CARING FOR THE MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN OF THE COMMUNITY

Annual Report 2017

Annual Report January - December 2017 menofleague.com 1 Contents

A message from the Chairman 3

Our people 5

Our committees 6

Our supporters 8

2017 Gold and Corporate Members 9

Wellbeing 12

Wellbeing highlight: Jake Steane 13

Wellbeing spend 14

Membership 15

Financials 16

Major events 18

How your membership can help 19

2 A message from the Chairman

2017 was my inaugural year as Chairman of the The appointment of experienced staff in key areas Men of League Foundation, and what a year it was! of the Foundation has further demonstrated our commitment to meet our corporate government Our founding Chairman, Ron Coote AM, decided responsibilities. it was time to step down after giving his all to the Foundation for the past 15 years. The launch of our new membership program will be a key focus in 2018. I was very pleased to I was extremely honoured to follow in the footsteps see the results of the membership survey which of such an icon, after having served on the board of showed that the top two reasons to join the directors the previous year. Foundation were to improve the lives of others, and to support the organisation financially. Since Although Ron has stepped down as Chairman, his we were founded in 2002 the main reasons to be position as Honorary President will mean that he involved have not changed. continues his involvement with the Foundation for many years to come. The wellbeing of the men, women and children involved in our great game will always be at the Every year, the Men of League Foundation takes heart of the Foundation. Wellbeing grant recipients great strides forward in supporting those in the in 2017 included everyone from former NRL greats rugby league community who have fallen on hard to our youngest and most vulnerable community times. 2017 was no exception. members. These recipients were experiencing hardship through disability, illness, injury and other Our two largest events were once again a huge challenging circumstances. It was our privilege to be success. The National Gala Dinner celebrated our able to provide financial and emotional support to 15th Anniversary while also paying tribute to those individuals and families in their time of need Ron Coote’s contribution to the Foundation. At the and the Foundation looks forward to assisting even dinner, we were very privileged to announce that more people during the year ahead. There is nothing we had been selected as the official Australian that makes me more proud of the rugby league Charity partner of the . family than the way we take care of our own. This was a fantastic opportunity that provided a platform not only for fundraising initiatives and I am truly grateful to our activations, but also for showcasing the wonderful members and corporate work that the Foundation does within the rugby partners, as well as our 40 league community. In line with the RLWC17 plus local committees and partnership, our Annual Lunch was their army of volunteers themed on World Cup success, with over 860 for making a difference people in attendance – our most successful event to those lives of the men, in the Foundation’s history. women and children in the rugby league We have taken significant steps forward to community. ensure that we meet our corporate governance responsibilities to ensure that the Foundation is financially sustainable. To assist with this, the Kind Regards, national board has created board sub-committees Prof. the Hon. assisted by external advisers to improve on our Stephen Martin service delivery. Member #465

Annual Report January - December 2017 3 “ Words cannot explain how much your charity has given me a new outlook on life “ - Mark Walsh

4 Our people

2017 Honorary Positions

Name Position Dates acted

Ron Coote AM Honorary President Started as Honorary President 27 April

The Hon. John Fahey AC Patron Whole year

2017 National Board Members

Name Position Dates acted

Prof. the Hon. Stephen Martin Chairman Started as Chairman 27 April

Geoff Thoroughgood Company Secretary Whole year & Treasurer

Mark Gasnier Board Member Resigned 27 April

Brad Howell Board Member Whole year

Alan Sullivan QC Board Member Whole year

Alan Tongue Board Member Started 27 April

Darryl Van de Velde Board Member Whole year

Helen Wood Grant Board Member Whole year

2017 Men of League Foundation Team

Name Position Dates acted

Frank Barrett Chief Executive Officer Started as CEO 27 April

Emile Assaf National Manager Whole year Corporate Services

Vanessa Bolzan National Manager Started 21 August Membership & Fundraising

Mark Bunting QLD Wellbeing & Education Whole year

Paula Feagaiga Membership & Database Executive Started 25 September

Kellie-Ann Furner National Manager Administration Started 10 August

Samantha James QLD Event Manager Started 18 April

Belinda Perry QLD Administration Officer Whole year

David Shillington QLD State Manager Started 14 August

Bruce Walker NSW State Manager Started 23 October

Annual Report January - December 2017 5 Our committees

2017 Men of League Foundation Committees Committee President Secretary Ian Gatenby Vance Rennie Bundaberg District Terry Dodd Greg Pershouse Canberra Monaro Noel Bissett Steven Troth Central Coast Don Parish Trevor Andrews Central Highlands Michael Roach RJ Stewart Central West John Lasker Norm Cook Far North Queensland John McAllister Chey Bird Far South Coast Colin Clarke Sheldon Wykes Fraser Coast Kevin Embrey Jeff Bacchi Gold Coast Ian Amos Wayne Thompson Goondiwindi Ernie Silcock Peter Sullivan Gympie Ross Groundwater Greg Pountney Illawarra Peter Fitzgerald Bob McKellar Macarthur/Southern Highlands Ron McEntee Stephen Hazelton Mackay Paul Hudson Alf Abdullah Mid North Coast Brian Atherton Kevin Rayment Newcastle Hunter Garry Leo Peter Corcoran North Coast Peter Barrett Terry Clark North West Don Pascoe John Campbell Northern Rivers Phillip Chesham Tony Cicchinelli Northern Trevor Bailey Jim Phelan Northern Territory Dave Cannon John Barry Penrith Alex McKenzie Adam Przybyla Riverina Kel Tilden Ian Lloyd Dominique McGregor Stan Smith Roma Owen Lingard Jason Coonan South Coast Chris Burke Carol Weller Southern Monaro John Bedingfield Tom Herbert Southern Sydney Terry Hughes Bruce Thompson Sunshine Coast Don Oxenham Barry Marsden Sydney Metro Henry Morris OAM Seamus O’Connell Tony Coonan Rick Laing Townsville Mark Williams Terry Feeney Tweed District John Strong Tom Cassin Upper Hunter Paul Medd Erica Edwards Western James Sullivan Justin Reid Western Region Martin Cook John Croft, Wayne Burgess Victoria Peter Foreman Greg Brentnall

6 Annual Report January - December 2017 7 Our supporters

The Men of League Foundation would like to thank the following sponsors for their invaluable support and close partnership in 2017.

2017 ClubGRANTS

We are most grateful to the following clubs who have selected the Foundation as one of their beneficiaries.

Canterbury League Club Queanbeyan Leagues Club Panthers Penrith Queanbeyan Kangaroo Rugby League Football Club The Juniors Magpies Waitara Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club Collegians Rugby League Football Club Smithfield RSL Dapto League Club Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club Cabramatta Rugby League Football Club

8 2017 Gold & Corporate Members

Our Corporate and Gold members generously supported the Foundation in 2017. We thank them all for their contribution and it is exciting times ahead as we look to review these membership models. Gold Members Corporate Members Glen Appleby Richard Holder Martin O’Rourke Dead Knick Capital Pty Ltd Neil Armstrong Mark Holmes Mark Payne Michael Deane | Barry Grace Don Bailey Bradley Howell Robyn Prenzler Wilson Anthony Hancock Matthew Benson Mitchell Joyce Yvonne Purtell George McNeill | Craig McTavish Garry Boyd Lynn Kearney Martin Raftery Joe Reitano | Colin Ward Billy Brant Jeff Kilian Michael Rasmussen Peter Brien Andrew Kippen Phillip Reid Garry Cameron Rick Laing Terry Ryan Daryl Campbell Bill Lansbury Steve Ryan Ferdinando Campisi Brendan Leamy Andrew Saunders Richard Campling William Lee Constantine Serban Greg Clay Gary Leonard Michael Sharp Andrew Coates Geoffrey Logue Graeme Smith Glenn Connor Rick Lyddiard Rod Smith Peter Corcoran Wayne Madden Mitch Spencer Bruce Cowan Scott Markham Darren Stevens Ian Cunningham Jason Markwell Luke Stewart Phil Dawe Stephen Martin Anthony Sullivan Michael De Vere James Mason Erin Sullivan Terry Dodd Sam Mayer Alan Sullivan Chris Drayton Tina McClintock Peter Sullivan Gary Driscoll Jane McNeil Rodney Summerville Luke Ellis Ken Mildwater Peter Taylor Stephen Miller Colin Foran Rodney Thompson Daniel Molesworth Rodney Geer John Tomasetig Ben Giblett Robert Murdoch Noel Towler Glenn Gillroy Trevor Murphy Justin Wakefield Gregory Glover David Murphy Ian Walker Glenn Gorick Mark Murray Stephen Want Loreen Green Rick Murray Bill Wavish Justin Hamilton James Myatt Cheng Wei Lin Wayne Hampton Dale Naumann Garry White Denis Hayes Joey Neukam Steve Williams Jeff Heard Shane Nichols Colin Woods Levi Hegarty Aaron Nicoll Steve Wylde Michael Herbert John Noakes Tony Yates Craig Higgins Nick Noonan Darrell Hinga Stewart O’Connor

Annual Report January - December 2017 9 Image: NRL Imagery

10 Image: NRL Imagery

Annual Report January - December 2017 11 Wellbeing

Wellbeing is the core business of the Men of League Foundation

In 2017, funding was distributed across In 2017 the Foundation had 159 requests for Queensland, , Victoria and financial assistance with 141 granted to the value of Western Australia, supporting wellbeing recipients $317,824 with an average grant size of $2,254. facing a wide range of challenges. Two full time Foundation wellbeing specialists Men of League Foundation grants are applied for in are key members of the executive team and a range of circumstances but most often to support are dedicated to supporting our volunteers and those experiencing hardship due to disability, committees in identifying, visiting and referring illness or injury. those in the rugby league community in need.

Each case is individually assessed, with funding In 2017, volunteer Wellbeing Officers conducted approved for a myriad of support including over 1500 wellbeing visits in the rugby league medical expenses/equipment, utility bills and other community. While the value of such a visit to assistance. a person in distress is priceless, there is in fact a quantifiable value to these thousands of Applications for support must be verified by hours of community engagement. If these visits appropriate documentation and is reviewed by were all government/privately funded it would the Board’s Wellbeing Committee chaired by amount to several hundred thousand dollars’ National Board Director Geoff Thoroughgood and worth of wellbeing support being provided by consisting of the Foundation’s wellbeing executives, the Foundation to those in the rugby league external local committee representatives and community doing it tough. workplace professionals. Our volunteers and committees are the engine Men of League Foundation grants allow families to room of the Foundation and we wish to extend our deal with the challenging circumstances they are sincere gratitude to all volunteers, especially our facing without the threat of losing their homes or Wellbeing Officers for making a difference in the not being able to put food on the table. lives of others.

12 Wellbeing highlight: Jake Steane

Jake Steane is a rugby league tragic who grew up Through this connection Jake was eventually playing the game he loves. offered a place at a facility run by Youngcare who specialise in care for young people in circumstances In 2012, Jake’s mother Gayle received a call that like Jake. Jake moved into a purpose-built facility every mother dreads. Jake had been involved in a with 24 hour care, has his own one bedroom flat serious car accident. He had died at the scene but and receives the best possible treatment. It also was thankfully revived by paramedics. Jake was meant that Gayle could be much closer to Jake than left with extensive injuries including damage to at the previous facility. his brain and as a result has required fulltime care ever since. Men of League was able to offer Gayle assistance with the setup of the new flat. Since then, the After the accident, Jake was moved to a Foundation has also funded the purchase of rehabilitation centre in Bracken Ridge. specialised medical equipment and in-house Gayle resigned from her job in order to care for her physiotherapy which helps relieve the tension son. There were very few places that someone with in Jake’s hands. Jake is much happier in his new Jake’s specific needs could be accommodated and home. He can see his mum more regularly, have with limited options available, Jake was homed in friends over for visits and mix with people his own an aged care facility. age rather than those who he lived with in the aged care facility. It has also given Gayle peace of In 2017 Jake’s friends who had been involved in mind knowing that Jake is being well cared for and fundraising events to help Jake and his mum, knowing how much he loves his new home. contacted the Men of League Foundation seeking assistance with the event. Through this contact, a In 2018 Jake and Gayle will be special guests of connection was made with Queensland Wellbeing the Men of League Foundation at the annual Manager Mark Bunting and Jake’s mum Gayle. Queensland luncheon held in September.

Annual Report January - December 2017 13 Wellbeing spend

January to December 2017

Benevolence 2017

Wellbeing Grants $277,182

Club Grants/Residential & Rehab Care $199

Flowers & Baskets Expense $6,613

Wellbeing Vouchers $53,839

Social Wellbeing Initiatives $23,718

Merchandise Wellbeing $16,976

Specific Cause Events $97,999

Indirect Benevolence $191,745

Total benevolence $668,271

14 Membership

The Men of League Foundation’s membership Member feedback program has been operating at a loss for the past A satisfaction survey was sent to members which few years which has affected the ability to help those gathered over 1300 responses: most in need in the rugby league community. Q: Why did you become a member of the Annual renewal has not been compulsory for Men of League Foundation? members who joined prior to October 2014, meaning that approximately 90% of members have not been financially contributing to the Foundation through the membership program.

A new membership model has been proposed 86% for roll out in 2018, whereby all members will be required to renew their membership annually.

New staff members have been hired in order to further develop this program and have taken the first steps to ensure a smooth roll out. Being a part of something that improves the lives of others

New membership plan To support the organisation financially Based on feedback from the membership survey To receive the benefits associated with the as well as influence from best practice membership membership - magazine, keyring, etc. programs, the following has been proposed for the Men of League Foundation’s new membership model: Membership was given to me as a gift Other • Every member will be required to renew annually • Members will have the option to renew/sign up online • 2017 membership was taken off sale in October to prepare for the 2018 program. Q: Would a $5 discount encourage 63% • Membership will be on sale again in February 2018 you to renew your YES • A $5 admin fee will be charged to anyone wishing membership online? to purchase their membership by phone or post • A $10 fee will be charged to anyone wishing to receive the magazine via mail Q: Would you pay an additional $10 • Membership categories will be named Bronze, 47% to continue to have Silver, Gold and Corporate your magazine YES • The magazine subscription will change from four mailed to you? per year to three per year • Each pack will include a keyring, membership card and bumper sticker. In addition, Silver members will receive a personalised mouse pad, Gold Members Overall satisfaction 84% will receive a personalised mug and Corporate with the Foundation Members will receive a commemorative coin • Members who sign up using their credit card/bank details will automatically be put on the rollover payment plan Members who plan • All payments will be taken through ThankQ on renewing for 2018 92%

Annual Report January - December 2017 15 Financials

The 2017 financial year was again successful for the Foundation concluding with an operating surplus of $397,106 as compared to $131,073 in 2016. The NRL grant again helped to offset operational costs and ensured that the funds raised by the Men of League Foundation are channelled to those in the rugby league community that need assistance. Corporate partners continued to support the Foundation while the major events proved to be very profitable. Special mention should go to the tireless local committees who are the engine room of the Men of League Foundation. They are the frontline of the Foundation delivering valuable support to their local communities through wellbeing visits while raising funds to continue our essential work.

Income

Memberships $94,957 2.9% Donations $190,303 5.9% Sponsorship $119,093 3.7% Grants $1,188,350 36.7% Major Events $646,304 20.0% Local Committee Events $923,110 28.5% Fundraising Other $33,604 1.0% Other Income $20,351 0.6% Interest Income $21,534 0.7%

TOTAL $3,237,606

Expenditure to income (67%)

Major Events $431,636 19.9% Local Committee Expenses $338,585 15.6% Magazine & Membership $168,452 7.8% Website & Database $64,268 2.9% Website, Advertising & $132,832 6.1% Marketing Staff Costs $806,361 37.1% Other Overheads $230,094 10.6%

TOTAL $2,172,228

16 Benevolence to income (21%)

Wellbeing Grants $277,381 41.5% Flower & Baskets Expense $6,613 1.0% Wellbeing Vouchers $53,839 8.1% Social Wellbeing Initiatives $23,718 3.5% Merchandise Wellbeing $16,976 2.5% Specific Cause Events $97,999 14.7% Staff Costs $184,750 27.7% Other $6,995 1.0%

TOTAL $668,271

Operating surplus $397,106 (12% of income)

Annual Report January - December 2017 17 Highlighted events 2017

Tweed Annual Sportsmen’s Lunch - 17 February Sydney Metro Fight Against the Odds Lunch • 92 attendees 4 August • Raised $7,166 • Souths Juniors • Attendees included Steve Gillis, Heather Hawkins, Sydney Metro Brains Trust Lunch - 24 March Wally Carr, Johnny Lewis, John ‘Bomber’ Peard • Attendees included Steve Gillis (MC), Paralympics and Committee CEO and Board • Raised $17,750 Member, Lynne Anderson, ex NRL star , 1st grade coaches Michael Maguire (Rabbitohs) and Far North QLD PM’s XIII Dinner - 20 September Jason Taylor (Tigers) • Brothers Leagues Club • Raised $25,776 • Raised $11,257

Queensland Steak & Shiraz Lunches Queensland Corporate Golf Day - 4 October with Bulls Masters - 20 April & 19 October • Indooroopilly Golf Club • Souths Leagues Club - 195 guests • 88 players • Queensland Cricketer’s Club - 150 guests • VIPs included , , Matt Guyatt, • Raised $18,275 Shane Walker, Billy Moore, Ben Walker, Chris Walker, Wally Fullerton-Smith Sunshine Coast State of Origin Lunch - 25 May • Raised $10,678 • Maroochy RSL • 278 guests with Wally Fullerton-Smith and Bundaberg Sportsmen’s Dinner - 13 October as special guests • Brothers Sports Club • Raised $19,256 • Ben Ikin as MC and special guests and Noel Cavanagh Queensland State of Origin Dinner - 31 May • Raised $10,323 • Paddington Tavern • 120 attendees Rugby League World Cup 2017 • Crowd entertained with Peter Tighe, owner of 26 October - 2 December champion horse Winx • Activated across 17 games • Raised $7,004 • Activities: Raffles, hand-outs, photo with the RLWC17 trophy, photo/autographs from players, Queensland State of Origin Long Lunch - 21 June roaming Instagram signs, 50/50 raffle integration • The Caxton Hotel (Brisbane games only) • 170 guests including Tony Currie and Ben Elias • Raised $3,958 as speakers • Raised $14,133 Sunshine Coast Golf Day - 10 November • Twin Waters Golf Club Brisbane Origin Wash Up Lunch - 21 July • Full field of 144 players • Norths Leagues and Services Club • Raised $15,726 • 240 guests with MC Ben Ikin and special guests and Sunshine Coast Christmas Lunch - 14 December • Raised $18,610 • Mooloolaba Surf Club • Special guests Geva Mentor and Ben Ikin • Raised $22,389

18 Major events 2017

National Gala Dinner – 26 July Annual Queensland Luncheon – 1 September • Hyatt Regency Sydney • Royal International Convention Centre • 557 guests with special guests including • 860 guests with guest speakers , , Ruan Sims, ARLC Ruan Sims, Laura Geitz, Andrew Symonds and and NRL representatives, NRL Clubs, sponsors Jeff Horn and supporters • Special guests included ARLC and • Hosted by Tim Gilbert NRL representatives, NRL Clubs, sponsors • Theme was “Celebrating 15 years of rugby league and supporters through the eyes of Ron Coote” • Theme was Celebrating Sporting Excellence • Raised $103,954 with World Cup Legends • Raised $118,932

How we care for the rugby league community

$4.5m+ 5865+ 2000+ in assistance hours in community wellbeing visits per year since 2002 visits per year to the ill & socially isolated

Medical Support Financial Support Assistance with surgery, rehabilitation, Assistance with medical & living equipment & specialist care expenses for those in need

Wellbeing Visits Connecting Families Friendly visits to homes & Assisting with travel & accommodation hospitals, supporting mental expenses for those who have relocated health & preventing social isolation for medical treatment

Mobility Support Home Modification Restoring freedom to the less-mobile Improving accessibility with modificationsto through providing mobility equipment the home such as ramps & handrails

Annual Report January - December 2017 19 Image: NRL Imagery

National Office Level 3, Eastern Grandstand, ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127 PO Box 7049, Silverwater NSW 2128 Email: [email protected] Phone: 02 8765 2232

Queensland Office QRL, 83 Castlemaine Street, Milton QLD 4064 PO Box 1217, Milton QLD 4064 Email: [email protected] Phone: 07 3367 6080

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