President's Update - May 2020

Dear Members,

The committee appreciate and understand that some of our members will be experiencing tough times as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. We believe that the current situation can cause people to feel isolated, lonely or a bit flat, so if you are feeling this way please reach out to the committee or other club members. We're all in this together.

It has been some time since we have provided an update on the club to our members. Since the end of the cricket season was unexpectedly cut short in mid-March, the committee have been proactive on a number of key issues, as well as having our first 'online' committee meeting in April (with our May committee meeting going 'online' again).
 
Below is an update on the club over the last two months, as well as planning for key events:

1. Presentation Night update
As you may know, Presentation night was planned for Friday 3 April. Due to the State Government announcement of restrictions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as earlier advice from Cricket Victoria and the likely healthy and safety concerns of our members, the committee were left with no choice but to postpone Presentation night. 

As of yet, the committee has not set a date on the rescheduled 2019/20 Presentation night. However it is the committee's intention to hold Presentation night before the commencement of the 2020/21 cricket season (more on that below). We will continue to monitor the situation and adhere to the direction and advice of the State Government, Cricket Victoria and/or Maribyrnong City Council. 

2. AGM
The Club's Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Wednesday 15th June. As advised in an email dated 4 May, the AGM will either be held at the Seddon clubrooms or a 'virtual' online meeting. We will provide an update on the AGM in the next 2-3 weeks, however we will also take advice and direction on the AGM from the State Government, Cricket Victoria and/or Maribyrnong City Council.  

As part of the process, a new committee will be formed for season 2020/21. If you are interested in joining the committee, please send a nomination of the position you want to nominate for to the Secretary, Jeremy Procko at Jeremy.Procko@target.com.au. Please see the AGM email of 4 May for more information on the nomination process and the committee positions. Nominations must be in no later 7.30pm on Wednesday 8th June 2020. 

3. Cricket Victoria & commencement of 2020/21 season  
As you may have read recently, Cricket Victoria have also been affected by the current coronavirus pandemic, with a recent restructure resulting in job losses and funding to key areas of their operations. This includes a reduction of employees and/or significant program cuts to community, regional, grassroots and junior cricket. With that in mind, the onus will fall on the leadership and volunteers of the VTCA and WRJCA to provide assistance and advice to community clubs.

With the AFL season set to resume on 11 June, the AFL and the State Government are now turning their attention to the resumption of VFL, VFLW, metro and country football leagues. AFL Victoria have submitted a formal request to Cricket Victoria to extend football into October. Cricket Victoria are currently considering AFL Victoria's request, with the football and cricket community expecting that Cricket Victoria will approve of AFL Victoria's request on the condition that the cricket season extends into April. As soon as we receive advice or confirmation from the VTCA and WRJCA on the commencement of the 2020/21 cricket season, we will advise club members in due course.

4. Women's side
Over the last 3-4 months, the committee have held discussions on the forming of a Women's side to compete in the VTCA Women's Division (Sunday T20 competition). After consultation with key volunteers (i.e. curators) and stakeholders (i.e. Council, VTCA, Cricket Victoria), the committee have agreed to explore and commit to the formation of a Women's side for the 2020/21 season. At this stage we have not been approached by individuals or groups looking to play women's cricket, therefore the committee will be starting a women's side from scratch. 

We will be advertising/communicating on the website and social media re. the formation of a women's side in the next 1-2 weeks, however as a first step the committee wanted to advise you about this new opportunity and direction for the club. If you know of anyone who would be interested in the formation of a women's side, please let me know. You may know of a potential coach, team manager, players or volunteers. Any assistance or advice from club members will be appreciated.

5. Ceiling replacement - social & bar area
At the conclusion of the cricket season in late March, Council conducted ceiling replacement works in the social and adjacent bar area. The ceiling replacement was completed in early April, with the result being very bright downlights and a better (and whiter) ceiling in these areas. I'm sure the brighter rooms will be welcomed by some club members, but not all club members....

That's all for now! Take care and keep in touch with each other.

If you would like to discuss any of the above, please let me know.

Regards,
Leigh Davies