7 February 2012:

FRIENDSHIP DAY  -  Sunday, 26 February 2012  -  10.30am start 

CANBERRA SERVICES CLUB AND CANBERRA BOWLING CLUB

A FUN BOWLS DAY at Canberra Bowling Club, Hobart Avenue, Forrest

 

2 x 15 ends – 3 bowls – mixed triples.  Barefoot or flat shoes may be worn.

A chance to learn for all non-bowlers.

BBQ lunch served following first set.  $15 bowls & lunch or $8 lunch only

Come and chat to Board members to hear the latest about the Club

RSVP to: helen@canberraservicesclub.com.au or Ph: 6295 1389

__________________________________________________________________________

 

22 JANUARY 2012: CANBERRA SERVICES CLUB UPDATE

PLANNING IDEAS FOR OUR NEW CLUB

 

As we move into the planning stage for the new Canberra Services Club building, a number of ideas have been put forward by members of the Board, shown below. These are elements that Board members believe would contribute to the re-creation of the spirit and function of our Club. The Board would welcome additional suggestions from members .

 

Please email your suggestions to Club Administrator Helen Shannon  helen@canberraservicesclub.com.au, or phone Helen or mail to PO Box 3041, Manuka, ACT 2603.

 

Philosophy

 

PLEASURE The main driving force behind all human endeavour and motivation is pleasure so I would assume that if our building is a pleasure to visit it will have an automatic drawcard of demand. It should appeal to all five senses such as sight, (a pleasure to be in) sound (pleasant), touch (comfortable), feel (friendly), taste (good cuisine);

EMPOWERMENT The building should give one the feeling of being empowered. Especially in the Services one experiences feelings of being on one’s own, challenging the elements or even in civilian life bad days at the office or home can be overcome by visiting the Club;

INDEPENDENCE Our club is the only one of its kind in Canberra and should stand out while making a statement of pride in serving others;

BOND The atmosphere of the club and building should be one of supporting and creating bonds within groups of like minded or experienced persons and their families. It should support the professional office users in either a business or recreational context; and

SURVIVE The design of the club and its building should be of a practical design and size to ensure the survival of the business both socially and financially.

General

  • Reception Area
  • Keep energy footprint to an absolute minimum. We could possible approach emerging technology enterprises and possibly secure large discounts on equipment items etc. as we are showcasing innovative technologies.
  • Where practicable use recycled building materials.
  • All building services to be run through accessible service ducts. This for easy access and relocation of service outlets. This will afford vastly reduced maintenance costs.
  • All service functions, i.e. kitchens, laundries, staff amenities and administration offices to be located collectively, i.e. grouped together with easy external access for deliveries etc.
  • the design should consider the vastly varying groups of patronage and while affording easy access to the varying services of the club, attempt to isolate as far as practicable the discrete utilisation areas.
  • Well designed disabled access including lifts if building is more than one storey

 

Outside

  • building should be of single storey construction in a style similar to "The Brassey or "Olims”
  • single storey at the front rising to one or two storeys behind
  • Incorporate Chimneys into the design (will require storage of bricks once chimneys are demolished) eg in the front wall of the new club either side of the main entrance
  • Keep John Pannell's Peace Garden concept undercover if accomplished at a reasonable cost, ie internal Garden Courtyard with undercover drinking area. Garden to be a place to sit and contemplate (Greg Ranse has some of the concept documents for the original Garden)
  • Undercover Barbeque Area
  • Parking for at least 50 cars specifically for members
  • Children’s play area - with suitable play equipment acceptable within ACT OH&S guidelines
  • Separate entry for offices (including RSL ACT Branch, AFPA, etc.)
  • Area to be available for two-up on Anzac Day, separate from the Peace Garden

Conference Rooms/Offices

  • Conference Room with multimedia capability - large enough to accommodate seating for 300 but also capable of being divided into a  100 seat room and 200 seat room or three separate 100 seat rooms, all with effective acoustic insulation between sub spaces when divided. This will assist in keeping the kitchen productive, i.e. cross servicing bistro /restaurant and conferencing, if marketed well
  • Board Room(s) / small meeting room / private dining room
  • Staircase off main entry foyer to upper floor function rooms and business centre
  • Dining room with wood panelling (Duntroon Room)
  • Reading room and library (McKell Room)
  • Ensure that a business centric environment is created which we can exploit to offset our more charitable endeavours.
  • Administration offices, CEO Office
  • IT Room having a minimum of three PCs Internet Broadband compatible

 

Bar/Restaurant/Food

  • At least two bars, one to be a day bar on ground floor (includes approx. 3 pool tables and gas fireplaces), including servicing outdoor courtyard, or one bar able to service both
  • Bistro including seating for at least 100 and dedicated kitchen and wet area
  • at least one upmarket restaurant and a comparable (reasonably exclusive) bar to attract the senior public servants and business leaders and pollies.
  • Coffee/Tea Area having 24hr availability or least available as self-serve during Club opening hours
  • Rentable liquor boxes for members to store prized / special bottles
  • Separate Storerooms with vehicle access large enough to containing industrial type refrigeration (cool room) plus Drinks and Food

 

 12 January 2012 - CSC Administration Office

The Canberra Services Club Administration Office is in the carpark of the Canberra Bowling Club, Hobart Ave, Forrest. It is open from 10am to 2pm, Monday to Thursday.

We still have significant gaps in our membership register.   If you are a member of the Club but have not yet confirmed your membership please contact the Club by phone (02 6295 1389), email (info@canberraservicesclub.com.au), mail (PO Box 3041, MANUKA ACT 2603) or drop into the Administrative Office so that we can ensure that we have uptodate details for you.  If you would like to renew, a membership form is available under the 'Membership' tab above.

23 December 2011

An unofficial Canberra Services Club Christmas Party with entertainment is being held at the Harmonie German Club on Friday 23rd December.

The band for the night will be the HEALERS comprising some of the Club’s cohort. There is no cover charge or need to RSVP, come as you like, we’ll be asking only that you enjoy the evening.

Hope you can come – please spread the word to both members and friends.  With thanks to Tex Clarke for organising it and for the support of the Harmony German Club’s staff and management.

11 November 2011: CANBERRA SERVICES CLUB MEMBERS MEET THE LEOPARD!

 

Canberra Service Club members are invited to visit the site of their Club at 1pm on Armistice Day 11 November to view the Leopard Tank now installed there.

 

Club President Matthew Harvey says this is a most appropriate day for members to gather at the site.

 

“We see the installation of this Tank as a clear sign that the Club will rise again to serve not only services people in our region but also the wider community,” he says.

 

“Thanks to the generosity of the Canberra Bowling Club (Forrest) our members can now use their facilities, and we have set up a temporary office at CBC. This gives a real focus to our activities as we rebuild and a place for our members to meet up again.

 

“Our members will meet at Canberra Bowling Club for refreshments at 2pm after viewing the tank.

 

Canberra Services Club Update as at 28 October 2011:

A Leopard Tank will be placed at the front of the Canberra Services Club site on 8 November 2011.  Details of times and the route that the tank will take on its way to Manuka will be advertised closer to the date.

Other news – All Canberra Services Club members can now enjoy social membership at the Canberra Bowling Club house by showing their CSC membership card. 

A site shed to be used as the Administration Office for the Club has been delivered to the car park of the Canberra Bowling Club, Hobart Avenue, Forrest. It will be set up as the Canberra Services Club Office next week.  There will also be a meeting room in the site shed which will be available for Club members.

There are a number of members who have joined or renewed but don’t yet have their new card.  These are being printed and will either be sent out or given to you at the Canberra Services Club Office in the next few weeks.

For an update, email info@canberraservicesclub.com.au or ring Helen on 6295 1389.

***

Questions from Members at the AGM on 20 August 2011

Question:  Is it imperative that the Club have Poker Machines?

Answer:  Not imperative but is an extra service to members.  Poker machines will probably continue to decline in importance as we develop other areas of the Club such as functions.

 

 Question:  Will there be an operational fireplace?

Answer: Not sure but the old fireplaces and chimneys have been saved and they will be a part of the new club.

 

 Question:   What was the cause of the fire?

Answer: Retained heat from under the fireplace when both sides of the fireplace were stoked up on Anzac Day.

 

 Question:   How will you finance the rebuilding and how much was it insured for?

Answer:  The Club’s insurance was at the right level.  We can rebuild a small club the same size but want to be able to build something bigger so that we can provide more.  We will discuss with like organisations such as RSL, AFP and will need shared finance.  There will be no agreements with developers.  Local and Federal Governments will assist.  The building was insured for $1.85M.  All loans and creditors have been paid out, only need to pay now for maintaining ongoing costs.  A large part of the insurance money has been invested in Term Deposits.  Business Interruption insurance is still being finalised and this will cover wages for 12 months.  There are no significant expenses now except for rebuilding.

  

Question:  Will it be rebuilt with wood?

Answer: Probably not, we can’t afford to rebuild using red cedar.  We want the inside of the new club to have the same ambience and intent without trying to replicate the old club.

  

Question: Will members be able to vote on the Plans?

Answer: A sub-committee of members will have input.

  

Question:  Heritage requirements?

Answer: Fireplaces are being kept, parts of the entrance were saved and can be incorporated in the new design.

  

Question: Do you have a Project Manager or Co-ordinator?

Answer: Not yet but we are looking at options for a Project Management firm. 

  

Question: What will be provided for groups?

Answer: Will need to meet all requirements of government agencies, ask what the agencies want so we can give them what they need.

  

Question: When will it be finished?

Answer: Lead time is unknown.  Redevelopment of Manuka Oval may allow us to move more quickly and we will benefit from the project.  Government is very keen to have the Club as a key stakeholder for the project.

 

 Question: How will it be managed?

Answer: Members to have input as well as the Board.  A committee will be formed comprising part of the Board, Members and other stakeholders to ensure we get the right outcome.

  

Question:  How will it be established?

Answer:  Members will be advised

  

Question: Website needs to be updated more regularly?

Answer:  Agreed.  It needs to be redesigned and this is a priority as it will keep members informed.

 

 Question: What happened to the outdoor bar and other items that were saved?

Answer:   Some items are with the Fire Brigade museum, some in a container, and a storage unit.  We will be able to use them when we get temporary accommodation.

 

 Question: What is happening with the Membership Register?

Answer:  We have a backup of the register from approximately December 2010 and need as many members as possible to confirm their membership to enable us to get it uptodate.

  

Question: What facilities will we have for remaining members?

Answer: Canberra Bowling Club will provide temporary facilities, details to be confirmed, but our members will have full access to their club.  To rejoin or confirm membership, members should email admin@canberraservicesclub.com.au, phone or mail details to PO Box.

 

 Question: How long will it take to rebuild?

Answer: Manuka Oval redevelopment to be completed by 2013.  We hope to be completed also but need to assess if this is achievable.

  

Question: Will the ACT Government provide assistance?

Answer: They will be able to assist in many ways but no details as yet.

  

Question: Will we have better car parking facilities?

Answer: We hope to be able to make provision for improved facilities.

  

Question: What about future functions, eg fund raisers, bands, BBQs etc?

Answer: We want to put down road base and hope to use it for events including Anzac Day and something on the anniversary of the fire.  We need to talk to Government re Liquor Licence to find out what is possible.

  

Question: Will Anzac day be at the Club site as it will probably be a building site?

Answer: Will depend on where the rebuilding is up to

  

Question: Are the chimneys safe, should an engineer be checking them?

Answer:  We have requested quotes for fencing to secure the site.  The chimneys were checked following the fire.

  

Question: Will nothing be done until the Manuka Oval Redevelopment Committee is ready?

Answer: We are not tied to them and will continue with our own planning.  We will try to take advantage of the Manuka Oval Redevelopment but will be acting independently.  It is an exclusive opportunity to have an open vision for the Club.  Once the plan is out we will request comment from members.

  

Statement:  Need something done by Christmas or members will be outraged?

Answer: We have started talks with Project Management firms but can’t guarantee we will have started building before Christmas.  We want to do it as quickly as possible.  We are not being hamstrung by Manuka Oval

  

Statement:  It will take 3 months for plans, at least another 8 months before anything is started. 

Answer: We are hoping Manuka Oval redevelopment will make our approvals come through quickly.  Business Plan nearly complete.  Have building insurance money, awaiting settlement for business interruption insurance.  With support from ACT Government it should be quicker than it would otherwise be.

  

Proposed changes to the Constitution

Amendments are required to comply with Gambling & Racing and Liquor Licencing.  The key change due to the amended legislation is that all members will be able to vote for all Board members.  There are several other minor changes.  Once Gambling & Racing has approved the draft we will call a Special General Meeting to vote on the amended Constitution.

 

 Manuka Oval Redevelopment

Demolition is complete and we will now engage Project Managers to ensure the redevelopment remains under the control of the Club.  Need to identify key stakeholders and consulting them as to what is needed to ensure a strong business that will see out the test of time in catering for our members.

 

 Question:   We need Members’ Committee to make decisions for all the members. 

Answer: Matthew Harvey. The Board will engage the members and other key stakeholders who will do the legwork to support the Board and Project Managers. 

 

 Question:  In the event of a consortium development the club should be the leader and have power of veto.  It is not a part of the RSL and should remain separate.

Answer:   The League is cognisant of those feelings regarding special interest groups.  The CSC lease does ask that Canberra Services have a presence on the site and the Board will follow that.  The RSL is willing to assist developing of a Veterans Business Centre.  The CSC is a unique Club and will be maintained.

 

Saturday, 20 August 2011

Today's AGM was very successful. About 80 members were there - easily a quorum and many more than we have had in previous years. Of course there was a lot to talk about and the members were very interested in the progress being made on the rebuild of the Club. We have a long way to go but we are poised to step forward.

The key outcomes were the support by the members for the rebuild of the Club. We were also able to confirm the offer made by the Canberra Bowling Club for our members to use their Club - to develop a suitable arrangement where our members receive 'social membership' but remain members of the Canberra Services Club.

We also welcomed the new directors to the Board and had a directors' meeting afterwards to introduce ourselves and set the key priorities for the coming year.

Thank you to all the members who confirmed or renewed their membership at the AGM

  

 

Canberra Services Club Update – 24 Jul 11

Much has happened since the last update for the Canberra Services Club. Firstly, and importantly, our insurance provider has signed off on the replacement amount for the building. This is a significant milestone as it provides us with the basis with which to look to the future and the rebuild of the Club.

The demolition of the site is due to commence soon – the current delay is due to restrictions at the Belconnen dump which are affecting everyone in Canberra, not just us. As soon as these restrictions are lifted we should see the demolition commence. Whilst it will be sad to see the old building gone, at the moment it is depressing to see it in its current state and the Board is looking forward to a clean site. The garden at the front and the Commemorative Wall and peace garden at the rear will remain and we are looking at how we can have a presence on the site.

Now that we have some definitive answers we are in a position to hold our AGM. The date will be 20 August, 2011, to be held at the Manuka Oval function room at 1pm. An email will be sent to all members for whom we have email addresses. If you do not receive the email notification, please contact the Club at ‘membership@canberraservicesclub.com.au’ to provide your correct contact details. We have compulsory retirement for some of the director positions and therefore members are invited to nominate if they wish to join the board. Nominations must be received by last post on 5th August, 2011. There are also a number of committees to be established that Club members can be a part of and have a positive impact on the direction we set for the Club.

This is an extremely important time for the Club and we have ahead of us a complex and difficult task – to rebuild a small Club to meet the needs of current and future generations of members, to consolidate the ideals and values of the Canberra Services Club as an entity that people want to be part of, and to work with stakeholders and possible partners to make something that will exist and grow for not just the next 65 years but into the long-term future of Canberra.

Matthew Harvey
President

 

Canberra Services Club – Update 14 June, 2011


Since the fire that destroyed the Canberra Services Club on Thursday 29th April, 2011, there has been some progress. We held a members’ forum to answer questions and we are preparing for two fund-raising events in July. The Annual General Meeting, originally planned for June, has been postponed while we consolidate our membership list.

If you haven’t already confirmed your membership details, please email confirmation to info@canberraservicesclub.com.au or ring (02) 6295 1389 so that we can update our membership list

Members' Forum
The members’ forum was held at the Italo-Australian Club on Saturday 28th May, 2011. The purpose was primarily to provide an update to Club members about the progress that is being made and to dispel rumours that seem to be perpetrating the community.

It is important to formally acknowledge supporters who have provided and offered assistance to the Club already. These supporters include, but are not limited to:

  • the fire fighters and police that responded on the morning of the fire, but despite their best efforts were unable to extinguish the blaze;
  • ClubsACT for the use of their meeting room as our Club office and facilities while we look for somewhere to relocate
  • Chamber of Commerce for their support
  • Italo-Australian Club for allowing us to use their facilities and other Clubs for taking in our groups and providing facilities for their meetings;
  • ACT government
  • local Canberra media for helping us get the information out to our members and interested parties; and
  • groups and organisations that have sent their condolences and support.

The Board of Directors is continuing to work toward the future of the Club. There are two elements to this, the short term plan to continue trading in some manner, and the long term plan to rebuild the Club in some form. This is not a simple process and we are ensuring that the decisions we make are based on fact and the most appropriate professional advice. To do this we are engaging professional assistance to make the best decisions and communicating with the government and departments regarding licenses and options. The question we continue to pose and refine is: ‘what can we do and what do we have to do to achieve it?’

It is important that the Board, as the elected representatives of the members, is aware of developments as this process can't be undertaken by one person alone and the decisions are important. We are working with insurance company and addressing creditors to prepare for the future..

Annual General Meeting
We have applied to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission to postpone our AGM while we re-establish our membership database. Once we determine a date it will be published on our website, in the Canberra Times and we will place notices up in the Clubs we know members are currently frequenting whilst we determine an interim trading solution. Emails will also be sent to the email addresses we have.

Fundraising Events
AllConnect, our Telecommunications Company of choice and significant sponsor, has organised two fundraising events to support the Club. The first, to be held on Friday 15 July, 2011 at the Hellenic Club, is a benefit performance by none other than Ian Moss. There are only 1000 tickets to be sold and all proceeds will go to a special fund for the Club. The second will be a Sportsmen’s’ Lunch to be held on Friday 29 July, 2011, again at the Hellenic Club.

Conclusion
The Board of Directors continues to work toward a short-term and long-term existence for the Canberra Services Club. Another update will be placed on the website toward the end of June to keep members informed of our progress. All questions and suggestions are welcome and should be forwarded to ‘info@canberraservicesclub.com.au’.

Yours sincerely,

Matthew Harvey
President

 

 

Update - May 2011
The devastating fire on the morning of Thursday 28th April, 2011 saw an important part of Canberra’s history and landscape destroyed. Built by donations from the Canberra people, very few of us in the region haven’t had some involvement or interaction with the Canberra Services Club. The building was damaged beyond repair, not surprising for a 65 year old wooden structure.
Investigation results are not available yet, but the preliminary findings are that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire – little comfort to the many members and users of the Club. What is left of the building will be knocked down soon, but we will save as much as possible: parts of the building, donated presentations and anything else that is able to be saved.
But the Club is more than just the building, and the Club continues while we decide what to do next. The other Clubs around the ACT have offered support to our members, with regular groups going to both the Italo-Australia Club and Harmonie German Club.

Short-term Future
In the short term Management and the Board of Directors are investigating interim premises to re-establish the Club for trading – to provide members and the associated groups with a Club to use, meet and get together. If the Club decides to continue trading in the short term, and a suitable location can be found that is commercially viable then we will advise our members as soon as possible.

Longer-term Future
The longer term plan will be put to members at the Annual General Meeting for their decision. The Board is in the process of developing options for the members to consider and choose. It is early days in this process, but we will call on the membership to decide on the future of the Canberra Services Club.

Membership
Many of our records were destroyed in the fire leaving significant gaps in our membership list. To meet our statutory obligations in the lead-up to the Annual General Meeting, I ask that all members contact the club by phone (02 6295 1389), email (info@canberraservicesclub.com.au) or mail (PO Box 3041, MANUKA ACT 2603) with a copy of your current membership card and a completed membership form so we can re-establish our membership database. Members without a current membership card are requested to submit a new membership form so an interim card can be issued. The most important thing is to re-establish the membership database to communicate with our members.

Supporters and Well-wishers
Finally, I would like to thank all those who have offered and provided support over the last few weeks. It is heartening to see that support when such a significant event has occurred. We have received offers and messages from the Canberra Government and Opposition, the ACT Sub Branch of the RSL and Chapters, the Australian Federal Police Association, ACT Fire Fighters, our sponsors AllConnect and ADCU, and Quota International of Canberra.
The future holds many challenges for the Canberra Services Club, challenges the Board of Directors and Management stand ready to meet in order to do what is best for and in the best interests of the Club.
Regards,
Matthew Harvey
President

 







 

 

 
 

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