Gladstone Rugby Union Football Club
2016 Presidential Hoorah
Steven Ball
​
What a year it has been for the Gladstone rugby union football club.
Some of the highlights from this year include moving to our new home, successfully fielding two teams, successfully attending the Golden Oldies world cup in Cardiff, having numerous senior and junior players successfully making local and state level representative sides, successfully dealing with the new format of a home and away season, and overcoming the challenges of running games at our new home.
​
With the help of Amanda Ball, we have transitioned to a new Facebook page and built and amazing website for the club. I would like to thank her for all her work she has put in throughout this year, from starting back in January and all her work she has put in with the juniors this year with four games a weekend, travelling to Rockhampton twice every week.
I would also like to thank the coaching staff of Bernie, Barry, Dave and Mark for giving up their time to help us take the field each weekend. With their assistance, we only just fell short of going back to back A Grade Premierships and missed finals by the skin of our teeth for Reserve Grade.
To all the people that worked behind the bar, cooked sausages, Ailey at the gate, help pack up and ran the sideline, I thank you.
I would like to give a massive thank you to Wendy Deacon and the entire committee and working staff of the GRL, the help they have provided in getting us settled and in the running of such an awesome facility has been appreciated. Their knowledge and help has been invaluable.
Lastly I would like to think Jonathan, David and Carl for their continued support and help throughout my presidency. Though my time as president has come to an end for now I feel that we have, as a group, built the club into a strong position and that we are leaving with the potential to become something amazing.
However this cannot happen without people contributing to building the club and therefore I am implore the playing group, old and new members alike, to put your hand up and be involved in and helping the new committee to help the club reach the heights that it is capable of.
​
I look forward to watching and helping the club grow in the coming years.
​
​
Yours in rugby,
​
​
​
​
​
President | Life Member | Dual Premiership winning player | Possibly slightly better player than Gio, possibly
2017 Presidential Welcome
Dave O'Brien
​
I’d like to give you all a confident greeting from the new Executive Committee of the GRUFC. Outcomes from our recent AGM has placed some new members in our leadership team. I’d like to pass this onto you as the new Club President for 2017.
Firstly I’d like to thank our outgoing President Steven Ball for his tireless efforts over the last few years which has left our club in a good position. A remarkable effort considering he played and ran the club at the same time, including roles in the greater CQ Rugby circles. Thankfully Steven will still be here to support us in the Past President’s role where he will provide counsel for the executive committee throughout this next year.
Jon Dalton is taking a well deserved rest after looking over our finances as the club treasurer for the last couple of years. Jon being the evergreen club stalwart will transition Shaun Templeton into the Treasurer's position over the upcoming weeks. I’d like to thank Jon for his ongoing support with our club and he will now become our important go between being our voice piece with GRL. Jon will still be a key representative for our club in negotiating direction on the wonderful facilities we share with the GRL.
I welcome Shaun to the role of Treasurer. I hope he puts as much effort into this role as he does on the field. We’ll be in good hands.
Michael De Cusack has taken on the President Elect position where he will come up to speed over the next year learning the ropes and sharing some duties with me. Mick is keen to support our club and I am grateful that we have two current players in Mick and Shaun filling the ranks in our executive team. Mick will be groomed for future Presidency as we progress through our club hierarchy strategy.
Dave Loane remains our club secretary and manages our meetings much like the referee he is with zero tolerance. Dave is a key team member that has been involved in many of the clubs decisions over the past decade where he has been an active committee member. He has stepped up again - well done mate.
Of course, Amanda is still here with us, officially filling the registrar role but we all know she does so much more. I am sure a part of Ballsy’s success is a result of Amanda’s efforts. She will continue no doubt be doing all of the seen and many of the unseen efforts that benefit us all.
Our GROGS team member carries on with Carl Weston who has only just finished organising the Old Goats with the their last game over the weekend. Carl remains enthusiastic to the cause and us old guys really appreciate his efforts and of course enjoy the hit out.
Our player rep is Isaac Wilson who did a great job on the field with Snrs and off the field this year with the Jnrs. He has now taken on representing his fellow players on our committee. He brings a level head to the table.
We are looking good finishing 2016 with our finances in the black and all 2015 bills resolved. The opportunity that Marley Brown Oval provides, positions us for a strong financial future. As a club we all need to contribute to this by moving forward and taking on opportunities where they present themselves. If we can all contribute further we will have a very successful 2017.
A key driver for me this year will be to focus on running the club well with my team and relying more on team coaches and managers to run their teams. A bit of a shift in balance to where we’ve been over the last few years. Each team have certain roles to play in our success.
I’d like to do a bit more with our young families too. It would be nice to have a few more post match gatherings that cater for our players and supporters with kids. Any suggestions to make our club a more family friendly environment after matches will be happily received.
I will continue to communicate with you all via our Facebook page over the next 6 weeks. Keep your eyes open for announcements on the start of preseason training.
Please enjoy your Christmas and New Year with your loved ones. I hope you all have a happy and safe holiday.
​
Best Regards,
