Club Corowa recorded a profit of $636,904 before tax, for the year 2023, it was revealed at the club’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, May 28.
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Describing 2023 as an excellent year, club CEO Peter Norris said financially, Club Corowa recorded an extremely healthy profit and the entire team has been very successful in helping shape the business into what members enjoy today.
“We decided to sacrifice some of our profits to continue supporting our community,” he told The Free Press.
“Most significantly, our concert series which runs at a loss injects some much-needed excitement and energy into our small community, whilst also providing flow-on benefits to other businesses in town.”
The club has contributed over $200,000 to local organisations and charities through the ClubGrants program.
The concert series was originally formatted to support the community after a tough period of COVID, fires and floods.
“From the success of our first event, it was evident that our region was hungry for more of these and we have not stopped since,” Mr Norris said.
“Club Corowa has invested heavily into these concerts, to give the community world-class events to look forward to whilst driving spend in our town from visitors. We are committed to continuing them into the foreseeable future.”
The CEO expects the next 12-24 months to tighten significantly, and club management is already working strategically “to ensure we come out the other end in as strong a position as we are now”.
“We know the hospitality industry is facing some of its toughest challenges ever seen and we will make tough decisions as required to ensure Club Corowa remains one of Corowa’s largest employers for decades to come.”
Year 2023 enabled Club Corowa to continue to invest in its members facilities, continually upgrading and renovating spaces throughout the building.
Exciting plans ahead will see a full refurbishment of Club Corowa’s lounge area and tie in new reception space, Ms Birdies and Silks. “Following that, we continue to work on plans to ensure our Club survives for many, many decades to come,” Mr Norris said.
Club Corowa President Jenni Delaney said 2023 has been a momentous year for the club with many highlights.
She advised that after so many years as the Corowa RSL Club, the club was rebranded as Club Corowa. “However, our commitment to our veterans has not changed,” Ms Delany said.
“Their courage and contribution to our lifestyle today has our respect, care and loyalty. We continue to support the Corowa RSL sub-branch financially in their welfare and community work.”
The club’s year, commenced, the president said, with the first of its concert series which has continued into 2024 featuring Eskimo Joe, Daryl Braithwaite, Illy, Jon Stevens, The Screaming Jets, Bjorn Again, Birds of Tokyo and many local support acts. “These concerts helped to contribute to our Flood Grants program enabling us to assist local clubs to recover from the devastation of late 2022,” she said.
“Once again this year, by way of the ClubGrants program, we contributed more than $200,000 to not only our many local organisations but also the Royal Children's Hospital- where many of our local kids have been given life-saving treatment over the years- and The Black Dog Institute. The local volunteers who contribute so many hours of work to the vibrancy of our community deserve our support. Our loan to the Corowa Golf Club of $300,000 is maintained.”
Club Corowa’s reception area was completed in 2023 and the refurbishment of the main lounge is well underway; new flooring has been installed in the Community Room, where many social groups meet.
“Also this year (2023), we have opened a unique short term accommodation,” Ms Delany said.
“Built in the 1930s or 40s, the house next door in Whitehead St was the residence and surgery of local doctor, Dr Ronald Fairley and his family. We have tried to honour the era of its creation and respect its creator. For this I would like to thank Director Jenny Hopgood for her many hours of work to make this venture a success.”
Club Corowa’s Concert Series continues to be a hit amongst locals while bringing visitors to our region.
Ms Delany commented about the club’s future growth and said a possible merger with Howlong Golf Resort was investigated. “We felt this had the potential to increase our membership base and income significantly,” she explained.
“However, it was not to be. Considering the possible changes to gaming laws, the Board and management team will continue to search for ways to future proof our community club.”
This past year has been one of many changes, with all new regulations coming from Sydney not making it easier for smaller country branches.
“Traditions that we have been doing for many years are no longer acceptable, such as widows’ Christmas gifts, donations, changes to the way we think, and to modernize, which older veterans find distressing.
“Having the Lone Pine Room has made it possible for more activities, the biggest of all being the display of memorabilia and social gatherings.”
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