Ceremonies. Our awards night showcased the talent, social contribution, and innovation within the Victorian Club Industry. The resilience demonstrated by clubs and their management teams, despite being crippled by the COVID-19 Pandemic, as the most ‘locked-down’ industry in Australia was humbling to see club spirit in action, supporting each other during difficult times.

The support from our Corporate Sponsors/Partners has been highly regarded and appreciated by our members and the Association during a time of re-building and planning for the future. Clubs appreciate that the hospitality industry is increasingly competitive, and there is a need to plan more strategically, work together better and collaborate with our corporate partners. Our Corporate Partners provide invaluable service and advice to members in various areas to assist clubs. By looking at opportunities and working cohesively to deliver new projects, clubs will enhance their venue’s local presence, which is important to ensure we continue to be relevant and progressive into the future.

Thank you for our member clubs’ contributions to the Victorian economy and local communities.

On behalf of the CCV team, I wish you well for the year ahead.

Best Wishes,

Andrew Lloyd – CCV Chief Executive