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President's Inaugural Message 2010

Hi! Last Monday at the AGM I was elected President of the Commercial Swimming Club. The Club has a long and proud history and I am honoured to be elected as the Club’s President for the 2010/2011 year.
I would like to introduce myself and share my aspirations for the Club.
Like many organisations, Commercial Swimming Club has enjoyed good times and not so good times. About five years ago the Club went through a tough period and has since been steadily rebuilding. Under Head Coach Trent Patten we are developing a strong, competitive swim team with junior, intermediate, senior and masters squads. Numbers have continued to grow and the hard work of the swimmers and coaches is being rewarded with success in the pool.
Commercial has for many years been a significant force in Australian swimming. We proudly talk of Australian champions who have swum for Commercial. Commercial has for many years been a significant force in Australian swimming. We proudly talk of Australian champions who have swum for Commercial. Last year, Swimming Australia changed its approach to elite swimming by appointing a small number of clubs to host elite squads. Unfortunately, Commercial was not chosen to participate as one of these centres, and Commercial’s elite swimmers have reluctantly changed clubs to take part in this restructuring.
And in change we see opportunity! The Club is in a strong financial position, has a significant and growing member base and a strong, competitive swim team at regional, state and national level. We are very optimistic for the future of our Club.
My goal during the next 12 months is to lay the foundations for the future that will enable Commercial to again become a significant force in Queensland and Australian swimming.
First and foremost I want to create an open and trusting environment where all members can contribute to, and share in, the success of the Club. In taking on the role of President I have set myself a number of goals that will guide my efforts in leading the Club:

• Secure and maintain the coaching staff.
• Provide a platform for a friendly environment that invites a strong collaboration between coaches, swimmers and parents.
• With members, articulate a clear vision for the future of the Club and develop a Strategic Plan to describe how we will achieve that vision. (Shortly I will invite every member to contribute to the development of a strategic plan that will guide our activities for the next few years).
• Recruit and retain our swimmers, significantly growing the number of swimmers training – and achieving competitive success.
• Establish strong governance and provide stable management and infrastructure to support the growth and development of the Club.
• Build and maintain a strong financial base so we have the funds to invest in the future success of the Club.
• Engage members and encourage active participation in the Club through improved communication.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts and contribution of the Immediate Past President Peter Crane and his Committee. It is through their commitment, hard work and accomplishments that it is now possible for me and the new Committee to build on the agenda for the future of our Club. I would also like to introduce the new Committee for 2010. I very much look forward to working with them over the next 12 months. I know that we all share a common goal in accepting our roles on the Committee – to make Commercial a great Club for our swimmers and members.

The Management Committee elected at the AGM is:
President: Ross Young
Vice President: Simon Neill
Secretary: Peter Evans
Treasurer: Steve Casey
Other positions appointed at the AGM are:
Registrar: David Liddy
Race Secretary: Louise Hogan
SQ Rep: Peter Crane
BSA Rep: Steve Carsley and Ross Young
Assistant Secretary: Shannon Neill
I am also excited to announce the Club Captains for 2010, nominated at the AGM, are:
Male Captain: Luke Vacca
Female Captain: Charlotte Casey
Congratulations!

Again, thank you for electing me as your President. If you want to contact me you can email at president@commercial-swimming.org.au or call me on 0418 219 549. Or catch me at the pool - I am poolside reasonably often during squad training, so introduce yourself and share your thoughts on the Club.

Finally … the EKKA Café. The EKKA is only 2 WEEKS away! If you haven’t already done so, please go on-line and put your name down on the roster. This is our ONLY fundraising event for the year. Without these funds the Club will not be able to provide the level of support to our swimmers that they require. This important event is for your kids – so “please” help out. I look forward to your continued support of the Club over the coming year.

Cheers,
Ross Young
President,
Commercial Swimming Club Inc.

Events Calendar 2010-2011