In the News
30 June 2011
This week local Mitchell MP Alex Hawke, and the Federal Member for Bennelong, John Alexander, met with the Directors of Castle Hill RSL Club and with Club President, Warren Glenny AO, to discuss the success of the Club, along with the challenges facing the Club industry.
Mr Hawke thanked the Club management for the time they provided to meet with Mr Alexander and himself and to show them the Club’s extensive range of facilities.
“John’s experience in sport and sports management, along with his extensive involvement with community groups and organisations, brings valuable experience and a unique perspective to the Federal Parliament,” Mr Hawke said.
“I know John was highly impressed with Castle Hill RSL Club when he was here earlier this year, and he was particularly interested to come back and learn more about the Club’s work within our community.
“Competition and flagging consumer confidence is affecting many clubs and businesses. We are fortunate that here in Castle Hill we have an RSL Club that is dynamic, forward-thinking, and committed to our community.”
Mr Alexander said he appreciated the opportunity to visit the Castle Hill RSL Club and was impressed by the range of facilities and how the Club continued its support to many local organisations.
“Our clubs perform a vital role within the community. They contribute to local charities and sporting and community groups,” Mr Alexander said.
“I was grateful for the opportunity to visit Castle Hill and see how the RSL is able to offer a mix of hospitality, entertainment, sporting and fitness services and facilities.
“Every region in Australia has its own unique circumstances and challenges. It is clear that the most successful Clubs are those that are integrated within their community.”
Mr Hawke said that while the diverse range of services and facilities stood Castle Hill RSL Club in good stead to meet future challenges, the Gillard Government’s proposed mandatory pre-commitment for poker machines would be a threat to many different types of Clubs, right around Australia.
“The Gillard Government’s should be taking note of the good work organisations such as Castle Hill RSL Club are doing in our community rather than undertaking an ineffective and flawed means of addressing problem gambling,” Mr Hawke said.
“There has also been little consideration of the flow-on impacts of clubs losing significant portions of their revenue. If clubs face shortfalls, their ability to provide community support will decline.”
The Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP, has congratulated his state colleagues, David Elliott, Dominic Perrottet, and Matt Kean on their recent nomination as Committee Chairs in the New South Wales Parliament.
“It is an acknowledgement of the importance of North West Sydney and will allow our local representatives to have strong input into key areas of public policy," Mr Hawke said.
Mr Hawke said that while all three portfolios held particular importance to our local community, the nomination of Baulkham Hills MP, David Elliott, is recognition that North West Sydney is an economic powerhouse and important to New South Wales’ future prosperity.
“After years of neglect and poor management of the previous Labor Government we need policies that will allow the New South Wales economy to grow in a sustained and responsible way,” Mr Hawke said.
“David Elliott as Chair of the Economic Development Committee will play an important part in shaping our State’s future economic direction.
“He brings a strong understanding of the Corporate and Government sectors to this role. I know he is determined that New South Wales has an economic climate to allow small and medium enterprises to grow, and with minimal Government interference.
“Later this year I will be bringing the Federal Shadow Treasurer, Joe Hockey, to the Hills, to meet with David Elliott, and to hear the concerns and issues of importance to local residents and small business owners and operators.
“Having a strong economy is the number one issue to our community,” Mr Hawke said.
Les Shore’s contribution to the Hills Shire will long be appreciated and felt by residents throughout our community, said the Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP.
Mr Hawke offered his sympathy to the family, friends, and loved ones of Mr Shore following his passing this week. Mr Hawke said Mr Shore’s service on Baulkham Hills Council from 1977 to 2008, his work as a local teacher and school principal, and his involvement in our local sporting and community groups is an outstanding legacy and record of achievement.
“Les Shore is a treasured and highly regarded member of our community,” Mr Hawke said. “He was a kind and gentle advocate for the Hills. He could also be a fierce and staunch opponent on issues of great importance.
“His influence and impact over so many decades has helped shape our community. His actions and influence had a positive effect on so many people over many years. He will be greatly missed.”
Hills Shire Councillor, Andrew Jefferies, endorsed Mr Hawke’s comments and recognised Mr Shore’s legacy through local sporting and youth groups.
“Les Shore’s passion and work for local sport, particularly cricket, is well known and highly regarded,” Cr Jefferies said.
“His work throughout the Hills, will long be remembered.”