Hotel venture lays a strong foundation

The big decision by Warragul Industrial Football Netball Club to take over the lease of the Club Hotel in Warragul five years ago is helping set up the club for the future.

It was a move that raised some eyebrows given there are case histories of some other similar community sporting clubs trying and failing. But that has not been the story for WIFNC. A key element of that was establishing a board of directors of experienced business and management people to oversee the running of the hotel and the appointment of Neville Huggett as manager who brought his experience running a licensed premises and gaming venue.

The board also provides the liaison with the football netball club to look at new ways to make it a modern and progressive sporting organisation.

The proof is already in the pudding. Enthusiastic sponsorship co-ordinator Nikki McDonald and the Club Hotel/WIFNC finance and administration officer Jodie Pratt have brought many other businesses on board to help keep the club moving forward.

With the inputs from the hotel and support of a strong and loyal band of sponsors some major renovations have been completed at the club's social and dressing rooms and Western Park.

Development of the social club as "The Warragul Function Centre" with new and updated toilets, lighting, painting and flooring and making it available to members of the public for weddings, fund-raising events and other social activities has provided another stream of income for the club.

Contributions from the hotel have also enabled WIFNC to sponsor and support a number of local junior sporting clubs and many organisations and charities.

The Club Hotel board of directors is comprised of Tim Kubale (chair), Daniel Hilton (vice chair), George Avon, Craig Debnam, Sean McCullough and Stuart Davis.