President Tony Dooley paid tribute to the club’s volunteers and staff during the “unprecedented” 2020 season at the ACE Annual General Meeting on Tuesday.
He said the “extraordinary commitment” from the management committee and staff ensured the season was completed with the “best possible outcome for our players.”
The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic stopped all club activities in March and there was a possibility of the 2020 season being abandoned. It resumed almost three later with tight regulations.
“The additional burden on all of us was handled and managed extremely well,” said the president, “so I thank you all for your additional volunteer hours and support.”
Mr Dooley told the AGM that ACE “maintains a very healthy balance sheet” and “remains in a very strong financial position”. He said help from federal government incentives ensured the financial impact of the pandemic was minimised.
“Looking forward, we will see the start of works on additional fields on the lower precinct (at South Pine Sports Complex) from mid-year,” said the ACE President.
“These will allow for greater space for better technical training of our junior teams and also welcome back the use of Field 2 from March with improved drainage and irrigation.”
Nine members of the 2020 ACE Committee were returned for 2021 have been joined by Frank Marchetti who has taken over as the club’s Fixtures Controller.
Frank has been involved with ACE for some time. His children played for the club, he coached juniors and now coaches our Over 30s Red Bears team, while also playing for the Over 45 Division 1 side.
Mr Dooley thanked those not returning to the committee for their “tremendous efforts” and thanked those taking up a new position or returning.
He said one of the aims this year would be to “identify some fresh faces capable of representing the club in the same fashion”.
There are four committee positions to be filled – Sponsorship co-ordinator, Carnival co-ordinator, Maintenance Officer and Merchandise Officer.
Anyone wishing to apply for or wanting more information on the vacant positions should email ACE Secretary Sarah Dixon on swadix@outlook.com
