C O V I D - 1 9 S U R V I V A L G U I D E
CLUBS TASMANIA AndrewMoore
T he year 2020 has certainly provided an unprecedented challenge for our community clubs, with the impact of COVID-19 seeing most community clubs shut-down as an interim Government measure. We trust you, your family, your staff and your members are keeping safe and staying positive during this time. In late March, I took the time to personally call each of our members and check in on their staff, ask what support the club or venue needed and how we can help. We were overwhelmed with the impact of the news of clubs closing until May 31, staff being stood down and competitions, training and social events all cancelled. Feedback from the phone calls helped inform a number of lobby briefs we prepared up through to governments, we convened a teleconference with 15 peak bodies that identified what the financial impact was for sports from COVID-19 and we continue to service our members that require immediate advice and support. We are grateful for the positive comments that staff shared with us, appreciating the individual phone call, the level of support provided and the commitment to advocate for the community club industry, so that staff were supported and venues could remain viable. While all of us were overwhelmed during this time, our spirits were lifted when we heard the following; • The volunteers at Devonport RSL jumping in to help the club adjust and re arrange furniture to meet strict social distancing policy, (even if it was for a short time) • Corporate sponsors and suppliers not hesitating to offer to collect and rebate unused stock • The licensee and volunteers at Invermay Bowls and Community Club jumping in to help the club quickly sell all current stock • Local government considering granting clubs rent relief and landlords offering reduced rents
• A number of clubs and venues thinking outside the square and adjusting their business model so they continue to employ staff and trade with take away meals, within strict policies • The committee at Rosny Park Bowls and RSL taking the opportunity of a shut-down to review all of their operations, develop a mission statement and strategic plan ready for when the COVID-19 crisis abates later in the year and the club reopens • The Smithton Club, continuing to work with Club Tasmania in preparing a grant application to the Tasmanian Community Fund, round 40 grants program and • A thank you note from Kingston Beach Golf Club, who reached out to say thanks for saving them $11,000 annually on the energy bill which now, given the COVID-19 crisis, was timely Below is a graphic that can help us all prioritise our energy and focus, in a time of crisis.
THA HOSPITALITY—REVIEW: COVID-19 SURVIVAL GUIDE APRIL 2020 | 14
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