April 2017 NSW Masonic Club 3 April 2017 NSWMC Magazine 3 GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT Greetings from the NSW Masonic Club and welcome to the first edition of the Club Magazine for 2017. To say that we are busy at the moment would be an understatement ! We are juggling a number of projects, namely the Sydney Metro owner negotiations, the commencement of our Master Plan process, various Capital improvements and maintenance and a number of operational projects to name a few. Sydney Metro Transport for NSW has been progressively purchasing all buildings on the corner of Castlereagh, Park and Pitt Streets for the Sydney Metro (underground) project. The adjoining building, 175 Castlereagh Street has been emptied of all occupants and is currently being demolished from the inside. External demolition will occur from early July onwards. We have spent considerable hours negotiating the terms of a Joint Owners Agreement with Transport for NSW. I sincerely thank the President, Stephen Bates and Director Peter Zeilic for their enormous efforts and time dedicated to this process. We are starting conversations about the above ground construction as well. We will keep you updated on further developments through our regular Club Chat newsletters. Master Plan We are well into the process of planning out this much needed project. A qualified and talented Interior Designer has been appointed. We are focusing on the accommodation rooms and corridors as the first areas to refurbish. After all, they are our ‘money makers’ and continue to generate the revenue needed to run the Club floors. Director Peter Zeilic and I have invested considerable time into this process and defining what the current and future needs of guests in the ever-changing accommodation Industry. Capital Improvements & Maintenance Now that we have the freedom of producing better financial results than in the past years, we have been able to direct these funds to much needed infrastructure projects. These include: re-waterproofing the roof spaces, upgrading the boiler controllers, replacing kitchen equipment, upgrading IT services and new laundry equipment to name a few of our Capital Works projects, all funded through trading results. Operational Projects In early March, the Asteri Group was appointed to handle all Food and Beverage services for the Club under my guidance and control. This has been an exceptionally positive move so far, the results being: an increase of functions booked at the Club, new menus and beverage offerings, a refresh of the ground floor Reagh Bar which immediately brought in new clientele, a renewed focus on staff training and professional service. You will still see many familiar faces within the Food and Beverage team so please call in and say hello soon. All in all, the Club is performing very well. We have just come off an incredibly busy February and March with an occupancy of 92%. Our average occupancy for the year is now above 83%. Yes, rates have increased in line with demand for Sydney CBD accommodation and Members still receive a generous discount, not available to the public. I sincerely thank my hardworking team for their dedication and hard work. Our work culture at the Club is amazing and it is not hard to tell that they love what they do. Although we are extremely busy, I enjoy meeting Members whenever possible. I encourage you to call in, enjoy your Club and say hello when you next in the City. My final thanks go to the Board for their ongoing support, hard work and commitment. This is very much a working Board where all Directors have responsibilities above their normal work commitments outside the Club. I eagerly look forward to these and other challenges that lay ahead to ensure the Club is well positioned for the future. Until next time, take care, Paul Brasch General Manager NSW Masonic Club and Castlereagh Boutique Hotel The Board and Management were saddened to hear of the recent passing of our oldest Club Member, Joe Miller, who would have turned 104 this July. Joe joined the NSW Masonic Club in 1992 and was a very active member of the NSW Masonic Seniors’ Association. Until he turned 100, Joe attended every one of their monthly meetings without fail, travelling from Callala Beach on the South Coast. Joe had a long career as a merchant seaman, seeing active service during World War Two. He was awarded a special medal at the Seafarers Home in Sydney’s Kent Street for 50 years of war and peace, at that time only the 12th of its type to be presented in the world. A dedicated Mason for 74 years, Joe helped raise thousands of dollars for Masonic and other charities. A memorial service has been arranged by Joe’s daughter, Pauline, on Monday 1st May in the Reagh Bar. Please contact Rita in the administration office for further details on 02 9284 1006. Vale joe miller Joe Miller (left) pictured with fellow Club member Jack Auld Notice about birthday vouchers to go in here BIRTHDAY VOUCHERS Enjoy a complimentary bottle of red, white or sparkling wine for your birthday! If we have your email address, a voucher will be simply be emailed to you for your birthday. No email? Please visit the Administration Office during the month of your birthday to collect your voucher. Provide your email address to receive your next voucher and all the latest news! Enquiries: 02 9284 1006 The Administration office is open Monday to Friday during normal business hours.