CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2019

It is with much satisfaction that I submit my 2019 Chairman’s Report. The Hawthorne Club (THC) is a volunteer organisation whose Charter is to support the various organisations and players within the Newcastle and Hunter Zone, it is reliant on funding from membership fees, sponsors and Luncheons to fund its operations. THC would like to contribute more into local rugby, but, the level of support it is able to provide to these organisations is limited to the level of support THC receives via Sponsorship and attendance at our Luncheons.

After 22 years we have reached the $ 800k investment mark in local rugby and we can only continue with this level of investment with your support, which in 2019 is just under $ 40k. THC operations and costs are self-funded from membership subscriptions, fines and donations. 100% of monies raised at events, raffles auctions and from sponsorship are directed to our Rugby Investment Program activities.

2019 has been an exceptionally busy year for rugby in the Hunter, commencing with the Grass Roots in Rugby function at Maitland, followed by the NSW Waratahs visit and associated functions. Rugby brought the Wallaroos to town for a standalone Test which was well supported locally and with another round of functions. The Waratahs will be back in early 2020 and I am optimistic that the Wallaroos will return as well. THC had its annual program of functions to raise funds for our Rugby Investment Program. All this makes for a very busy calendar and results in a level of competition for attendees, sponsors and space to promote a function.

This year we have had a small surplus which can be attributed to the increased sponsorship helping THC maintain the financial commitment to the Rugby Investment Program with the NHRU representative teams, Referee’s, Women’s, Hawthorne Academy 7’s and the Hawthorne Cup.

I refer members to the Financial Report for details on 2019.

MEMBERSHIP

In 2019 we inducted 4 new members James Lawrence, David Simmons, Brynley Hill, and Jim Garis. The level of new membership interest is high which I believe is a reflection of the club’s reputation and standing within the rugby community. Sadly, for a variety of reasons a number of members elected not to renew their membership. The number of Foundation Fellows is 22 down from the original 64. Total membership is 74.

THC is acknowledged as one of the best rugby fraternities in Australia and is the envy of many other club, zone and state bodies. Members are encouraged to promote this opportunity to those who you think are committed rugby people and would contribute to THC and its Charter. The Membership Application Form is available on the website. Membership fees have remained at the same level for the last 7 years. The annual renewal fee of $75 is now due.

PARTNERSHIPS

Special thanks to Richard Jones OAM, Kylie Farrugia and the team at the WHRS. They are our charity partner and have been since the inception of THC. We look forward to continuing our support with them and HunterNet our community partners and I believe this will provide greatly beneficial in terms of THC profile, networking and other opportunities.

www.hawthorneclub.com.au | e: [email protected] | ABN 14 925 163 361

RUGBY INVESTMENT PROGRAM

The Rugby Investment Program remains the centre-point and delivery model for all things rugby within THC Charter of promoting the game in the Hunter. This year it has comprised the following:

The Hawthorne Cup in Premier 1 saw Hamilton start and finish with the Hawthorne Cup, Wanderers, Maitland and Merewether Carlton were also successful in challenging and holding the Cup. This year THC asked the Newcastle Referee’s if they would present the Hawthorne Cup to the defending or challenging team after the Premier 1 game. They agreed and it was very pleasing to see the clubs respond positively to this initiative. This activity has helped reinstate the prestige of winning the Cup and it has certainly been reflected in the positive comments of the NHRU clubs. This will continue in 2020. Hamilton will start with The Hawthorne Cup in 2020.

Premier1 Major Premiership funding prize went to Hamilton with a 5th consecutive win in the 1st grade grand final.

NHRU Cots and Women representative teams were given grants through the NHRU for assistance with their Country Week campaigns.

John Hipwell Medal to the Premier Rugby 1st Grade Grand Final Man of the Match. The winner's performance reflects the spirit of the award, which includes the qualities of strength, integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect. The winner in 2019 was Jason Hill of the victorious Hamilton team.

Attached is a History of the Hipwell Medal

The Hawthorne Rugby Academy 7s The Hawthorne Academy has continued to work at a low-key level focussing the program in 2018/19 on U/19’s and extending the program to include U/17’s so as to give talented players additional skills in 7’s rugby. This has taken the form of a 7’s squad selected from players in the Hunter to go into an off-season programme. In 2018 the Newcastle 7’s were held in conjunction with Maitland RUFC, a very successful day with the bonus of the Hawthorne Academy winning the trophy

NRURA THC renewed sponsorship of the Referee’s via the Hawthorne Scholarship program for junior referees 18 - 26 to assist in the recruitment, development and retention. The relationship with the Referee’s has strengthened over the last 2 years and I want to thank Bob Hawes and Mark Eades for their efforts and support.

Women’s Rugby THC has pledged to support local women’s rugby for the next 2 years as part of the development of teams and players. The Women in Rugby Breakfast, Guest of Honour, Jilly Collins, Head of Women’s also brought her team to Newcastle, this became the platform for local involvement in the Wallaroos V Japan Test planning.

SPONSORSHIP

Todd Bacon and Andrew Fisher, Collaborative Constructions, Wade Dean, Tooheys, Jeff Hughes, Forsythes IT, Peter Drayton and Peter Lucas, Drayton’s Wines and Brad Want, Hi Vis Signs continued their ongoing long-term support and for that we are truly thankful. Peter Drayton and Peter Lucas, Drayton’s Wines and Mark Hickey and David Read DWF Law came on board in 2019 and we thank them for their support.

www.hawthorneclub.com.au | e: [email protected] | ABN 14 925 163 361

CONCLUSION

My thanks to the committee who again worked very hard and contributed to this year. Hennie Du Plooy, Secretary has done an excellent job getting our website and payment portal operational, Rowan Burgess and Richard Jones OAM doing the heavy lifting in a couple of Events and providing continual support. The work required to be completed to deliver Luncheons is wide-ranging and at times intensive. All the committee worked hard to ensure that these events are well run and delivered a great event for members and their guests. These people have worked tirelessly for THC over the past year or more and deserve your admiration and support.

I believe that this has been another productive year for The Hawthorne Club with our support continuing through the Rugby Investment Program in many areas including the Referee’s and Women’s Rugby. We have had some outstanding Guests of Honour, renewed relationships and achieved results.

I also want to thank Brett Sutherland, Hamilton, Pat Howard, Maitland, Mitch Ostle, Southern Beaches, Greg Taylor, The Waratahs and the Waratahs Old Boys, Lloyd Kerr, Newcastle Referees and Tom Angus, University whose clubs and association were automatic attendees any THC function.

I have been involved at committee level for 6 years, the THC Constitution states a term of 3 years as Chairman, which I have served. At the 2019 AGM I will not be seeking election to the committee. Thanks to Bruce Cook, Darren Turner, Tim Morton and John Miner OAM for their support and guidance over this period. I also want to mention my gratitude to Tom Maddern OAM who was a great mentor to me in the early years of my Committee involvement.

Finally, I want to thank our sponsors, members and hardworking committee for their support and efforts. I believe THC’s reputation has been enhanced, we have strengthened relationships with the NHRU, Referee’s, HWRU and I am looking forward to 2020 when we will continue and increase our level of support and interaction in the local rugby community.

Please have a happy, healthy and safe Xmas and Holiday period.

Thank You

Mark Queenan Chairman November 2019

www.hawthorneclub.com.au | e: [email protected] | ABN 14 925 163 361

THE JOHN HIPWELL MEDAL

Initiated in 2014 by The Hawthorne Club and with the support of The Hipwell Family, The Waratahs RFC and the NHRU, the Hawthorne Club proposed that the Premier Rugby First Grade Grand Final Man of the Match be awarded “The John Hipwell Medal”.

Former Wallaby captain and Hall of Fame inductee John Hipwell OAM, passed away on the 23rd September 2013 at the age of 65.

Originating in the local Waratahs Rugby Club, Hipwell’s representative career started in 1966, when he made his debut for Newcastle and NSW Country as an 18-year-old against the touring British & Irish Lions. Later that year, he toured with the Wallabies for the first time, when the side travelled to the British Isles, France and Canada. A remarkable scrumhalf known to his friends as ‘Hippy’, Hipwell achieved much both on and off the field and was considered one of the world’s best in his day.

He played in 36 Tests and captained Australia in nine internationals and a further nine non-Test appearances. Following his playing career, he was bestowed the honour of the Order of Australia Medal in 1982 and inducted into the Wallabies Hall of Fame in 2006.

Hipwell also had the unique honour of featuring on three Grand Slam tours for the Wallabies in 1966/67, 1975/76 and 1981/82. Hipwell is remembered as a powerful scrumhalf with a beautiful long pass and a defensive style that brought an edge to the teams he played in.

Classic Wallabies program manager and former Wallabies teammate Geoff Shaw said Hipwell had made a significant impact over almost 20 years of representing Australia. “John Hipwell was a Wallaby captain, a great bloke and a very close friend of ours,” Shaw said. “He played for a very long time and made a lot of friends. He will be missed.”

Awarded to the NHRU Premier 1 Grand Final

“Best Player who has also displayed the Values of Rugby”

Winners;

2014 Andrew Tuala (Wanderers)

2015 Steve Lamont (Hamilton)

2016 Steve Lamont (Hamilton)

2017 Ratu Delanimate (Hamilton)

2018 Tom Coupe (Hamilton)

2019 Jason Hill (Hamilton)

www.hawthorneclub.com.au | e: [email protected] | ABN 14 925 163 361