And if it wasn't for legal expenses (which are non-recurring) we would have delivered a trading profit of $21,000. This is the best trading result in over a decade and all the more impressive is that the general environment for small Registered Club's in NSW is so troubled, that 50% of registered Club's are in financial distress. I wanted to thank the entire team that made this result possible; Directors, Staff and our wonderful team of volunteers.

Across all lines of our business (bar sales, room hire, poker machines, events and rental) we have seen solid year-on year growth. The general theme for us this year has been more customers (both Polish and from the local community), leading to a stronger and more vibrant Club. The outlook is very encouraging, however we must always focus on our core business which is hospitality, and at all times deliver a great product that is good value to customers. I wanted to highlight several areas;

Sto Lat Cafe
This project was conceived 2 years ago but was only implemented this year when funds became available. It is the nicest room our Club has ever had in its history. The opportunity to sit in very comfortable surroundings and have either a drink, cake/coffee or a light meal is obviously very appealing. Many thanks to everyone who works there as a volunteer or worked on its construction. It needs to also be said that every successful Registered Club offers multiple eating areas. In Ashfield for example the Catholic Club has 2 eating options and Wests Leagues has 3 to choose from. Our intention to offer choice to our Members and customers is industry best practice.

Advertising/Events/Functions
A key component of our growing success is good advertising that reaches both the Polish and the local community. Our Facebook page has exceeded 1800 likes, and the advertising for the upcoming Magda Szubanska book launch on Friday night (20 November 2015) was viewed by an amazing 15,000 potential customers.

Our Club is all but booked out till the end of the year and we have strong commitments and bookings for 2016. We are now receiving interest from Polish organisations (who receive a discount) and other community groups who don't have their own Club but feel welcome in our Club and clearly enjoy the Polish/European experience. During 2015 we have tried very hard to deliver Polish themed events and we do believe that through a good partnership arrangement with the wider community as well as our own sources we will continue to deliver this in 2016 and beyond.

Club Vibrations
This icon from the 1980's was resurrected almost 3 years ago. Despite many challenges (with changes made to promoters, DJ's, sound and lighting hire companies) we now have a succesful formula that is really working very well. Of note, none of these former service providers took us to court. Club Vibrations is our brand and we run it approximately every 6 weeks. On the night the venue looks great with remarkable atmosphere, so much so that these customers return on other days and use the Club for meals or functions.

Car-Parking
Members would remember that in 2013 we ran a Capital Appeal to fund the implementation of paid parking during the day when the Club is not in use. Through your generosity we built what was needed and today we have achieved an almost full car-park with 23 out of the possible 29 spaces rented out to people working locally either for Government or Private business. When we tally up a full year result from this current level of rentals we have approximately $30,000 per annum in revenue for the Polish Club.

In finishing up, I have also note the disappointment I and almost everyone has with the legal matter that has been ongoing for over 2 years. I acknowledge that we lost in the High Court and of course we will abide by the outcome. However, it must be said that there is no justice for us and our Members. And a very small group of people (mostly non-Members) who have over indulged in defamation, lies and ridiculous accusations have all been exposed for what they are; sad individuals driven by a mix of self-interest, ignorance and spite. We have sufficient funds to meet our obligations regarding the court costs, though we would prefer to spend these funds on improving our Club for the enjoyment of Members and customers.

My very sincere thanks to the entire team that has made our 2015 possible. And thank you to the wider Polish and local community that has stood by us through such a challenging time; we are all wiser regarding what is happening around us, that much closer as a community after sharing such a distressing time together, and indeed all of us are that much more aware of the wonderful opportunities our Club has in its future.

Richard Borysiewicz
President-Polish Club Limited (Ashfield)