www.wec.org.au

Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 GENERAL INFORMATION

THE VENUES WIN Stadium has been in the Wollongong Sportsground Trust’s care and control since 1986. The Stadium is used for rugby league, soccer and rugby union games, as well as other special events. The adjacent WIN Entertainment Centre became the responsibility of the Trust when completed in September 1998. The Entertainment Centre hosts a rich variety of events such as basketball, tennis, boxing, music concerts, family shows, conferences, exhibitions and dinners.

CAPACITY OF VENUES WIN Stadium has a total capacity of 20,000 public spectators. Of these, there are around 7,200 covered seats in the western, southern and northern grandstands, around 4,300 uncovered seats and spaces in the grandstand concourses, and a licensed capacity for a further 8,500 spectators on the eastern hill. The WIN Entertainment Centre has a total capacity of around 6,000 patrons. A typical concert set-up will have 3,500 to 5,000 seats, while the venue can be re- configured to a more intimate space for as few as 500 patrons for dinners or small conferences.

ACCESS The Wollongong Sportsground Trust’s office is located in Level 1 of the WIN Entertainment Centre. The office is open from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, and during major events.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT The Stadium and Entertainment Centre are located approximately 15 minutes walk from Wollongong Railway Station. There are also bus stops and taxi ranks just outside the venues on Crown Street.

DISABLED PATRONS Special services are provided for disabled patrons including designated seating, parking, tactile signage and toilet facilities. Seating and parking spaces can be reserved for events by phoning the Entertainment Centre Box Office on (02) 4220 2828.

EVENT SCHEDULE An event schedule for both venues can be viewed on our website.

CONTACT INFORMATION Office: WIN Entertainment Centre, Cnr Crown and Harbour Streets, Wollongong NSW 2520 Postal Address: PO Box 3100, Wollongong NSW 2520 Telephone: (02) 4220 2800 Fascimile: (02) 4220 2801 Email: [email protected] Website: www.wec.org.au CONTENTS

Letter to the Minister 4

Foreword 5

Chairperson’s Report 6

General Manager’s Review 7

Trust Charter/Governance 9

Wollongong Sportsground Trustees 10

Code of Conduct (Trustees and Management) 12

Business Operations 15

Business Strategy 17

Events Calendar - Entertainment Centre 19

Events Calendar - WIN Stadium 21

Event Highlights 22

Human Resources 23

Code of Conduct (Employees) 26

Ethnic Affairs 27

Environment 28

Finance 29

Financial Indicators 30

Performance Against Budget 32

Independent Audit Report 33

Audited Financial Statements 37

Statement by Members of the Trust 38

Index 69

Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 3 LETTER TO THE MINISTER

WOLLONGONG SPORTSGROUND TRUST

Dear Minister Greene,

On behalf of the Wollongong Sportsground Trust, I have pleasure in submitting to you its Annual Report for the period 1st July 2007 to 30th June 2008 for presentation to Parliament.

The Report is submitted in accordance with Section 9A (a) of the Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Act 1984.

Chris Christodoulou Chairman, Wollongong Sportsground Trust

Stuart Barnes General Manager, Wollongong Sportsground Trust

CNR CROWN & HARBOUR STREETS POST OFFICE BOX 3100 WOLLONGONG EAST NSW 2520 TELEPHONE (02) 4220 2800 FACSIMILE (02) 4220 2801

4 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 5 CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

2007/2008 was a year of both of challenges and opportunities for the Trust. It was a year when we forged alliances with many of our key stakeholders to take on these challenges and where we worked hard to create new opportunities in our business.

We entered the financial year cash-poor but finished the financial year with our best cash result since the opening of the Entertainment Centre, almost ten years ago. In the tenth anniversary year of the Win Entertainment Centre, the Trust managed to secure a range of sponsorships and funding from the NSW Government to help prepare for the very important Anniversary celebrations planned for September 2008.

During the Anniversary year Stuart Barnes, Mick Barsby, Peter Lanyon and Milton O’Brien also reached their tenth year of employment with the Trust and I congratulate and thank them for their loyalty over the last decade.

We were also able to attract, through the good work of our Federal members of Parliament Sharon Bird - Member for Cunningham and Jennie George -Member for Throsby, an election commitment to provide $230,000 for new perimeter fencing for WIN Stadium (together with a contribution from Wollongong City Council) and a new roof rigging system for the WEC. With the election of a Rudd Labor government the funding was confirmed and approved.

The Stadium fencing was erected whilst the roof rigging system was designed this year for installation in September 2008. Both of these initiatives will improve our efficiency by improving security and allowing us to secure smaller events at reduced costs.

Our priority of improving infrastructure and in particular replacing the Sid Hayes Stand (Western Grandstand) continued its momentum during the year. The State government agreed to fund an Economic and Financial Appraisal as a first step towards considering the best options available in relation to this issue. APP was selected in June to carry out this work. In the meantime the Friends of WIN Stadium, an organisation supported by the Illawarra Business Chamber and the South Coast Labour Council, began a petitioning campaign amongst the public to support the Trust’s efforts to secure funding for a replacement Western Grandstand.

It was also the year that the WEC’s anchor tenant, the Wollongong ahm Hawks, nearly ceased to exist. The community rallied around The Friends of the Hawks campaign raising close to $250,000, which was enough to keep the Wollongong Hawks alive for the 2008/2009 season. For our part, the Trust has committed $5,000 per year, over the next three years, to the Friends, and continues to work closely with the Hawks to support their continuation as one of our key tenants.

During the year Trust members Councillors’ Janice Kershaw and Kiril Jonovski resigned from the Trust as a consequence of the State Governments decision to appoint administrators to Wollongong City Council. Notwithstanding this the existing Trust members continued the important role we play to oversee management of our business, including improving our own performance by undertaking a significant review of our Charter of Corporate Governance.

I would like to thank all of my fellow Trust members; Bill Barnetson, Judith Henderson, Ian Hunt and Vicki Tiegs for carrying on the Trust’s work with reduced numbers. Also my thanks go to our representatives from the Department of Sport and Recreation and our local State Members of Parliament, particularly the Minister for the Illawarra - David Campbell, for his valuable support.

In conclusion, I would like to make a special mention of the management and staff who continue to deliver efficient and effective venue management services, despite the ongoing restriction in resources and facilities.

CHRIS CHRISTODOULOU CHAIRPERSON

6 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 GENERAL MANAGER’S REVIEW

WSEC 2007/08 HIGHLIGHTS The event highlights of this year again reflect the wide variety of events hosted at the WSEC venues for a wide variety of interests and demographics, including a good number of national and international music artists, an ever increasing number of children’s shows and use of WIN Stadium for a number of rectangular field sports, of local, regional and national leagues.

On an operational front, the Trust continued to invest in new facilities, within the budget limitations that the Trust currently operates under, by attracting corporate and government funding assistance for individual projects.

The Trust continues to investigate and where possible implement operational changes that have a positive effect on improving efficiencies and reducing expenditure and these are noted below, together with the monthly event highlights for the year.

As we now celebrate our tenth year of operation, it is timely to acknowledge the loyalty of commitment of the WSEC Management and staff over this period. On behalf of the staff, I thank the Trust members for their advice and guidance throughout the year. It is the fact that we all work together as an effective team that ensures that the WSEC plays such a significant role in the Australian sports and entertainment industry.

Stuart Barnes General Manager, Wollongong Sportsground Trust

JULY 07 Thomas the Tank Engine - Thomas Saves the Day Dragons v Canberra Raiders (2 shows) Dragons v Canterbury Bulldogs Ticket Scanners introduced at the WEC Human Nature -The Motown Tour Alice Cooper - Psycho Drama Tour NOVEMBER 07 Scene Change Wollongong appointed as WSEC Illawarra Business Awards Dinner (950 pax) Preferred Audio Visual Suppliers Beach Boys with Christopher Cross & Daddy Cool concert AUGUST 07 Bryan Ferry, Joan Armatrading & Daryl Braithwaite Dragons v South Sydney Rabbitohs concert Dragons v Parramatta Eels 2 Hawks games Black Sabbath - Heaven & Hell Tour 2007 Kidzwish Party and Dinner Southern Stars (4 shows)

SEPTEMBER 07 Illawarra Tourism Awards Dragons Medal Presentation Dinner Hawks v Brisbane Bullets

OCTOBER 07 Powderfinger/silverchair (2 shows)-Across the Great Divide Tour 3 Hawks games Carols in the City 2007 Australia Under 20’s v Illawarra Football

Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 7 DECEMBER 07 APRIL 08 Crosby, Stills & Nash concert Black Crowes concert Missy Higgins concert Dragons v North Queensland Cowboys The Veronicas concert Matchbox 20 concert Illawarra Mercury Youth Band competition Finals Hawks 30th Anniversary Dinner Rock ‘n Roll Heaven fundraising concert (7 bands) Country Rugby League - Centenary Dinner Carols in the City (2nd year) Light of the Cross concert for WYD08 2 Hawks games WIN Stadium Perimeter Fence installed, funded by the NSW Government offer funding for WIN Stadium Federal Government and Wollongong City Council Economic Appraisal Stuart Barnes achieves 10 year service MAY 08 City v Country Rugby League representative game JANUARY 08 El Caballo Blanco horse show - Two shows International Youth Fellowship Convention (2500 Illawarra Home Show pax over 7 days) Illawarra on Show - Business Expo 4 Hawks games Hi 5 concert Circus Stage Show JUNE 08 Disney on Ice “Mickey & Minnie’s Amazing FEBRUARY 08 Journey” (9 shows - 5 days) 3 Hawks games Wollongong Eisteddfod Choral Sections Dragons v Canterbury Bulldogs Mercury Challenge Dragons v Brisbane Broncos WST Inaugural Stakeholder Luncheon Network 21 Conference (2000 pax) First WST Indigenous Trainee appointed APP selected as the consultant to undertake the Mick Barsby achieves 10 years service Economic Appraisal of options to replace the New WIN Stadium supplementary scoreboards Western Grandstand at WIN Stadium. installed, funded by the St. George Bank.

MARCH 08 Women’s National Basketball League Grand Final (Sydney v Adelaide)

New Fance Line along Eastern boundary

Sydney Uni-WNBL Grand Final

Crusty Demons “Unleash hell” show at WIN Stadium Jack Johnson concert- Started his 2008 world tour at the WEC. Inaugural Illawarra Mercury Women’s’ Expo Dragons v Gold Coast Titans Keith Urban concert Peter Lanyon and Milton O’Brien achieve 10 years service New WIN Stadium Hill Bar (Beach Bar) installed, funded by the Fosters Group

8 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 TRUST CHARTER GOVERNANCE

CHARTER/CONSTITUTION OBJECTIVES

The Wollongong Sportsground Trust is constituted In accordance with its Mission, the Trust’s under the provisions of the Wollongong objectives are: Sportsground Act, 1986. Identify and implement the most appropriate “An Act to constitute the Wollongong opportunities for the Trust’s facilities, to ensure the Sportsground Trust: to place Wollongong viability of the venues and to maximise return on Showground and Brandon Park under the care, assets to the Trust and Government. control and management of the Trust, to dedicate Wollongong Showground partly for public Efficiently and effectively manage all Trust Affairs recreation and partly for tourist purposes, to dedicate Brandon Park for public recreation and Fully develop the Trust venues and facilities to meet for other purposes.” our clients’ needs

VISION To become “first choice”, in Regional NSW, of our identified clients. The Vision Statement of the Wollongong Sportsground Trust is: “To be the most successful, Assume financial independence and commercial integrated sports, entertainment, conference and sustainability. tourism destination in Australia”. Provide significant regional, economic, community, social and image benefits to the Illawarra. MISSION

The Mission Statement of the Wollongong TRUST COMMITTEES Sportsground Trust is: “To effectively operate and develop a successful and sustainable integrated In June 2005, the Trust established a Finance and sports, entertainment, conference and tourism Asset Management Committee and an Events and destination that is highly valued by its stakeholders, Business Development Committee. clients, patrons and the community”. The Finance and Asset Management Committee’s role is to review the risks of the Trust’s financial and asset management activities, to assess advice from Trust Managers on these issues and to review the annual financial budget.

The role of the Events and Business Development Committee is to assess the event procurement process, review proposals for Trust promotion of events, and to identify other business development opportunities.

Each Committees is composed of three Trustees and three Trust Managers. Northern Grandstand

Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 9 WOLLONGONG SPORTSGROUND TRUSTEES

Chris Christoudoulou BA - Chairperson

• First appointed as a Trust Member in 1998, Chairperson since March 2005 • Deputy Assistant Secretary of Unions NSW • Board Member of Sydney Olympic Park Authority since July 2001 • Member of Correctional Service Industry Advisory Council since 2001 • Deputy Member of the Long Service Leave Building & Construction Industry Payments Committee since 1999 • Formerly Director of Health Employees Superannuation Trust • Formerly Chairperson of Health and Community Services Industry Training Board

Bill Barnetson BA

• First appointed as a Trust Member 1992 - Chairman from 1996 to 2005 • Formerly a Senior Executive officer in the NSW Public Service. • Formerly a Councillor and Deputy Lord Mayor, Wollongong City Council, serving as Chairman of Finance and Planning • Held a wide range of public offices including Director of Illawarra County Council, Chairman of a Public Risk Insurance Co-operative and foundation Chair and for a further three years National Chairman of the Australian Public Risk Association • Served on a number of cultural and tourism boards including the South Coast National Parks & Wildlife Advisory Committee and the Southern Catchment Management Board

Judith Henderson

• First appointed as a Trust Member in March 2005 • Has extensive experience as a consultant in the private, public and non-government sectors in Australia and internationally • Currently runs her own consulting business in areas such as strategic planning and development, business strategy, planning, government relations and knowledge management to small and large enterprises

Ian Hunt

• First appointed as a Trust Member in March 2005 • Formerly a Councillor and Deputy Lord Mayor, Wollongong City Council, including serving as the Chairman of the Sports Liaison Committee • Currently Chair of the Dalton Park Board of Management • Currently works as a tax Consultant and Accountant in local private practice

10 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Kiril Jonovski

• First appointed as a Trust Member in March 2005 - resigned March 2008 • Deputy Lord Mayor, Wollongong City Council, and Chairperson of the Sports Liaison Committee • Commissioner of the NSW Local Government Grants Commission, Board Member of the Illawarra Regional Information Service, Tourism Wollongong, and the Lake Illawarra Authority

Janice Kershaw

• First appointed as a Trust Member in March 2005 - resigned March 2008 • Councillor and former Deputy Lord Mayor, Wollongong City Council • Senior Officer with the NSW Office of State Revenue • Board Member and Chairperson of the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Executive Member of the NSW Local Government Association

Vicki Tiegs

• First appointed as a Trust Member in March 2005 • Director Waples Marketing Group, former Director of Publicity WIN Television Network • Director Tourism Wollongong, • Director Illawarra Academy of Sport • Vice-President International Women’s Day Illawarra

TRUST MEETINGS

During 2007/08 there were 12 General Meetings and 3 Committee Meetings held. Attendance by Trust Members at the General Meetings was as follows:

Meetings Trust Members Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Attended

Chris Christodoulou Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 12/12

Bill Barnetson Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y 10/12

Judith Henderson Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 12/12

Ian Hunt Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y 11/12

Kiril Jonovski Y Y N Y Y Y N Y - - - - 6/8

Janice Kershaw Y Y N Y Y N N Y - - - - 5/8

Vicki Tiegs Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y N Y Y 10/12

Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 11 CODE OF CONDUCT - Trust Members and Managers

CODE OF CONDUCT Depending on the seriousness of the conflict of interest, the Trust should determine whether the The people of New South Wales have a right to Trust member or manager should participate in any expect the business of the State to be conducted with discussion on the matter, or in any final decision- efficiency, fairness, impartiality and integrity. making. The Trust should record their reasons for the determination. Trusteeship of State assets and public employment carries with it a particular obligation to the public When a Trust member declares a direct or indirect interest. It requires standards of professional pecuniary interest in a matter, the Trust member must behaviour from trustees and staff that promote and not take part in any discussion or decision making or maintain the public’s confidence and trust in the vote on the matter. work of government agencies. The Trust member or manager should be absent The Wollongong Sportsground Trust Code of from the meeting room when any discussion or vote Conduct is designed to convey the obligations and is taking place and should not receive any relevant standards of behaviour expected of Trust members Trust papers. This should also be recorded in the and managers, and to resolve any ethical issues that Trust meeting minutes, and in the Register used for may arise during the course of their duties. that purpose.

The following excerpts from the Trust’s Code of Conduct highlight the key elements:

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The potential for a conflict of interest arises when a Trust member or manager is placed in a situation where private interests could influence or appear to influence judgments made during the course of his/ her professional duty to the Trust. St George Illawarra Dragons Medal Dinner

To resolve any conflicts of interest that occur, Trust members and managers follow the following ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS OR BENEFITS guidelines: Trust members and managers must not accept gifts Disclose any interests to the Trust (which include or benefits that could place them under an actual positions and pecuniary interests) incorporations, or perceived financial or moral obligation to other partnerships or other businesses that may be relevant organisations or to individuals. to the activities of the Trust. A Trust member or manager’s interests could include those of an associate or close relative. FAIRNESS AND EQUITY

Register these interests in the Trust’s Register of Issues or decisions considered by Trust members and Pecuniary Interests. managers should be dealt with consistently promptly and fairly. This involves dealing with matters in Declare any private interest that may impinge on accordance with approved procedures, in a non- a Trust decision. When an issue arises, the Trust discriminatory manner, and in conformity with member or manager must as soon as practicable natural justice. disclose full and accurate details of the interest or issue to the Trust.

12 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 CODE OF CONDUCT - Trust Members and Management

DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE WORK OF THE TRUST Trust members or managers must not discriminate against or harass colleagues or members of the Trust members or managers, as individuals, have the public on any grounds including sex, marital status, right to make public comment and enter into public pregnancy, age, race, ethnic or national origin, debate on political and social issues. However there physical or intellectual impairment, homosexuality, are circumstances in which this is inappropriate. trans-sexuality and HIV/AIDS. For example, situations where the public comment, although made in a public capacity, may appear to be Such harassment or discrimination could constitute an official comment on behalf of the Trust. an offence under the Anti Discrimination Act 1977 or various federal laws. In addition, Trust members In general, public comment is only to be made by or managers must not harass or discriminate on the the Chairman, General Manager, Manager Business grounds of political or religious conviction. Development & Marketing or a Trust member nominated by the Trust. Trust members and managers must make sure that the Trust workplace is free from all forms of harassment PROTECTECTING CONFIDENTIAL and discrimination. They should understand and INFORMATION apply the principles of equal employment opportunity and ensure that their employees are informed of these Trust members or managers that have access to principles. confidential and sensitive personal, commercial and political information should take special caution to Trust members and managers should take all necessary ensure that it is not disclosed without clear authority. steps, such as training and other active measures, to Official information must only be used for the prevent and deal with harassment and discrimination work-related purpose intended and not for personal in their work area. benefit.

USE OF OFFICIAL FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

Trust members and managers are expected to be efficient and economical in their use and management of public resources. Unless express permission has been granted, Trust resources are not to be used for private purposes.

SECONDARY EMPLOYMENT From the Air–WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres

The General Manager must have the official approval of the Chairman and the other managers, the OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY approval of the General Manger, before they engage in any form of paid employment outside their official The Trust members and managers are committed duties to the provision of a safe and healthy working environment for staff, clients, customers and the public. As a consequence of this, the Trust encourages all members of staff to regard accident prevention and working safely as a collective and individual responsibility.

Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 13 Managers must also carefully consider whether the HONOUR BOARD organisation offering them secondary employment may adversely affect the performance of their Trust The Wollongong Sportsground Trust has a policy duties and responsibilities or give rise to a conflict of acknowledging members of the community who of interest. This principle applies whether they are have contributed significantly to the establishment working full-time, part-time or only temporarily. and development of the Trust venues.

POLITICAL AND COMMUNITY The Trust has inducted two more local citizens into PARTICIPATION the Honour Board in 2008. The Trust’s Honour Board currently includes the following inductees: Mervyn Trust members and managers must make sure that Nixon, John Cleary, Sid Hayes AM, Ack Wilton, any participation in party political activities does not Bill Barnetson, Laurie Kelly, Peter Bolt OAM, Bob conflict with their primary duty as a public employee Millward, Richie Hetherington and T.S. (Bob) to serve the government of the day in a politically Lowrie, Bruce Gordon and Ted Tobin, OAM. neutral manner.

If Trust members or managers become aware that a potential conflict has arisen or might arise, they should inform the Chairman immediately and may have to stop the political activity or withdraw from the areas of their work where the conflict is occurring.

REPORTING CORRUPT CONDUCT

Corrupt conduct can be generally understood as the dishonest or partial exercise of public official functions. It may also involve the conduct of non- public officials which adversely affects the honest and impartial exercise of a public official’s functions.

A principal officer of a public authority is required to report corrupt conduct or suspected corruption to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Section 11 of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act). The principal officer of the Honour Board Wollongong Sportsground Trust is the Chairman.

POST SEPARATION EMPLOYMENT

Trust members or managers should not use their position to obtain opportunities for future employment. They should not allow themselves or their work to be influenced by plans for, or offers of, employment outside the Trust. If they do, there is a conflict of interest and the integrity of the individual and the Trust is at risk.

14 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 BUSINESS OPERATIONS

The Trust operates two adjoining venues, the 6,000 WIN STADIUM seat indoor WIN Entertainment Centre (WEC) and the 20,000 capacity outdoor WIN Stadium. The WIN Stadium hosted 1 trial and 7 home games of the venues are hired by event promoters and sporting NRL St. George-Illawarra Dragons in this financial teams to stage a variety of entertainment, sporting, year, attracting 90,568 fans at an average of 11,321 business and community events throughout the year. per game (up 7% from the previous year).

The Trust raises revenue from these events mainly The Stadium played host to an Australian U20’s through venue hire fees, event costs recovered football game, the Steelers Juniors RL games, from hirers, signage fees, catering commissions, Collegians RL games, local Carlton League rugby merchandising and ticketing fees. league finals series, the local rugby union finals and several community events. ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE The Stadium also welcomed back the Crusty Demons In 2007/08 the WEC hosted 15 home games of the motor bike stunt tour. This event was again well NBL Wollongong Hawks basketball team, attracting attended by 8,898 fans, and may return again in the 36,443 fans at an average of 2,429 per game (down future. 27% from the previous season). For 2007/08, WIN Stadium’s total event days were Australian music promoters hired the WEC for 17 29, while total attendance was 127,082 (up 24% days to stage concerts by international and national from last year). artists including Powderfinger, silverchair, Beach Boys, Crosby Stills & Nash, Jack Johnson, Keith Urban, Matchbox 20, Alice Cooper and Bryan Ferry.

Concert attendances totaled 42,804 patrons, with an average concert size of 2,517 (up 10% from last year). A highlight was the first two-concert event by Australian bands Powderfinger & silverchair, attracting 8,342 fans to the WEC in October 2007.

Family shows were again popular, with 13 shows put Illawarra Business Awards on by Disney on Ice, Hi-5 and Thomas the Tank Engine. Local schools also staged another successful season of rock eisteddfods, musical presentations and OTHER BUSINESS OPERATIONS dance spectaculars. The family show market attracted a total attendance this year of 44,262 patrons (down In addition to major events at the venues, the Trust 23% from last year). raises revenue through several businesses that operate on the site. Sporting highlights included the WNBL Grand Final featuring the Sydney Uni Flames in March 2008.

The remainder of the WEC’s event calendar was filled with 2 conferences, 14 days of trade expos and retail shows, 6 major dinners in the auditorium, and 6 community events.

For 2007/08, the WEC’s total event days were 85, while total attendance was 158,555 (down 13% from last year). Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 15 BUSINESS OPERATIONS (cont.)

The Five Islands Brewing Company (FIBC) occupies a The WEC also continues to allow local artists to space at the eastern end of the WEC for its restaurant display their works in the foyers. This program assists and micro-brewery. Stadium Physiotherapy leases a the art community with low-cost display space for the small building in the south-west corner of WIN promotion of new and emerging local artistic talents. Stadium as a sports medicine and physiotherapy practice. RISK MANAGEMENT AND INSURANCE Inside the northern grandstand at WIN Stadium, the Trust manages a function area, the Premiers Room, Each year, the Trust identifies the major risks that that is hired out for small events such as business could impact negatively on the achievement of its meetings, staff training seminars, dinners, parties and business objectives, and develops a range of strategies exhibitions. to mitigate these risks. For 2008-09, the focus will be on the following key strategies: In 2007/08, the Premiers Room hosted 112 such events, with total attendance of 12,789 (up 36% Increasing the occupancy of both venues, through from last year). The Room is also used to host the an ongoing focus on Sales and Marketing of the corporate clients of the Dragons, Hawks and other Entertainment Centre, Stadium and Premiers sporting teams on game days. Room,

COMMUNITY SUPPORT Reducing where possible the fixed cost structure of the business, such as salaries, debt servicing, utilities, The Trust is very aware that it has an important part insurance, etc, to play in the Wollongong and Illawarra communities. Despite its status as a Government Trading Enterprise, Implementing more cost effective delivery of venue the Trust believes that it should, wherever possible, services to increase event yields, attract more events support the local community and the people that it to both venues and reduce variable costs, and services. Finalisation and implementation, where possible, During the 2007/2008 Financial Year, the Trust gave of the Development Master Plan involving mixed direct community support to a number of organisations commercial development at the WEC/Stadium to assist them with their events or fundraising. This site in order to facilitate the playing of national support is mainly through the provision of free tickets and international sport in future years, and provide for sporting and entertainment events that were then additional non-event-related revenue opportunities used as prizes in raffles or auctions. from alternative business developments.

Several community events take place at the WEC and In September 2003, The Trust moved its insurance WIN Stadium each year, with the Trust recovering requirements to the Treasury Managed Fund (TMF). its costs but with reduced rates for hiring the venues. The Trust’s contribution to the TMF in 2007-08 was The following organisations/events benefited from this $118,070. service: Occupational Health and Safety St Mary’s Star of the Sea College There were no lost time injuries for the year. All Xmas Party for Special Kids minor injuries and safety incidents were logged for KidzWish Charity Xmas Party further investigation. Inaburra School Performance Night St John the Baptist Italian Festival The Trust has established an Occupational Health Light of the Cross Festival (World Youth Day) and Safety Committee with representatives from all Illawarra Tourism Awards departments which meets monthly to address OH&S Carols in the City issues, discuss previous month’s incidents, carry out inspections and identify improvement plans.

16 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 BUSINESS STRATEGY

MAJOR CHALLENGES At WIN Stadium, the business issues are different, but no less challenging. The Trust is largely reliant The Trust operates the Entertainment Centre and on one major hirer, the NRL St George-Illawarra WIN Stadium within an extremely challenging Dragons. The commercial success of the Stadium is business environment. Under its Charter, the Trust directly tied to the Dragons long-term tenancy there, does not usually create nor promote events itself, but continued financial strength and successful on-field hires the facilities to other parties to stage events. performance.

As a result, the Trust’s commercial success is largely In 2006, the Trust signed a 5 year tenancy Agreement dependent on the health and activity levels of the with the Dragons. This Agreement effectively Australian event industry, event promoters and secures future revenues and usage for the venue from locally-based national sporting teams and event the Dragons and their affiliated rugby league teams organisers. When they are challenged the Trust also until the end of 2011. suffers. The Dragons and other users expect that the Stadium Today, the major challenges the Trust faces in facilities will be continually improved to meet rising attracting events to the Entertainment Centre league, media, patron and player expectations. For include: this reason, the Trust is planning for the replacement of the Western Grandstand, and the upgrading of the • Identifying viable target markets and building player facilities in the Southern Grandstand. strong relationships with event organisers To summarise, the key challenges facing the Trust in • Working in an industry that suffers ups and downs the Stadium are: in the international concert touring market • Completing the Development Master Plan for the • Maintaining revenue and maximising yields from future business development of the site, including the Hawks NBL games in the face of falling public replacement of the ageing western grandstand, and corporate support over the past few seasons and development options for part of the No.2 Ground • Optimising the use of in-house labour to reduce client costs and improve event contribution • Working with the anchor tenant, the St George- margins Illawarra Dragons, to continually improve the operations and financial returns from their games • Attracting major events to Wollongong and each season overcoming perceptions of its proximity to Sydney, being an impediment to strong ticket • Attracting major league football (soccer) back to sales the Stadium, including supporting moves to have a South Coast team playing in the national A • Optimising the expected financial and diary League competition. improvements, generated around the installation of a new Roof Rigging system expected to • Exploring opportunities for an increase in be installed in late 2008, following a Federal different usage and hirers, including attracting Government grant local, national and international rugby union matches • Continually reducing operational costs whilst maintaining service level standards • Reducing operational costs whilst maintaining service level standards • Encouraging the creation and development of locally-based events • Increasing revenues from catering and product supply rights.

Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 17 BUSINESS STRATEGY (cont.)

CORE BUSINESS STRATEGIES Action Plans and Performance Indicators for the above strategies form a key part of the Business Plan As identified in the Trust’s Business Plan, the implementation and monitoring. intention is to concentrate on the following core business strategies during 2008/09: FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Events & Program Delivery With the uncertainties surrounding the Australian Host a varied and appropriate program of events at concert tour market, the Trust continues to review the venue, which appeal to a wide range of markets, all its business activities. A multi-pronged strategy and as much as possible, are evenly spread throughout designed to lift revenues and improve long-term the year. profitability continues for the 2008/09 financial year and beyond. Financial Improve the positive financial returns from the Trust Firstly, internal resources of the Trust are being re- business units to fund future business developments, focused on strengthening business relationships with maintain current facilities and to consolidate the medium-yield event clients. Several markets are being position of the Trust being self-sufficient. specifically targeted including second-tier music, major sports, conferences, exhibitions, meetings, Business Opportunities functions, retail sales and school/education events. Maximise business opportunities for growth, including a close liaison with the community and Secondly, strategies are being developed to reduce its peak organisations, to create business activity for a range of expenses including casual labour, facility the Trust, including sponsorship, grants and signage/ maintenance, electricity, water and waste removal. advertising. It is hoped these changes will deliver lower ongoing costs, attract more event promoters and improve Progress the Development Master Plan for the event contribution margins in the short to medium Trust’s site, including the Tender Process to replace term. the current Western Stand at WIN Stadium and to establish a range of other commercial facilities. Thirdly, the Trust is continuing to plan for the commercial redevelopment of its’ site. With the Facilities & Resources Entertainment Centre now recognised as one of the Optimise the use of the WST facilities and resources, best regional facilities in NSW, the focus is now on in the most cost-efficient manner possible, creating bringing WIN Stadium up to the level of a national the optimum revenue, whilst providing the best and international standard venue to ensure it can Maintenance Program possible within the capabilities remain competitive in attracting significant sporting of available revenue. events.

Human Resources This year, the Trust will be preparing an economic Continue to improve the quality of Trust staff and appraisal of various options to replace the ageing services to provide world-class service to patrons and Western Grandstand. It is expected that the clients, in the most cost-efficient manner possible. evaluation will provide strong evidence for the economic benefits that an improved WIN Stadium Marketing will provide to the Trust, the community and the Develop new markets for all the Trust’s business units region. to ensure maximum usage of the most profitable kind, including attracting major Business Tourism activity and the establishment of an A-League team playing at WIN Stadium.

18 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 EVENTS CALENDAR 2007-08

WIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

No. Date Event Attendance Event Days

1 3/07/2007 Human Nature 2,040 1 2 15/07/2007 2007 Bridal Expo 2,458 1 3 18/07/2007 Alice Cooper 1,810 1 4 27/07/2007 2007 Rock Eisteddfod 2,616 1 5 07/08/2007 Black Sabbath 1,592 1 6 10/08/2007 Carpet Retail Sale 5,000 10 7 22/08/2007 Bunnings Conference Dinner 535 1 8 24/08/2007 Wakakirri 2007 2,155 1 9 31/08/2007 Southern Stars 2007 (4 Shows) 12,519 2 10 20/09/2007 Dragons End of Season Dinner 460 1 11 21/09/2007 Illawarra Tourism Awards Dinner 302 1 12 27/09/2007 St Mary’s College Graduation Mass 400 1 13 28/09/2007 HAWKS v BRISBANE 2,978 1 14 05/10/2007 HAWKS v CAIRNS 1,918 1 15 11/10/2007 Thomas the Tank Engine (2 Shows) 4,323 1 16 12/10/2007 HAWKS V WEST SYDNEY 2,215 1 17 13/10/2007 Last of the Big Shows 661 1 18 23/10/2007 Powderfinger & Silverchair (Show 1) 5,096 1 19 24/10/2007 Powderfinger & Silverchair (Show 2) 3,246 1 20 26/10/2007 HAWKS v PERTH 2,664 1 21 09/11/2007 HAWKS v TOWNSVILLE 2,893 1 22 13/11/2007 Beach Boys with Daddy Cool & Chris Cross 2,950 1 23 16/11/2007 IBC Business Awards Dinner 930 1 24 23/11/2007 KidzWish Xmas Party & Dinner 3,359 1 25 26/11/2007 Special Kids Xmas Party 1,500 1 26 29/11/2007 Bryan Ferry with Joan Armatrading 1,333 1 27 30/11/2007 HAWKS v GOLD COAST 2,650 1 28 05/12/2007 HAWKS v SINGAPORE 1,747 1 29 06/12/2007 Crosby, Stills & Nash 2,254 1 30 08/12/2007 The Veronicas 2,923 1 31 09/12/2007 Missy Higgins 2,559 1 32 11/12/2007 Inaburra School Presentation Night 1,300 1 33 14/12/2007 Youth Band Competition Final 1,013 1 34 15/12/2007 Rock ‘N Roll Heaven 2,126 1 35 22/12/2007 Wollongong Carols 4,000 1 36 28/12/2007 HAWKS v TOWNSVILLE 2,437 1 37 04/01/2008 HAWKS v NEW ZEALAND 2,450 1 38 09/01/2008 HAWKS v SYDNEY KINGS 3,251 1 39 18/01/2008 HAWKS v ADELAIDE 2,478 1

Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 19 EVENTS CALENDAR 2007-08

WIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE (cont.)

No. Date Event Attendance Event Days

40 19/01/2008 Hi-5 - Circus Stageshow (2 Shows) 4,455 1 41 22/01/2008 International Youth Fellowship Conference 2,000 9 42 25/01/2008 HAWKS v DRAGONS 2,404 1 43 01/02/2008 HAWKS v MELBOURNE 2,170 1 44 08/02/2008 HAWKS v BRISBANE 2,212 1 45 13/02/2008 HAWKS v CAIRNS 1,976 1 46 08/03/2008 WNBL Grand Final 1,484 1 47 13/03/2008 Jack Johnson 4,380 1 48 15/03/2008 Illawarra Mercury Women’s Expo 632 1 49 28/03/2008 Keith Urban 3,957 1 50 01/04/2008 The Black Crowes 590 1 51 04/04/2008 Light of the Cross Festival 1,938 1 52 19/04/2008 Hawks 30th Anniversary Dinner 568 1 53 26/04/2008 Matchbox 20 4,274 1 54 30/04/2008 CRL Team of the Century Dinner 470 1 55 05/05/2008 AWU Mass Meeting 2,000 1 56 10/05/2008 El Caballo Blanco 2,444 1 57 16/05/2008 2008 Wollongong Home Show 2,210 1 58 28/05/2008 Illawarra on Show Business Expo 1,500 1 59 03/06/2008 2008 Wollongong Eisteddfod 800 1 60 18/06/2008 Disney on Ice 2008 (9 Shows) 14,950 5 61 27/06/2008 Network 21 Conference 2,000 3 Totals 158,555 85

WIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE - EVENT DAYS COMPARISON

35

30 04/05 05/06

25 06/07 07/08

20

15

10

5

0 Music - major Music - other Family Events Sport - major Sport - other Exhib./Trade Conv./Seminars Dinners/Dances Hawks Community Shows

20 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 EVENTS CALENDAR 2007-08

WIN STADIUM

No. Date Event Attendance Event Days

1 02/05/2008 City v Country RL 9,251 1 2 08/07/2007 DRAGONS v RAIDERS 6,874 1 3 28/07/2007 DRAGONS v BULLDOGS 17,450 1 4 11/08/2007 DRAGONS v RABBITOHS 16,030 1 5 18/08/2007 Carlton RL Elimination Final 1,079 1 6 19/08/2007 Carlton RL Qualifying Final 804 1 7 25/08/2007 Carlton RL Minor Semi Final 911 1 8 26/08/2007 Carlton RL Major Semi Final 961 1 9 27/08/2007 DRAGONS v EELS 12,213 1 10 09/09/2007 Carlton RL Grand Final 3,703 1 11 02/09/2007 Carlton RL Final 1,725 1 12 01/09/2007 2007 Junior RL Grand Finals 2,318 1 13 22/09/2007 2007 IDRU Grand Finals 1,641 1 14 21/10/2007 Australia U’20s v Illawarra Soccer 1,025 1 15 02/12/2007 St John the Baptist Festival 1,000 1 16 23/02/2008 DRAGONS v BULLDOGS - TRIAL GAME 7,316 1 17 01/03/2008 Steelers Juniors v St George 300 1 18 08/03/2008 Crusty Demons - Unleash Hell Tour 8,896 1 19 15/03/2008 Steelers Juniors v Bulldogs 300 1 20 24/03/2008 DRAGONS v TITANS 9,697 1 21 12/04/2008 DRAGONS v COWBOYS 10,573 1 22 29/03/2008 Junior Steelers v Bulldogs 300 1 23 30/03/2008 Collegians v Berkeley 400 1 24 05/04/2008 Collies v Thirroul 400 1 25 19/04/2008 Collies v Corrimal 400 1 26 03/05/2008 Collies v Helensburgh 400 1 27 18/05/2008 Collegian v Dapto 400 1 28 06/06/2008 DRAGONS v BRONCOS 10,415 1 29 15/06/2008 Collies v Wests 300 1 Totals 127,082 29

Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 21 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

CONCERTS The number of Hawks corporate supporters catered for by the WEC this year remained steady at an This year saw the live concert activity stay much average of 150 per game. the same as last year with a total of 17 concerts. Highlights included major music concerts from The hosting of the WNBL Grand Final was a welcome Powderfinger/silverchair, Beach Boys, Crosby Stills addition to our calendar. and Nash, Jack Johnson, Keith Urban and Matchbox 20 which attracted a combined total of 26,157 fans, at an average 3,737 per concert. RUGBY LEAGUE

Other memorable performances were delivered by The Stadium hosted 1 trial and 7 home games of Human Nature, Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Bryan the NRL St George-Illawarra Dragons during the Ferry, The Veronicas, Missy Higgins and the Black 2007/08 financial year, attracting 90,568 spectators or Crowes. an average of 11,321 per game, which was a increase of 7% on the previous year. FAMILY SHOWS The Premiers Room continued to allow the Dragons It was again pleasing to see Disney on Ice return to to grow and improve their corporate hospitality the WEC for the seventh year running. The ‘Mickey program, with the games attracting an average of 953 & Minnie’ production proved very popular with the corporate guests per game. young and the young-at-heart, selling 14,950 tickets to 9 shows over 5 days. For the first time, the Stadium hosted the NRL City v Country game in May 2008. The game attracted Other highlights included the Thomas the Tank national media attention for WIN Stadium and was Engine shows and the Hi-5 ‘Circus Stageshow’ shows attended by over 9,000 fans. selling a combined 8,837 tickets to 4 shows. Musical performances by local schools including Wakakirri, Another 16 local rugby league games were played, Southern Stars and the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge included the Collegians home season, Carlton League filled out the remainder of the family event calendar final series, Steelers junior games and the Illawarra which remained solid with a total of 13 event days Junior league grand final. this year.

BASKETBALL FOOTBALL (SOCCER)

The IMB Wollongong Hawks had another The Stadium hosted an Australia U20’s v Illawarra challenging season on and off the court. The 15 NBL Representative team game, attracting 1,025 home games attracted just 36,443 spectators, at an spectators. average of 2,430 per game, which was down 27% on last season. RUGBY UNION

The Illawarra District Rugby Union staged their Grand Final at the Stadium in September.

22 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 HUMAN RESOURCES

STAFF STRUCTURE PERMANENT TRUST EMPLOYEES AND POSITIONS HELD DURING 2007/08 The Trust employed 11 full time and 3 part time staff during 2007/08. General Manager Stuart Barnes

Manager - Corporate Services Peter Lanyon 05/06 06/07 07/08

Management 4 4 4 Manager - Business Development & Marketing Staff 9 9 10 Services Milton O’Brien

Manager - Operations & Facilities Bill White In addition to the above positions, the Trust utilises casual and contract staff for events and the provision Venue Services Coordinator Lenny Fairclough of other services.

Casual event staff are employed directly by the Trust Operations Supervisor Jamie McGarva to fill the following roles: Grounds Supervisor Michael Barsby • Security , crowd control • Operational set-ups, pull-downs Groundsman Grant Melbert • Rigging of sound and lighting • Sound and lighting technicians Grounds Assistant Howard Morris • Ushering • Event cleaning Events & Marketing Officer (p/t) Corrina Matasic

Contract staff are used by the Trust to provide the Receptionist/Admin. Assistant Roslyn Young following venue services:

• Catering (Delaware North Companies) Accounts/Admin Officer (p/t) Joanne Kocovski • Ticketing (Ticketek) • Merchandising (Playbill) Day Cleaner (p/t) Christine Daly • Sound and Lighting (SceneChange) • Building Painting (Programmed Maintenance Trainee Venue Officer Tina Moore Services) Employed as an Indigenous Trainee • Repairs and Maintenance (various)

ORGANISATION CHART

General Manager

Manager Corporate Manager Manager Operations & Services Business Development & Facilities Marketing Services

Venue Services Operations Grounds Accounts/Admin. Events & Marketing Coordinator Supervisor Supervisor Officer (p/t) Officer (p/t) Day Groundsman Grounds Cleaner (p/t) Assistant Receptionist/ Trainee Admin. Assistant Venue Officer

Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 23 HUMAN RESOURCES

MANAGEMENT QUALIFICATIONS TRAINING

Stuart Barnes has been General Manager since 1997 The management and staff training conducted and has over twenty years experience in venue and during the year included: event management. He is also on the boards of the Illawarra Business Chamber, Tourism Wollongong, • The General Manager attended the 2008 St Mary’s Star of the Sea College and is a councillor Venue Managers Association (VMA) of the Venue Management Association (Asia and Conference & Trade Show. Pacific) Ltd. Stuart’s qualifications include Diplomas in Teaching and Public Sector Management. • The Manager - Business Development & Marketing Services attended the 2008 Peter Lanyon has been Manager - Corporate Services Live Music Conference and the VMA’s since 1998 and has over twenty years experience in Public Venue Management School Year 1. finance, administration and business development. Peter’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce • The Manager - Corporate Services and a Master of Business Administration. attended several NSW Government seminars on procurement, asset Milton O’Brien has been Manager - Business management and annual reporting. Development & Marketing Services since 1998 and has over twenty years experience in the broadcasting, • The Receptionist/Admin. Assistant communication and events industry. Milton’s attended Microsoft Access training. qualifications include Diplomas in Marketing / Business and Frontline Management. • The Groundsmen attended various Turfgrass Association training courses Bill White has been Manager - Operations & Facilities since 2001 and has over ten years experience in venue • The Accounts/Admin. Officer attended security, management and operations. seminars on Industrial Relations and Fringe Benefits ax.T

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS • Several casual operations staff undertook basic rigging training and accreditation. There were no industrial disputes during 2007-08.

Employees of the Trust are currently employed under the Wollongong Sportsground Trust Australian Workers Union (State) Award 2007. The Award is renewed every 2 years.

EXECUTIVE REMUNERATION

Year ending 2007 2008 Number of Executive Officers with remuneration equal to or exceeding equivalent of SES Level 1 0 0 Number of Executive Officers with remuneration equal to or exceeding equivalent of SES Level 5 0 0

24 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 HUMAN RESOURCES

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO)

The Trust is committed to the implementation of its’ Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy, and observes EEO principles in its’ recruitment of staff, workplace practices and development of training programs.

The following tables provide statistical EEO information on the Trust’s permanent workforce. The Trust also employs around 50 casuals, 20% of which are women.

Table A. Trends in the Representation of EEO Groups % of Total Staff

EEO Group Benchmark or Target 2006/07 2007/08 Women 50% 33% 36% Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders 2% 0% 7% People whose first language was not English 20% 0% 0% People with a disability 12% 0% 0% People with a disability requiring work-related adjustment 7% 0% 0%

Table B. Trends in the Distribution of EEO Groups Distribution Index

EEO Group Benchmark or Target 2006/07 2007/08 Women 100 n/a n/a Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders 100 - - People whose first language was not English 100 - - People with a disability 100 - - People with a disability requiring work-related adjustment 100 - -

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

For the period of 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008, the Trust received one request under the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI Act). The request was received in August 2007 and was in relation to the Five Islands Brewing Company management agreement.

Requests under the FOI Act must be in writing to the General Manager and accompanied by an application fee of $30.00.

Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 25 CODE OF CONDUCT - Employees

CODE OF CONDUCT • While employed at the Trust, to not accept any employment with another organisation that is a In line with the Trustee’s and Management Code supplier of competitor of the Trust, or any other of Conduct, a similar Policy has been developed for employment that is in conflict with your position Trust employees. The aim of the Policy is to ensure all at the Trust; staff observe the highest standards of ethics, integrity and behaviour during their employment with the • To dress in an appropriate manner and to ensure Trust. that appearance is presentable, clean, neat and tidy; Key elements of the Code of Conduct include the following: • To not make any unauthorised statements to the media about the Trust’s business (requests for • Compliance with all Trust policies, procedures, media statements are to be referred to the General rules, regulations and contracts; Manager)

• Compliance with all reasonable and legal • To not engage in any discrimination or harassment instructions of managers; of co-workers, customers, clients or members of the public on any grounds including sex, marital • To be honest and fair in dealings with customers, status, pregnancy, age, race, ethnic or national clients, co-workers, Trust management and the origing, physical or intellectual impairment, general public; political or religious conviction, homosexuality, transsexuality, and HIV/AIDS; • To maintain punctuality; • No fighting in the workplace; • To observe Occupational Health & Safety rules; • No swearing in the workplace; • To respect the Trust’s ownership of all Trust funds, equipment, supplies, books, records and property; • No drugs or alcohol in the workplace.

• Unless express permission has been granted, Trust Breaches of the Code of Conduct are dealt with equipment, facilities or resources are not to be in accordance with the Trust’s Discipline and used for private purposes; Termination Policy.

• The Trust’s computing and Internet facilities should not be used to access, download, transmit TIMES FOR PROVISIONS OF SERVICE or display material which might be offensive to co-workers or the public, and is not relevant to Trust Management endeavours to acknowledge their work. correspondence within seven working days, although detailed responses may vary according to the nature • To maintain during employment with the Trust of the enquiry. and after the termination of employment, the confidentiality of any confidential information, If requested, the Trust will provide financial records, or other materials acquired during the settlement advances with hirers immediately after course of employment with the Trust; the event. Otherwise, settlements and balances are generally settled within five working days of the event.

26 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 ETHNIC AFFAIRS

ETHNIC AFFAIRS POLICY 2. Community Harmony

In line with NSW Government policy, the • Support the use of sport and entertainment as a Wollongong Sportsground Trust has prepared an mechanism to improve community relations and Ethnic Affairs Priority Statement (EAPS). valuing of cultural diversities

The Wollongong Sportsground Trust recognises the • Develop a work environment that is harmonious cultural and linguistic diversity of the people of New and sensitive to religious beliefs South Wales. The Trust also acknowledges and values the rich benefits these people bring to a community, • Address racial vilification issues in the work and and will provide the opportunity for all people to event environment participate in and contribute to the Trust’s activities. • Use a broader range of materials when developing After consultation with management and staff in communication materials and other publications June 2003, the Trust prepared an EAPS that aims to improve the management and delivery of services • Develop venue signage that is sensitive to the to people from culturally and linguistically diverse needs of linguistically diverse groups groups. • All staff will be aware of Government and Trust’s The Trust especially recognises the diversity of its’ anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies event patrons and clients, and the Implementation and practices Plan is designed to improve their enjoyment at all sports, entertainment and other events, as well as 3. Economic and Cultural Opportunities their interaction with venue staff. • Provide improved employment opportunities for The following illustrates the Trust’s EAPS strategy in people from culturally diverse backgrounds the three key result areas: • Provide improved industry related training 1. Social Justice opportunities for people from culturally diverse backgrounds • Develop Trust policies and programs that are responsive and sensitive to linguistic, cultural, racial and religious diversity

• Develop and support initiatives that support and utilise cross cultural skills of employees

• Develop policies and procedures to inform staff about access to interpreters and translators

Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 27 ENVIRONMENT

WASTE REDUCTION AND • Increasing the range and quantity of recycled PURCHASING POLICY (WRAPP) content materials being purchased

The NSW Government’s Waste Reduction and • Raising staff awareness about the WRAPP Purchasing Policy (WRAPP) requires all state government agencies, including the Wollongong The waste reduction component of the WRAPP Sportsground Trust, to develop and implement a Plan requires that the Trust minimises the creation of WRAPP plan to reduce waste in four scheduled waste, and that wastes they generate are separated for areas: collection and recycling.

• paper products In developing its WRAPP Plan, the Trust will: • office equipment and components (a) assess the nature and sources of waste, and • vegetation material; and

• construction and demolition material. (b) develop strategies for minimising waste, and the reuse and recycling of waste created. It also requires that priority be given to buying materials with recycled content where they are cost Regarding the materials buying component of the and performance competitive. WRAPP Plan, the Trust will:

WRAPP plans provide information on strategies each (a) assess current purchases of recycled products, agency will undertake to reduce waste and increase materials and equipment purchases of recycled content products and provide data on: (b) review its’ product purchasing practices, standards and specifications to remove • total quantities of scheduled wastes being impediments to the purchase of preferred generated and recycled; and products, and

• total quantities of materials being purchased (c) identify preferred products to be purchased which contain recycled content. under its new purchasing plans.

During 2007-08, the Trust’s major WRAPP outcomes The Wollongong Sportsground Trust is committed to included: implementing a WRAPP Plan at its facilities, and to reporting on progress. • Further refined the post-event cleaning operations to better collect and dispose of recyclable waste, The Plan includes strategies to reduce waste and including the implementation of dual collection increase purchases of recycled content products. facilities and cardboard collection and recycling.

Strategies target key areas of activity such as: • Continued education and awareness for staff, contractors and the public regarding recyclable • Inclusion of WRAPP principles in corporate waste and the importance of reducing land fill. plans and operational policies and practices • Including contract specifications requiring the supply of recycled content products • Improving waste avoidance and recycling systems • Establishing data collection systems

28 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 FINANCE

OPERATING RESULT Ticketing Ticketing services at the venues are provided by For 2007/08, the Trust delivered an operating loss Ticketek Pty Ltd under an eleven year contract. of ($525,247) compared to an operating loss of ($1,208,776) in 2006/07. Excluding the effects of The share of ticketing fees to the Trust for 2007/08 Government grants and depreciation, there was a was $277,310 compared to $237,770 last year. nett operating profit of $680,420, compared to a nett operating profit of $63,241 last year. Advertising Advertising revenue arises from the sale of signage The nett operating profit for 2007/08 was a favourable spaces on the interior and exterior of the venues. variation of $295,736 over the budgeted operating This year advertising sales generated $153,171 profit of $384,684. This variation was mainly due compared to $130,184 in 2006/07. to securing corporate sponsorships for additional infrastructure at WIN Stadium and several WEC events. EXPENDITURE

Excluding depreciation, the total expenditure for REVENUE the year was $3,202,893 compared to $3,097,860 in 2006/07. Total revenue for the year was $3,883,313 compared to $3,161,101 in 2006/07. Salaries In 2007/08, the salaries paid to permanent staff (see The 23% increase in total revenue was mainly related positions in Organisation Chart on page 22) totalled to increased catering commissions, cost recoveries $818,205 compared to $808,027 last year. and venue hire from eight Dragons games at WIN Stadium in 2007/08 compared to only four games last Casual Staff year, as well as the corporate sponsorship of Stadium The wages paid to casual event staff (security, ushers, infrastructure items. cleaners and operations) in 2007/08 was $691,476 compared to $674,991 in 2006/07. The majority Venue Hire of this cost was recovered from the hirers of the Revenue from venue hire for the year was $854,678 venues. compared to $690,455 in 2006/07. The increase of 24% was mainly due to the increased number of Repairs and Maintenance Dragons games at WIN Stadium. During the year, a total of $270,887 was spent on repairs and maintenance compared to $259,336 last Cost Recovery year. Cost recovery from hirers of the venues was $1,312,752 compared to $1,043,998 in 2006/07. The maintenance activity is performed by a mix of in- The 26% increase arose mainly from the increased house staff, service contracts and trade subcontractors number of Dragons games at WIN Stadium. under the control of the Manager -Operations & Facilities. Catering Catering services at the venues are provided by The R&M expenditure in 2007/08 included $74,705 Delaware North Companies Australia Pty Ltd (DNC) paid to Programmed Maintenance Services for under a twelve year contract. building repainting. Due to the venues’ location by City Beach, the buildings are subject to continuous The commissions paid to the Trust by DNC on the attack by salt air and require higher than normal sale of food and beverage was $449,897 compared to surface maintenance. $311,241 last year. The nett increase of 45% was due mainly to the increased number of Dragons games at WIN Stadium.

Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 29 FINANCE

Advertising, Marketing and Promotion FUTURE OPERATING POSITION Expenditure on advertising, marketing and promotion totalled $53,217 this year compared to $40,592 last For the 2008/09 financial year, the Trust is forecasting year. an operational profit of $222,806, excluding the effects of Government grants and depreciation (See Utilities Page 31). The cost of electricity, gas and water was $198,216 in 2007/08, compared to $200,536 last year. The Total Revenue is expected to be slightly down decrease was mainly related to continuing programs compared to last year. Although early indications are to reduce electricity usage at the Entertainment that the concert market will remain reasonably strong Centre. during 2008/09, with short lead times, it is difficult to forecast event numbers with any great certainty. Consultants There was no expenditure on consultants for the At the same time, the Trust is focused on containing, 2007/08 year. and where possible reducing, the fixed costs of running the venues. Overall, Expenditure for the year Cost of Printing Annual Reports is expected to decrease by 3% compared to 2007/08. The 2007/08 Annual Report was produced for a total external cost of $2,544, and is also available at www. wec.org.au.

REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE DRIVERS

Major Revenue Streams Comparison $1,200,000

$1,000,000 04/05 05/06 $800,000 06/07 07/08 $600,000

$400,000

$200,000

%0 Venue Hire Cost Recovery Catering Ticketing Advertising

Major Expenditure Accounts Comparison $800,000 $700,000 04/05 05/06 $600,000 $500,000 06/07 07/08 $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $0 Salaries Casual Event Staff R&M Utilities Insurance Adv, Mkt & Promo

30 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 FINANCE

TIME FOR PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS

The Trust endeavours to comply with NSW Treasury requirements regarding prompt settlement of all invoices received. Any delays in payment during the year were mainly due to disputed claims, missing invoices or short- term cash flow restrictions. Disputed claims are resolved as quickly as possible by prompt discussions with the staff member who placed the order and the supplier. If invoices are missing, new ones are requested, authorised and paid. Trust cash-flow restrictions have occasionally led to payment outside of suppliers’ trading terms, but where possible, suppliers are contacted and new payment terms agreed.

The following schedules indicate the Trust’s payment performance in 2007/08:

Aged Accounts Analysis at the end of each quarter

Current Between 30 Between 60 (ie within due Less than 30 and 60 days and 90 days More than 90 Total Payable date) days overdue overdue overdue days overdue Quarter $ $ $ $ $ $

September Quarter 261,975 211,313 47,007 3,393 262 -

December Quarter 260,176 217,893 35,048 7,235 - -

March Quarter 365,006 210,811 151,620 - 2,575 -

June Quarter 297,931 121,357 34,631 141,943 - -

Accounts paid on time within each quarter

Total Amount Quarter Target % Actual % $ Paid

September Quarter 100% 72% 452,483 629,763

December Quarter 100% 83% 473,766 570,286

March Quarter 100% 87% 574,602 660,490

June Quarter 100% 69% 532,429 771,131

Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 31 FINANCE

PERFORMANCE AGAINST BUDGET

Revenue 2007/08 Budget 2007/08 Actual 2008/09 Budget Advertising 150,900 153,171 161,900 Catering commissions 408,950 449,897 415,970 Corporate sponsorships (incl. WIN Naming Rights) 225,000 445,492 285,000 Costs recovered from hirers 1,271,680 1,312,752 1,103,830 Interest 55,200 87,096 84,000 Merchandising commissions 40,100 44,033 47,700 Rent 126,960 168,686 175,285 Ticketing charges, fees 253,300 277,310 195,640 Net Ticket Sales - WST Promotions 100,000 4,507 - Venue hire fees & commissions 898,300 854,678 763,270 Other revenue 68,020 85,691 75,120 Total revenue 3,598,410 3,883,313 3,307,715

Expenditure Advertising 50,000 25,367 30,000 Amortisation of leased assets 20,422 17,992 4,292 Audit fees 24,000 28,800 32,000 Bank charges 2,000 4,228 2,000 Borrowing costs 23,409 23,155 21,418 Casual staff 699,600 691,476 520,095 Catering services - recovered from clients - 14,281 - Consultants - - - Cleaning materials 40,000 36,789 34,000 Co-Promotions Expenses/Buy-ins 70,000 60,272 - Electricity and gas 160,000 156,970 158000 Entertainment 17,000 24,708 60,750 Equipment hire 165,671 124,177 128,399 General expenses 197,550 360,445 354,046 Insurance 129,200 119,420 129,200 Legal fees 21,000 5,045 23,000 Marketing and promotion 25,000 27,850 25,000 Payroll Tax 57,412 56,964 57,922 Provisions for leave entitlements 50,000 46,275 50,000 Repairs and maintenance 297,262 270,887 285,000 Salaries and wages 826,400 818,205 852,200 Security - building 3,500 2,946 3,500 Playing Surface Maintenance 42,000 41,468 42,000 Stationery, printing and postage 25,100 12,475 19,100 Superannuation 137,340 118,697 123,507 Telephone 40,360 34,635 40,360 Ticketing staff 29,500 28,703 29,120 Travelling expense 4,000 9,486 4,000 Water 56,000 41,247 56,000

Total expenditure 3,213,726 3,202,893 3,084,909 Net (deficiency)/surplus 384,684 679,143 222,806

Note: This Income Statement excludes the effects of Government Grants and Depreciation.

32 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 33 34 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 35 36 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 37 38 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 39 40 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 41 42 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 43 44 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 45 46 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 47 48 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 49 50 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 51 52 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 53 54 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 55 56 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 57 58 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 59 60 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 61 62 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 63 64 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 65 66 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 67 68 Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 INDEX

Access 2 Annual Report Production Cost 30 Audited Financial Statements 37 Budgets v Actual Performance 32 Business Operations 15 Business Strategy 17 Chairman’s Report 4 Charter of Trust 9 Code of Conduct (Trustees and Management) 12 Code of Conduct (Employees) 26 Community Support 16 Conflict of Interest Policy 12 Consultants - purpose and cost 30 Corporate Direction in the Future 17 Environmental Awareness 28 Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) 25 Ethnic Affairs Priority Statement (EAPS) 27 Event Highlights 22 Events Calendar - Entertainment Centre 19 Events Calendar - WIN Stadium 21 Executive Remuneration 24 Expenditure 29 Finance 29 Financial Performance Indicators 30 Freedom of Information 25 Future Operating Position 30 General Information 2 General Manager’s Review 7 Human Resources 23 Independent Audit Report 33 Industrial Relations 24 Internet Web Address 2 Letter to the Minister 4 Major Problems and Issues 17 Management Improvement Plans 18 Managers’ Names, Experience and Qualifications 23 Mission 9 Objectives 9 Operating Revenue and Expenditure 29 Operating Result 29 Organisation Chart 23 Revenue 29 Risk Management and Insurance 16 Time for Payment of Accounts 31 Trustees’ Names, Experience and Qualifications 10 Training 24 Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy (WRAPP) 28

Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008 69 www.wec.org.au

Wollongong Sportsground Trust Annual Report 2007-2008