MEMBERS NOTICE:
As you would no doubt be aware, the NRL in taking on board advice from pandemic experts, have made a decision to suspend the 2020 season indefinitely, effectively immediately.
The Sharks support this decision in the interests of the health and safety of our players, staff, members, fans and the community in general. These are unprecedented times and the health and wellbeing of everybody concerned is of paramount importance.
The NRL has yet to set a date for a possible return, however it has been explained that players will be given ample opportunity to prepare well in advance of any recommencement. The NRL has indicated that it will re-commence the Telstra Premiership once it is medically safe to do so.
We understand that you will have a number of questions about what this means for the competition, the club and your membership. The NRL, together with all 16 Clubs, have developed a Frequently Asked Questions page that you can visit here: https://www.nrl.com/fan-information#Membership.
While we wait for further information about the impact on the season, we will make a commitment to communicate all updates when they become available, to ensure you remain engaged with your Club as we work through these challenging times.
Thanks for the messages you have already sent and please keep them coming. The Sharks, the NRL and the game of rugby league will come through this crisis so please continue get behind your Club in whatever way possible.
We also thank our sponsors and corporate partners for their continued support, with many businesses struggling in the current climate we would ask our Sharks family, where you can, to support those who support us as we navigate our way through this serious situation.
And in terms of sponsors, hospitality partners and members, we are still working with the NRL, with all clubs asked to take a united approach in relation to the financial commitment you have already made. All decisions on refunds or rolling over sponsorships, hospitality packages or memberships are currently on hold until there is a clear picture of what the future might look like and we will certainly communicate any information that becomes available.
Rest assured however that everybody is working towards the best possible outcome for members, sponsors and the clubs.
AGM
In touching on the upcoming Annual General Meeting, given the strict protocols due to COVID-19, which have been put in place since we circulated the AGM notification and now involves the closure of registered clubs, we are now exploring other options to hold the meetings using technology.
The Sharks Board wants to ensure you have every opportunity to be able to participate in our Leagues Club and Football Club meetings and we will update on our revised plans with final arrangements as soon as possible. At this point in time the meeting is still scheduled for this coming Monday, March 30 at 7.00pm Should it not be feasible to conduct the AGM on this date and time, we will make sure you are informed well in advance.
Kareela Amalgamation
As for the amalgamation with Sporties @ Kareela Golf Club, following your unanimous vote to pursue the partnership, we can report that we are forging ahead, however the arrangement has yet to be finalised by the Office of Liquor and Gaming.
Further to this, due to the State and Federal Government protocols surrounding indoor gatherings, pubs, restaurants, cafes, gyms, places of worship and registered clubs, which includes Sporties @Kareela Golf Club, have been forced to shut down operations. This will not change our position on the amalgamation but will more than likely delay it, so we can still look forward to a second Sharks licensed club in the Sutherland Shire, one to complement what will be a world class facility at our Woolooware base, once these restrictions are lifted.
In closing, I am sure you recognise these are difficult times and we will do all we can to keep you, our valued members and fans well informed. On behalf of the Chairman of the Board, Steve Mace, his fellow Directors, Management and Staff we would like to thank you for your understanding and ongoing support during the challenges facing us, but more importantly hope you keep safe and well at this difficult time.
Regards,
Dino Mezzatesta
Group CEO
