Board of DirectorsStanding (L-R): Dennis Merrick, Kerry Lowe, Keith Rhind, Greg Chapman, John Hiatt OAM and Greg Alexander.Seated (L-R): Terry Heidtmann, Barry Walsh - Chairman, Don Feltis and Glenn Matthews - Group CEO.4
Chairman’s ReportRealistically, 2008 was a trying year for the club industry. In my three decades-long associationwith the industry I have never known it to be facing such a gamut of challenges all at theone time. Many of these have been instigated by new smoking legislation, coupled with theintroduction of the new poker machine tax. The current parlous state of the world economyalso presents an ongoing challenge for clubs to support our communities with donations andfund raising.Nonetheless, I believe <strong>Panthers</strong> World of Entertainment is facing the very dawn of an excitingera. Our $25m refurbishment is almost complete, bringing world-class entertainment facilitiesto Sydney’s Golden West. <strong>Panthers</strong> has a rich tradition of guaranteeing our members and guestsa safe, harmonious atmosphere for all to enjoy. The renovations will allow us to offer a wholelot more for all the family and I am eagerly anticipating our birthday celebrations in April.It is said that an optimist finds opportunity in any situation. Well, label me an unabashedoptimist if you wish, but I firmly believe that the <strong>Penrith</strong> <strong>Panthers</strong> can derive plenty from2008, turning a few negatives into an assortment of positives for the upcoming season.When <strong>Penrith</strong> signed international front-rower Petero Civoniceva from Brisbane at theconclusion of the 2007, I was convinced, long before a ball was kicked for the upcoming season,that we had already made the buy of the year. Week-in, week-out Petero was the <strong>Panthers</strong>’best and most consistent performer, his form still good enough to retain his position in boththe Queensland Origin and Australian representative sides. The big man confirmed his highrating when he was named Prop of the Year at the 2008 Dally M awards. That informationonly tells part of the story. Petero Civoniceva is the consummate Rugby League professionaland a superb role model whose impact on the younger, less experienced players around himat <strong>Penrith</strong> stretches far beyond his on-field exploits.There were plenty of other positives to emerge from 2008. These include:• <strong>Panthers</strong>’ second placing in the Flowers Memorial Pennant, after having won this prestigiousclub championship title the previous year• <strong>Panthers</strong> board member Greg Alexander was named (along with fellow <strong>Penrith</strong> juniorproduct Brad Fittler) in the Schoolboys Centenary Team• Seven of our Toyota Cup youngsters – Joseph Paulo,Wade Graham, Lachlan Coote, Sam McKendry,Masada Iosefa, Daniel Penese and William Isa –making their top-grade debuts in the NRL• We have retained all our major sponsors – CUA,Sanyo, Nepean Motor Group, HostPlus, and TonyFerguson Weightloss ProgramBarry WalshChairman• <strong>Panthers</strong> Rugby League marketing team winningthe Australian Marketing Institutes NSW award forExcellence in Sponsorship this year. The award was in recognition of extremely successfulCUA – A Change for the Better with the <strong>Panthers</strong> promotion.In further good news, <strong>Panthers</strong> has also benefited from the marvelous support of our localpoliticians, the State Member for <strong>Penrith</strong>, Karyn Paluzzano and Federal Member for the seatof Lindsay, David Bradbury. We have already received a $5m grant from the State governmentand are set to accept a further $5m from the Federal government. These much-needed fundshave and will be used to upgrade the facilities at CUA Stadium, for the new <strong>Panthers</strong> on theProwl classroom/offices, plus the NSWRL Western Sydney Academy, and Western SydneyAcademy of Sport premises. Here, I must also salute the expertise and co-operation of <strong>Penrith</strong>Council for their continued efforts towards ensuring the sports facilities at CUA Stadium arestate-of-the-art.On a personal note, in early November I was honoured with a Service Award at the 2008Leagues Clubs Australia National Conference. As pleasant as it is to have one’s effortsacknowledged, it actually gave me cause to reflect on just how blessed I am to have been apart of such a magnificent operation as <strong>Panthers</strong> World of Entertainment and I wish to offera heartfelt thanks to my fellow board members, administrators and staff who have served theclub with such loyalty and for so long.With 2009, the 101st season of the Greatest Game of All, ready to kick off, I wish our <strong>Panthers</strong>players, coaching and support staff every success in the coming months. Above all, I wish ourfaithful band of supporters a year to remember.5
Change language