April 2018 NSW Masonic Club 3 PRESIDENT’S REPORT Dear Fellow Members, We are well into the 2018 calendar year already as I prepare my first report to you this year. The financial results for the six months to 31 December 2017 were excellent. The unaudited profit before tax for the six months to 31 December 2017 was $384,081, as compared to $254,863 for the same period last year. This generated net cash from operating activities of $589,234 as compared to $464,075 for the same period the previous financial year. The surplus cash remains invested primarily in terms deposits whilst we work towards the 83 accommodation rooms upgrade program. Whilst our hotel accommodation revenue continues to benefit from the ongoing high demand for hotel rooms in Sydney CBD, there is substantial building activity in progress that is planned to add another 3,000 hotel rooms to Sydney over the next two or so years. This will increase competition and put pressure on our hotel room rates. It is vital that we undertake our planned hotel rooms refurbishment program as soon as possible to remain competitive. To that end we have been busy working with our designers and other consultants to construct four mock up rooms ready for inspection before 30 June this year. As the Club’s building is heritage listed there are a number of additional hurdles we must pass to achieve our objectives. The Members’ Rewards program commenced on 1 January 2018. This provides members with additional discounts on food and beverage purchases. If you have any comments or feedback in relation to this new initiative, please contact the General Manager or the administration staff. Remember, don’t forget to swipe your membership card to secure your members discount and to accumulate rewards points. The demolition of the building to our Club’s immediate South was completed just prior to Christmas which was a big relief to all staff at the Club including the catering team, the General Manager and the Directors. The next phase of demolition and tunnelling is now underway. We will continue to see daylight from our Southern side hotel rooms and Cello’s into the near future. However, the demolition site will be the subject of a public tender process for the construction of a significant multi storey overstation building. As more information becomes available we will update you about this new Metro Station site. Your Club turns 125 years of age this September, making our Club one of the oldest in Sydney. Your Board is planning events in September this year to celebrate this milestone including the display of some historical information. We will keep you updated. We continue to oppose the development application lodged last year by the owners of the now demolished Windsor Hotel for an indoor and outdoor hotel to the Club’s immediate North. The DA was granted but there were several conditions imposed by Council to mitigate potential noise that might enter our hotel rooms and disturb the sleep of our guests. However, the applicant was not satisfied with the Council imposed conditions and the matter will now be dealt with in the Land and Environment Court. We continue to oppose this hotel application. There are many Club functions planned for 2018 and these can be found in this magazine. I look forward to meeting up with members at these events throughout the year. If you haven’t already tried it, the “Chef’s Pie” on the level two Lounge Bar has been a great success. I have tried it, several times. The pie changes daily so check with staff about the daily special before you order. As always, your Board and the General Manager continue to find ways to improve our food and beverage offerings. Your feedback is also important to us. Tell us what you think by emailing us at: admin@nswmasonicclub.com.au I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible over the coming months. Best Wishes, Stephen Bates President, NSW Masonic Club Collect your voucher, during the month of your birthday, from Rita in the Administration Office on the 1st floor. Your birthday voucher entitles you to a complimentary bottle of house red, white or sparkling wine at your Club. One voucher per Member annually. Complimentary wine is not provided for the purpose of take away. MEMBERS’ BIRTHDAY WINE VOUCHERS Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheCastlereaghBoutiqueHotel Follow us on Instagram @CastlereaghBoutiqueHotel and @reaghbar Sign up to eNews at www.nswmasonicclub.com.au or www.thecastlereagh.com.au connect with us @ April 2018 NSWMC Magazine 3