Major Partner
Chair clarifies membership 9 June 2010
Dear Members,
You will have recently received an email regarding the new Equestrian WA (EWA) membership fees for 2010. We have received both positive and negative feedback in the relation to the new fees and I should like to take this opportunity to thank all of those members who have provided feedback to date.
As the CEO has outlined in his latest newsletter entitled "Membership Fees for 2010", which I strongly encourage all members to read www.equestrianwa.org.au/newsletter/default.asp
- The State Equestrian Centre (SEC) has historically been operating at a deficit each year
- EWA income has been and is currently being used to "prop up" the SEC
The SEC belongs to the EWA members and the bottom line is that it must be self sufficient and must generate enough revenue to cover day to day operational costs, ongoing annual maintenance and when required major repairs.
The decision to introduce new membership prices was not one that was taken lightly by the EWA Board. A significant amount of time and effort has been taken in reviewing the historical decision making, fee structures and accounting models used in previous years. For the very first time in the history of the SEC the EWA Board actually knows what it costs to operate such a facility. Given this it would be remiss of the EWA Board to continue to operate 'as normal' and as such the EWA Board had to make the unenviable decision to either:
- Turn the SEC over to a facility management company such as Venues West
- Implement a new financial model which will enable generation of the appropriate level of revenue required to ensure financial viability for the SEC
As Chair, I believe the EWA Board has not chosen the 'easy option' but rather has acted in the best interest of the whole EWA membership. As with all change the EWA Board is aware that we are not always going to please everyone however as the CEO has highlighted there are a number of benefits to this change including:
- The elimination of Ground Service Fees
- The future of the SEC is secured
- EWA will have the resources to focus on growing regional equestrian sport
- Regular usage of SEC by members will become cheaper
- Members will no longer be subsidizing non members
- Having established and managed the SEC operational costs will enable the EWA Board to be proactive in its ongoing management and assist in meeting two of our strategic directives 2009-2013
Examples of how this may affect you as a member?
e.g. 1 – Associate Member = $190
if the member attends 2 x weekend competitions and camps overnight on Saturday on both occasions, they will save themselves a minimum of $120
if the member attends 2 x weekend competitions and camps overnight on Saturday on both occasions, they will save themselves a minimum of $120
e.g 2 – A family consisting of a Senior Member ($225) and a Junior Member ($175). Total = $400
if they attend 1 x weekend competition and camps Friday and Saturday nights, they will save themselves a minimum of $120
if they attend 1 x weekend competition and camps Friday and Saturday nights, they will save themselves a minimum of $120
One of the major concerns raised by those in opposition to the new fees relates to what this will mean for 2011. While the EWA Board are not in a position, currently to provide a specific figure, I would like to assure the members that the fees for 2011 will not double as has been suggested. Please note that the 6-month membership fee is in line with this years (Jan-June 2010) membership price. In fact a little lower in some categories.
Please note if you wish to provide feedback there is a process for doing so. You may put your feedback in addressing your concerns to the CEO Mr. Hamish Johnston or myself as the Chair of EWA. Please email exec.assistant@equestrianwa.org.au
Please remember while the EWA office staff may be able to provide you with answers to your questions they are are only enacting a EWA Board decision. Please do not take your frustration out on them, it is completely inappropriate.
I thank those of you who have written to us with sincerity, constructive criticism, positive comments and support. Our decisions are made with integrity and belief in the bigger picture.
Thank you.
Dr Theresa Marshall
Chair
