VERY soon clubs in the Millewa and Sunraysia Football League’s will be asked to vote on a range of recommendations from the Sunraysia regional strategic plan.
Everything from merging the SFNL and MFL to joining the Regional Administration Centre (RAC) will be on the table.
It’s been a thorough process and the winners as a result of it will be local football and netball.
The SFNL has already indicated it won’t be joining the RAC based on the financial model presented to them.
It’s a strong stance, but one which is justified given the financial position the SFNL is in.
Why do they need assistance to manage their finances and administration when they are doing a better job of it than most other leagues around the state?
The SFNL is enjoying a prosperous period under its current management model and, while it is the first to admit there are areas to improve in, the figures tell the story.
It is a far cry from where they were several years ago, when they were in real financial strife. Through good corporate governance and some smart decisions, the league is now financially very strong.
It’s no coincidence Peter Walker’s appointment as the league’s executive officer has mirrored its success.
Walker took on the role at a difficult time, but with the support of strong boards and committed clubs the SFNL has turned things around.
The league is using its strong financial position now to give back to clubs by assisting them with capital improvement projects.
Over the past two or three years it has contributed more than $150,000 to various clubs to help improve their facilities.
It’s just another example of good management by the league.
Yet in the strategic plan, one document states: “Some thought should be given to why our leagues exist. Is the primary purpose to accumulate wealth or is it to make clubs more sustainable and through clubs promote the development of football and netball?”
This is exactly what the SFNL is doing.
Because it has been astute with its finances, it now has money in the bank.
Instead of giving clubs cash handouts, it is being responsible in how it manages its money.
It’s easy to ask what’s the purpose of the league having such a healthy bank balance?
The purpose is sustainability.
Anyone will tell you a good business is one that has enough working capital for 12 months.
The SNFL is not frightened to spend money, but it won’t waste it.
We should all be happy we have such a responsible group of people managing the welfare of local footy and netball.
