More Than Football – Understanding Our Hospitality Responsibilities
Anyone who has followed my campaign will know that rugby league is my passion.
The Parramatta Eels have been part of my life for more than 40 years. I regularly attend NRL games, follow our pathways and junior representative teams, and believe strongly that rugby league knowledge should have a place in the governance of our Club.
But I also understand something very important about the position I am seeking.
Being elected to the Board of Parramatta Leagues Club is not simply about the Parramatta Eels.
For much of the time, being a Director means helping to govern a significant hospitality and community organisation.
Continuing to Learn
Today I completed my Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) course.
Responsible gambling obligations extend throughout a registered club. Appropriate training and understanding are required across the organisation, from those responsible for governance through to the staff working directly in gaming operations. Directors need to understand those responsibilities just as the people working on the gaming floor do.
Gaming is part of the registered club industry and part of the environment in which Parramatta Leagues operates. With that comes responsibility.
A Director doesn’t need to perform the day-to-day jobs of the Club’s employees. That’s management’s responsibility.
But Directors do need to understand the environment in which those employees work, the regulatory and social responsibilities of the organisation, and the potential impact its activities can have on members and the wider community.
Understanding Gambling Harm
Responsible gambling is particularly important to me.
I have personally known people who have experienced problems with gambling. I have also heard many stories through my family about people whose gambling became a problem in their lives.
Those experiences stay with you.
Behind the statistics can be a person, a family, a relationship or a household dealing with the consequences.
Gambling harm can extend well beyond money. It can affect relationships, employment, physical and emotional wellbeing and the people around the person experiencing the problem.
That doesn’t mean gambling should be demonised, nor does it mean people who choose to gamble should be judged.
It means that an organisation providing gambling facilities has a responsibility to take harm minimisation seriously.
A Club Is More Than Its Gaming Floor
I also believe the future of a successful registered club is about much more than gaming.
Our clubs are places where people meet friends, have a meal, watch sport, attend functions and participate in their community.
Parramatta Leagues Club should continue to be a place our members want to visit regardless of whether they ever use a gaming machine.
Good food and beverage offerings, entertainment, facilities, community involvement, responsible financial management and creating a welcoming environment for members are all part of building a strong and sustainable Club.
And ultimately, the stronger and more sustainable our hospitality and community operations are, the stronger the overall Parramatta organisation can be.
The Responsibility of a Director
If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I will bring my passion for rugby league to the Board.
I make no apology for that.
But I also recognise that passion for the Eels is only one part of the job.
A Director has responsibilities to the entire organisation and its members. That means understanding hospitality, financial performance, risk, compliance, community expectations and the responsibilities that come with operating gaming facilities.
Completing my RCG course is one small part of continuing to build that understanding.
I don’t expect to walk into the Boardroom knowing everything.
I do expect myself to keep learning, ask questions, listen to people with greater expertise than me and take seriously every part of the responsibility members have entrusted to their Directors.
Please Gamble Responsibly
For those who choose to gamble, please gamble responsibly and within your means.
There is no risk-free form of gambling. If gambling is beginning to affect your finances, relationships, work, health or wellbeing—or you are concerned about someone else’s gambling—support is available.
GambleAware NSW provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 858 858.
