Castle Hill RSL - an important part of our community

 30 June 2011

This week local Mitchell MP Alex Hawke, and the Federal Member for Bennelong, John Alexander, met with the Directors of Castle Hill RSL Club and with Club President, Warren Glenny AO, to discuss the success of the Club, along with the challenges facing the Club industry.

Mr Hawke thanked the Club management for the time they provided to meet with Mr Alexander and himself and to show them the Club’s extensive range of facilities.

“John’s experience in sport and sports management, along with his extensive involvement with community groups and organisations, brings valuable experience and a unique perspective to the Federal Parliament,” Mr Hawke said.

“I know John was highly impressed with Castle Hill RSL Club when he was here earlier this year, and he was particularly interested to come back and learn more about the Club’s work within our community.

“Competition and flagging consumer confidence is affecting many clubs and businesses. We are fortunate that here in Castle Hill we have an RSL Club that is dynamic, forward-thinking, and committed to our community.”

Mr Alexander said he appreciated the opportunity to visit the Castle Hill RSL Club and was impressed by the range of facilities and how the Club continued its support to many local organisations.

“Our clubs perform a vital role within the community. They contribute to local charities and sporting and community groups,” Mr Alexander said.

“I was grateful for the opportunity to visit Castle Hill and see how the RSL is able to offer a mix of hospitality, entertainment, sporting and fitness services and facilities.

“Every region in Australia has its own unique circumstances and challenges. It is clear that the most successful Clubs are those that are integrated within their community.”

Mr Hawke said that while the diverse range of services and facilities stood Castle Hill RSL Club in good stead to meet future challenges, the Gillard Government’s proposed mandatory pre-commitment for poker machines would be a threat to many different types of Clubs, right around Australia.

“The Gillard Government’s should be taking note of the good work organisations such as Castle Hill RSL Club are doing in our community rather than undertaking an ineffective and flawed means of addressing problem gambling,” Mr Hawke said.

“There has also been little consideration of the flow-on impacts of clubs losing significant portions of their revenue. If clubs face shortfalls, their ability to provide community support will decline.”