EVENT SPACE REVITALIZATION
This year, we undertook the significant task of re-establishing our upstairs
function space after GPG ended their lease in April 2023. Despite the initial
challenges, including updating broken equipment and refurbishing the bar
and kitchen, we hosted numerous successful events. These included the
Veterans Lunch and Club events like the Presentation Night and end-of-season
ball, as well as corporate events, weddings and Member birthday parties.
Remarkably, we made a small profit in our first year of managing the space,
surpassing our goal of covering the lost rent.
ACTIVATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA GROWTH
Activations continued to be a major revenue source, with successful
partnerships like La Roche Posay’s sunscreen champions initiative contributing
significantly. Our communication tool, The Surfer, and our social media
channels saw a 40% increase in engagement, thanks to the dedicated efforts
of our team.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND FUTURE VISION
I extend my gratitude to Surfer Editor and Media Officer Caroline Pierce, Social
Secretary Charlotte Willing, Naomi Tully, Glen Frost, and the entire Board of
Management, as well as all Members who contributed to this season’s success.
Your support has been invaluable.
Looking ahead, our vision is to continue building the Surf Club family, fostering
community connections, and promoting Bondi as an inclusive space for all.
Our commitment to “Vigilance and Service” and “No Lives Lost” ensures that
Bondi Beach remains a place of cherished memories for countless beachgoers.
Securing additional funding will help us maintain our status as the world’s best
and oldest Surf Club, ensuring many more successful seasons to come.
I am proud of our achievements and excited to lead the team into another
promising season, one that will surpass the successes of this year.
SEASON 2023/2024 - THE IMPORTANT BITS
•
Sponsorship and Activations: Revenue increased
•
Merchandise Inventory: Continued reduction, creating less drag on revenue
•
Website Traffic: Increased to over 55,000 users
•
Search Visibility: Increased by 28%
•
Website Visitors: Up by 60% (due to live surf cam)
•
Facebook and Instagram Followers: Increased by 12%
•
Facebook Page Reach: Increased by 40%
•
Surfer Newsletter Subscribers: Increased by more than 18%
SEASON 2023/2024 - NEW INITIATIVES
•
Introduction of the live surf cam on the website
•
The Clontarf Foundation Indigenous program
•
Continued growth of the Club brand through digital channels
•
Names & Faces App: More upgrades planned for next season
•
Maintained and gained new Sponsors
•
Growth in activations and promotions
•
Development of a strategic marketing and sponsorship plan
•
Held networking events for Sponsors and Partners
•
Held major social events throughout the season
•
Continued and strengthened the Fundraising Committee
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117TH ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2023/24