It's a new year and we are now starting to see the results of some of the groundwork and analysis that we have been been doing over the last few months. We now have the results of the economy and efficiency audit and an updated Squash SA Strategic Plan. What this means is that we have re-focused Squash SA's direction on increasing participation at all levels young and old, looking after and expanding our squash facilities, game and player development and increasing our standards of governance and administration. The economy and efficiency audit ensures that our spending is aligned with the strategic plan.
But since the Board is here to represent the clubs, players and squash affiliates, we want to share the updated Strategic Plan with the whole squash community at a public forum and get your feedback and ideas. After all, what's the point of having a strategic plan if we don't have you're support to implement it? So we have organised a public information session of the Strategic Plan on 15th Feb. You can check out the flyer on the Squash SA website front page. Our President Mark Goldstone will be facilitating the event and we're all very excited about this forum. I hope to see you there.
The work we have been doing on defining terms of reference for the committees is almost complete and will be released for comment soon. The new terms of reference will provide committee members with a clear framework that defines their responsibilities and goals.
We are moving forward and obtaining quotes and planning permits to expand the car park at Racquets SA. This will be a big boost the the venue as it is sorely in need of additional parking space.
Big news on the glass court! It has been hired by ACT Squash for the upcoming Australian Squash Open. This is the 'maiden voyage' for our glass court as it has been used exclusively in SA since its purchase for the Commonwealth Games. This is a great development and hopefully other states will follow suit once they see what a great asset it is for high profile tournaments.
Other Items:
- The Campbelltown Council is re-developing the Campbelltown Leisure Centre and Mark Goldstone (President) and Phil Sinnott (General Manager) have submitted a letter of support for the development and of course that we would love to see some squash courts go in.
- An OH&S review was recently conducted by Stewart Allen (Board Member) and Phil Sinnott the Squash SA offices and at Racquets SA
- In national news, the Squash Australia AGM is coming up on 21st March.
Don't forget the Strategic Plan Information Night: 15th Feb. If you're interested in the future of squash in SA then you don't want to miss it!
After having had time to let the information settle after attending the Strategic Plan Info Night I now have some questions and comments which I believe deserve honest answers or responses.
ReplyDelete1.I am quite positive about spending more money for the right result but to dive in to the extent discussed does concern me. It does look like a huge structural change and there is a lot to lose as Len Atkins mentioned we Squash SA nearly lost the lot a few years ago.
2.The extention of the Car Park is a worry as the only way is to knock down the Investment Properties which are Assets. I would like to think that this would not be happening and if so would be seriously discussed in the appropriate way.
3.There was no mention of the future of SAAS or our High Performance Programme
4.Juniors are critical to the survival of our sport but let's not get carried away by putting all our eggs in one basket as it seems the new Strategic Plan is laying out. The Bullseye Programme is a great tool and should possibly one of the best ideas that have been thought up for quite some time,this area needs to receive more support or increase the resources required to promote and expand the participation of our sport and exposure to it
5.On paper the org Chart looks great but I think as mention in a previous point maybe too big too quick is not a good thing. I am not against change but a little conservatism is required