On 28/11/2023 at 08:54, george_on_the_outer said:

Imagine what we would have available if we had been asked to make just a small contribution each year over that period of time.  All that has been sought has been handouts.  All we have heard in the past 4 years has been " we can't say anything because negotiations with government are in confidence" . I wonder what sort of hollow promises will be sprouted at this years AGM?

I totally understand where you are coming from on this but considering the financial history of the MFC over the last 50 years any money raised would have disappeared on deficits and debt.

On 28/11/2023 at 08:54, george_on_the_outer said:

True.  And regardless of which government is in power, there is no funding unless you have a proposal which will justify the injection of funds.  Our Boards have been asleep at the wheel for the past 40 years, and the current crop have done nothing to further that position.  Other clubs have gone to the government with all sorts of slim community benefits which justify the government putting in as well.  If we want something to happen we have to do it ourselves, then go with a proposition to the powers that be.

Jim Stynes was able to muster supporter enthusiasm to clear debts.  What has been asked of supporters in that past 40 years toward getting a home base?  Nothing. 

Imagine what we would have available if we had been asked to make just a small contribution each year over that period of time.  All that has been sought has been handouts.  All we have heard in the past 4 years has been " we can't say anything because negotiations with government are in confidence" . I wonder what sort of hollow promises will be sprouted at this years AGM?

Not sure that they will be hollow promises, they will be made with best intentions. BUT I am concerned that once again there will be little progress. 

i am not at all on board with a Caulfield option and would need to see some really substantial justification for a spot within the racing industry dominated site. Ive run around CAulfield and it is a bustling place every day of the week with horses training etc. Let alone the feature weekend events. I feel we would be lost in that environment.

I have as many know been advocating for Fishermans Bend as a greenfield site. I appreciate that this is premium land with an existing development plan. From my limited knowledge there is no entertainment, community , sporting venue included. There is an argument that surrounding area Port Melbourne and proximity to CBD would provide adequate services but with a significant presence of a prestige club with a comprehensive site and facility for the predicted population, a vibrant and economically viable option could prosper.

I do like your comment about "small contributions".  I have always said if a lot do a little, a lot gets done. We are fortunate to have followed a great club for so long and it would be good to contribute and keep it progressing for the next generation.  

I have reached out to Dlanders to get some appropriate skills for a working party and have been gratified to already have some willing supporters. I hope to build with that and arrange some project meetings. I will keep you informed and will of course seek comments of support and even criticism, and will respond to any comments.  

On 28/11/2023 at 15:40, Hawk the Demon said:

Spot on George. We have never had a comprehensive financial strategy, with sustainable fund-raising embedded - we just rattle the tins occasionally when the need arises - e.g. to get Gosch's Paddock upgraded and further work done at Casey. Foundation Heroes are now being "re-booted" - why now, why not in October 2021 when euphoria reigned? Oh the cheques that may have been written back then.

We do have the Red and Blue Foundation you know.  It is a tad above tin rattling.  However not sure how this feeds into the MFC financials, nor for that matter whether the Foundation is holding a 'war chest'.

53 minutes ago, Jontee said:

We do have the Red and Blue Foundation you know.  It is a tad above tin rattling.  However not sure how this feeds into the MFC financials, nor for that matter whether the Foundation is holding a 'war chest'.

There is no war chest. The R&B foundation is simply a means to make a tax deductible donation, which goes into general revenue. 

11 minutes ago, george_on_the_outer said:

There is no war chest. The R&B foundation is simply a means to make a tax deductible donation, which goes into general revenue. 

Thanks.  Have you seen any financial statements from the Red and Blue Foundation?  I think for Foundations you have to ask for them, rather than statements being published online; but I could be wrong, I really don't know...

20 minutes ago, Jontee said:

Thanks.  Have you seen any financial statements from the Red and Blue Foundation?  I think for Foundations you have to ask for them, rather than statements being published online; but I could be wrong, I really don't know...

No.  It just gets lumped into either "other revenue" or "general fundraising".  But it is just revenue. The "R & B Foundation" is just the means to get a tax benefit and has to be registered with the Australian Sports Foundation. 

The pity is that in previous years there were a number of sub-programmes, like AFLW, Santa Theresa oval..etc where you could direct your donation.  Those options disappeared this year.

On 30/11/2023 at 11:39, dpositive said:

i am not at all on board with a Caulfield option and would need to see some really substantial justification for a spot within the racing industry dominated site. Ive run around CAulfield and it is a bustling place every day of the week with horses training etc. Let alone the feature weekend events. I feel we would be lost in that environment.

According to the MRC website, horse training finished at caulfield in late 2021. Certainly the stables on Neerim/Queen are empty as it was used by the Railways for gate removal works and the other trainer has moved to Cranbourne.  I dont know if horses are still stabled their for other purposes.

I think on average there is a race meeting about once a fortnight, typically on a Saturday, when the demons could often be elsewhere.  There are other events held there but they typically use the facilities associated with the grandstands.  I am assuming that the MFC admin/home/gym facilities will be built on the Booran Rd side.  I think the site has alot of merit.

(Nothing to do with me living a 10 minute walk away)

10 hours ago, Jontee said:

According to the MRC website, horse training finished at caulfield in late 2021. Certainly the stables on Neerim/Queen are empty as it was used by the Railways for gate removal works and the other trainer has moved to Cranbourne.  I dont know if horses are still stabled their for other purposes.

I think on average there is a race meeting about once a fortnight, typically on a Saturday, when the demons could often be elsewhere.  There are other events held there but they typically use the facilities associated with the grandstands.  I am assuming that the MFC admin/home/gym facilities will be built on the Booran Rd side.  I think the site has alot of merit.

(Nothing to do with me living a 10 minute walk away)

thanks Jontee

Its been a while since I ran there