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Governance training that student leaders actually enjoy. Found out what people think of Out of the Boardinary. Designed specifically for student leaders, office bearers and the staff who support student associations and clubs, the program takes complex governance concepts and turns them into practical, interactive learning that participants can apply in their roles.
What a Proper Board Induction Actually Looks Like Most new board members start their role the same way. Someone sends them a copy of the minutes from the last few meetings. Maybe a link to the constitution. A brief conversation in the car park after the AGM. And then they are in the chair, expected to contribute, expected to vote, expected to govern. An email with attachments and a vague invitation to ask questions is...
The The Difference Between a Committee Member and a Board Director If you asked ten people sitting around a club committee table to explain the difference between a committee member and a board director, most of them would either say the two terms mean the same thing, or they would hesitate and then give an answer they are not quite confident in. This is not unusual. In the Australian community sport and not-for-profit sector, the...
The Three Things Volunteer Board Directors Get Wrong in Their First Year Most committee members do not fail because they stop caring. They fail because nobody told them what the role actually required, so they kept doing what they had always done, making assumptions that seemed reasonable at the time and gradually drifting into patterns that undermine the organisation without anyone quite realising it. The three mistakes below are not rare edge cases. They are...
What Nobody Tells You When You Move from the Field to the Board You said yes because you care about the club. Maybe someone asked you directly. Maybe you watched a position go unfilled for the third year in a row and decided you had to step up. Maybe you thought it would be a natural extension of the work you were already doing. Whatever the reason, you said yes. And now you are sitting...
Don’t Leave Money on the Table: The Secret to Retaining Club Sponsors Landing a major sponsor for your sports club is a great feeling. The cheque clears, the logo goes on the sleeve of the jersey, and the committee breathes a sigh of relief. Job done, right? Wrong. Taking a sponsor’s money and slapping their logo on a shirt is the quickest way to ensure they never sponsor your club again. Grassroots clubs are notoriously...
Is Your Club a Hobby or a Business? Why Structure Matters There is a hard truth that many passionate volunteers need to hear: a grassroots sports club is a body corporate with perpetual succession. It is a business with a structure that will outlast the leaders at the helm today. Yet, far too many committees are still running their clubs like hobbies. Ironically, a good business feels like a really great hobby for its members,...
What Grassroots Clubs Can Learn from Toyota About Customer Retention In grassroots sports, player registration is too often treated as a seasonal transaction. A four-year-old signs up for a MiniRoos or introductory program, stays for a year or two, and then bounces to another club. It’s a constant game of musical chairs. Clubs often focus entirely on this year’s registration fee, completely missing the bigger picture: Customer Lifetime Value (CLV). To understand how to keep...
Stop Complaining, Start Building: Why Proactive Clubs Always Win It’s a tale as old as time in grassroots sport: your club is stuck in a “time warp” facility, sharing a severely overused pitch with another code, while a club a few suburbs over just scored millions of dollars in council funding. It is incredibly frustrating. The disparity in local government funding, the draconian facility-sharing arrangements, and the feeling that your sport is constantly fighting an...
How Strategic Planning Sets Your Club Up for Long-Term Success Strategic planning is one of the most important and most underestimated tools available to not-for-profit organisations. When done well, it provides clarity, confidence and direction. When done poorly (or not at all), clubs find themselves stuck reacting to problems, repeating the same conversations year after year and struggling to move forward. Strategic planning isn’t about creating a document for the sake of it. It’s about...
The Importance of Setting Membership Fees the Right Way Setting membership fees is one of the most important financial decisions any community sports club will make. Fees influence your financial stability, the quality of your programs, volunteers workload and the value members perceive in your club. Yet many clubs still set their fees based on guesswork, tradition or a small, arbitrary increase on last year’s price. A more professional approach ensures your club covers its true...
Multi-use facilities are now a fact of life for Councils and community sport. As populations grow and land becomes scarcer, sharing infrastructure is no longer optional. But while the logic is sound, the execution often isn’t. Poor design decisions, unclear rules and weak governance can turn shared facilities into ongoing sources of tension. This article explores why multi-use facilities so often go wrong, and, more importantly, what actually makes them succeed.
Many clubs unknowingly operate on outdated assumptions that quietly hold them back. This article exposes the ten most damaging myths in Clubland and offers practical, real-world strategies to strengthen governance, support volunteers and build a more sustainable, future-focused club.
Australian families are being priced out of junior sport. But what is the true cost of 'cheap' sport? This is a sensitive conversation, but it’s one we must have if we are serious about creating a sustainable and genuinely inclusive future for grassroots sport in Australia.
True growth isn’t just about bigger memberships or new facilities — it’s about getting the foundations right. Discover how strengthening your club’s governance, finances and strategic direction can create sustainable growth that lasts. Learn how to build the solid base every thriving club needs before chasing the big goals.
Every club has an “elephant in the room” - that unspoken problem everyone knows about but nobody wants to mention. It might be a long-standing debt, a committee member resisting change, outdated systems or a culture stuck in old habits. Ignoring it doesn’t make it disappear, it only grows heavier and harder to manage over time. The most successful clubs are the ones that have the courage to name their elephants early, face them head-on...
For many groups in Australia, becoming an incorporated association is the answer to structuring themselves. This legal status means the organisation can act on its own, protecting members from personal liability and building credibility with funders. It’s a robust and flexible structure for any group looking to grow and operate with confidence.
Confronting unspoken problems – often referred to as ‘elephants in the room – early in your club’s strategic planning and governance discussions is essential for genuine progress and effective problem-solving. Picture this: It’s 1999, and I’m facilitating a planning session for an AFL club in Palmwoods. We’d spent a full weekend brainstorming, strategising, and building an exciting vision for their future. Everyone was buzzing, filled with enthusiasm and great ideas. However, as the session neared...
Price sets expectations. Members read your fee and picture the experience before they arrive. Think budget airline versus full-service airline. Lower price, lower experience. Higher price, higher experience. Clubs are no different. Why racing to the bottom hurts members When a club chases the lowest fee in the league it quietly starves the very things people value. Coach quality slips. Safety corners get rounded. Communication lags. Volunteer time balloons because systems are clunky. A cheap...
A friend recently messaged me after seeing one of my videos and said, “I love the Lego space shuttle behind you. I remember you’re a big space nerd.” Well, yes, I am. But what they didn’t see was the other Lego rocket on the shelf — my Saturn V. It’s always had pride of place at home, and for good reason. Not just because I’m fascinated by space, but because it’s the perfect reminder of...
Sunshine Coast Gympie Senior Rugby League has adopted a modernised constitution with unanimous support from its club delegates. Working with CPR Group, Sunshine Coast Gympie Senior Rugby League simplified and clarified its governance document, making it easier to read, aligned with current standards and better suited to support effective decision-making.
Discover why a proper club email address can boost your professionalism, impress funders and protect your club’s data - without breaking the bank.
A disaster plan in a binder won’t save the day. True resilience comes from a living strategy embedded in your organisation’s culture. CPR Group helps councils and community organisations turn static documents into practical, tested tools that work in real emergencies, building lasting capability to protect people, assets and the community.
Sport unites, but true belonging needs more than posters. These six tips will help you transform your club culture, widen participation and give your next grant bid a winning edge.
Discover how a one‑month crossover handover, where incoming committee members shadow the outgoing team, can transform your club’s succession planning.
A well-designed website is essential for any not-for-profit organisation. It serves as the digital front door, providing an accessible and centralised platform to share the organisation’s purpose, values and offerings...
Everyone who plays a role in the not-for-profit sector, whether as a volunteer, administrator, Council officer or peak body rep, needs to understand that 'not-for-profit' is very different from ‘no-profit'. This article provides a timely reminder about the true meaning of the term ‘non-profit’.
Club committee politics can be a huge challenge for the volunteers involved. However it often also impacts Council or peak body staff, who are called upon to make sense of club conflicts.
What does the future hold for the 280 or so bowls clubs currently operating in Queensland? Confronted by declining memberships, increasing maintenance costs and ageing volunteers, many face a perfect storm. Add in the impacts of coronavirus restrictions and it is easy to see that, for many bowls clubs, their very survival is at risk.
As clubs are warming up for the 2021 winter sporting season, you can actively re-engage with your members after a disrupted 2020. Start with a clear strategy, and a shared vision for what your marketing needs to ACHIEVE, and then use stories to connect with the right people, using the right messages that speak to them, emotionally.
We are excited to share news about our ongoing partnership with the Metropolitan Districts Netball Association (MDNA). Since 2013, CPR Group has been working with MDNA on various projects, with the most recent being the creation of their 2022-2024 Strategic Plan. Developed with a new vision in mind, this plan surpasses the previous plan and will guide the association towards greater success in the coming years. MDNA is now well-positioned to meet the future demands of...
In this article we explore the importance of cultural awareness and striving for cohesion and understanding in our community. We discuss the meaning of cultural awareness, which involves understanding and appreciating different cultures, traditions, values, beliefs and practices. We also suggest how individuals and organisations can build relationships, foster inclusivity and avoid misunderstandings and conflicts by being culturally aware. This article provides practical tips for sports clubs and community organisations to promote cultural awareness and create...
It’s not surprising that we have seen a rise in multi-user, shared or multi-purpose facilities. Multi-use facilities provide a feasible solution when the availability of greenspace is limited, when clubs have smaller membership numbers or distinct playing times, or when resources are limited. However, we have found that there is an expectation from some clubs that the Council will provide each club with their very own exclusive clubhouse and activity space. The dissonance between expectations...
We know AGM season can be a stressful time for clubs. The good thing about AGMs is that they only come around once a year… unless you’re like Michael and Steve and get to go to AGMs for lots of clubs, all year round.
Meetings are important for any organisation. They help make decisions that contribute to your organisation’s growth. However, not all meetings are effective. Here are some dos and don’ts of effective meetings that can help you make your meetings meaningful.
Does your club ‘move’ and ‘second’ motions without knowing what it means? You’re not alone. Inspired by a question from a club volunteer, we discuss what makes a good motion and why it’s important.
A facility sinking fund is a fund created to set aside money for future facility expenses. They are used by sport and community clubs who have responsibility for facility costs, often through a lease with their local council.
When thinking about the ‘value proposition’ of sports clubs, it’s critical to strike a balance between keeping sport accessible, given that it is such a prominent part of Australian culture, and keeping clubs sustainable.
As the economy recovers over the coming seasons, start a journey to a new business model for sports clubs that accounts for the amazing value that these clubs contribute to your community, both economically and socially. Strategically setting your club’s value proposition is always a choice – your choice as a community leader in sport.
Over the past 24 years, we have seen this happen to plenty of clubs; they start out as a volunteer-run organisation, then it gets harder and harder to recruit and keep volunteers. All the while, they’re attracting more members. The few volunteers they have start getting burnt out, so, without a formal process in place, they start to pay some people to do the work for which volunteers can’t be found.If there are dodgy payments...
To ensure your club is a safe and happy place, there are some considerations that your management committee should make to protect your members and the community.
An MPIO can act not only to provide information about complaints, policies and procedures, but also to prevent issues in the first place. By being present, connecting with members and providing guidance to Committees and volunteers, MPIOs can foster cultures of safety and inclusion.
Recent news articles exposed that elite school sporting associations in Brisbane have been quietly offering enticing sporting scholarships, not only to the gifted athletes, but also to their siblings, to entice talented sports stars to move schools. How committee members need to bring their business smarts to their volunteer roles in sport.
2020 has been a fascinating year for fuelling the flames of committee conflict. News outlets and social media thrive on shock tactics, and with most people consuming terrible news all day long, there’s little wonder that by the time people get to committee meetings in the evening, they are likely to begin in a pretty miserable state and end up in nasty quarrels.In this article, Michael Connelly shares some surprising stories about the lengths committee...
Sandgate Hawks Football Club was going to shut, until the board decided to make a change.Listen to the interview with Chad Polinski and Des Warnock where they discuss how they turned the club around and provide advice to other clubs that may find themselves in a similar position.
Too many sports clubs are targeted in cyber attacks as 'easy pickings'. Clubs must apply the same rigour as government and businesses to protect their valuable information, not to mention their reputation and their money.
Since high school, we’ve been taught to set SMART Goals. For the most part, this is ok, but there is a fundamental drawback to setting SMART Goals. So clubs should be setting Goals that are not SMART for their clubs instead!
Many Councils are finding themselves responsible for the new era of community museums. While this transition to Council management may bring fears of uncertainty – it is also an opportunity to secure a feasible and exciting future for our community museums. One thing is for certain, the old way of doing things is no longer sustainable.
As the pressure on public open space continues to grow, how can local governments best plan for effective multi-use of sports grounds? The shared use of sports facilities remains a hot topic, especially as land becomes more valuable in densely-populated and fast-growing communities. So where should a Council wishing to develop a community leasing policy or a tenure policy for shared use of sports grounds begin? In this article, we share what we think it...
Toombul District Cricket Club has had a lot of success on the field, but their grounds have had a more adverse history. With support from Queensland Cricket and Brisbane City Council, CPR Group has been engaged to develop a master plan and project implementation plan for the facility improvements.
Clubs often invite too many people to their meetings for the wrong reasons, thereby creating large groups that make it challenging to work together. Smart clubs identify the purpose of each meeting and invite participants accordingly.Here are some types of meetings and a suggested number of participants for each.
By following four very simple rules, meetings should run for no longer than one hour, and all of that time should be productive. Here is a list of my favourite tips for getting more accomplished in meetings.
Did you know that the average Australian volunteer spends 2.5 hours per week volunteering? If your volunteers are spending well over that amount, which they most likely are, congratulations, your organisation is full of above average volunteers!
Mergers and amalgamations are in the wind. They’re being whispered about in committee meeting rooms and broadcast widely as many sports become ‘one’. CPR Group’s Director of Sport and Community Development, Steve Connelly, has been helping lots of clubs with the process. He’s seen the fears, the hold-ups, and the long-term benefits that can occur with each club’s journey to one entity.Let’s get rid of the whispers and discuss mergers and amalgamations.
No matter your definition of sporting success, whether it’s a bucket load of gold medals, growing participation numbers, or everyone just having a rollicking good time – governance is largely considered a pivotal factor of success.
University clubs and societies can be the heart of campus life. CPR Group has worked extensively with university guilds across Australia, from constitution reviews to election support. One of our recent projects was the development of club governance training for Tertiary Access Group (TAG).
In a recent episode of our Basket Case Clubs podcast, Michael and Steve Connelly addressed the importance of Council officers pushing the right projects and how volunteers in clubs should commit to good project planning. This approach can increase political benefits to elected representatives and make sure Councils deliver the best projects for their community.
After the completion of the Coronation Park (Mossman Showgrounds) and the Port Douglas Sports Complex Master Plans, clubs have been empowered to improve their club’s facilities, and are working together to progress the whole site for the community.
Data modelling and analysis, hand in hand with community consultation can provide the basis for realistic, long-term and balanced sport and recreation facility planning for a town, a region, or state and national sport.
For generations, the federated model of community sport in Australia has shaped how clubs operate. From national bodies to state associations, zones, regions and finally down to clubs, the structure made sense when the secretary’s weekly visit to the local PO box was essential to relay information step-by-step through each layer. However, in today’s world of instant communication, where emails, tweets and posts connect us within seconds, it is my opinion that this model no...
Club IQ was developed to strengthen Queensland’s sport and recreation sector by providing resources and tools to club volunteers. The project aimed to equip volunteers with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to build strong, sustainable clubs that would thrive well beyond their tenure. CPR Group led the initiative to support the long-term success of over 10,000 clubs across Queensland.
While membership growth is important for clubs, a focus on keeping current members happy and engaged is a critical first step. In this Marketing Corner, we will look at management committee considerations revolving around retaining current members. In the world of clubs, the focus is often on growth and expansion. Attracting new members is a natural goal, promising fresh energy and possibly new volunteers. However, the foundation of a successful not-for-profit organisation lies in the...
Are you involved with sports club maintenance, or involved in community leasing for sport facilities at the local Council level? If so, you won’t want to miss this combined webinar from industry experts CPR Group and SPORTENG. Maintenance obligations for lessees is a challenging and often-misunderstood area. This session brings together experts to provide you with practical guidance and strategic insights to address these common pain points. Michael Connelly, from CPR Group, will delve into...
Author: Courtney Frederiksen, CPR Group We all know that walking is good for us. Some of us even track our steps daily, striving to hit that recommended number. Personally, I feel the effects when I don’t walk enough—that ache in my shoulder starts up again and my mood gets a little darker. Walking not only stretches my body but also provides a much-needed rest for my mind. My appreciation for walking deepened significantly during the...
Navigating the world of grants can often feel like an overwhelming and complex task for Councils. Between identifying suitable grants and ensuring a successful application, the process can sometimes be fraught with stress and uncertainty. Fortunately, CPR Group helps to streamline this process and make grant applications a breeze. Streamlined Grant Search CPR Group assists Councils in identifying grants that align with their specific projects. We understand that every Council has unique needs and priorities....
Author: Pete Griffiths, CPR Group As part of our ongoing work with AFL Queensland, CPR Group recently completed a venue improvement plan (VIP), including a master plan, for the Noosa Tigers Australian Football Club. While the primary aim of the VIP is to assist the club in meeting the minimum AFL facility guidelines necessary to host State level competition, it’s also an invaluable resource for the club in other ways as it grows and develops...
Authors: Michael Fisher and Mark Fox, CPR Group Many of us remember communal showers as part of historically designed amenities in sporting facilities. Some of us still play at facilities that have these in place! Modern facilities are adapting to be more inclusive, recognising the diverse needs of all participants. This is especially important if you want to widen your user groups and ensure the best possible chances from funding opportunities. Facilities incorporating inclusive design,...
A New Resource Hub for Volunteers We are incredibly proud to announce the launch of ClubIQ – a comprehensive suite of resources and videos designed specifically for volunteers managing sports and recreation clubs in Queensland. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport (DTIS), marks the creation of a centralised hub of valuable and reliable information for clubs and associations throughout Queensland. ClubIQ represents a unique opportunity to support community...
By Michael Connelly – Managing Director at CPR Group and Tennis Dad Navigating community sport from multiple vantage points offers many advantages and a multifaceted perspective. As the Managing Director of CPR Group, my professional journey intersects with sport and the not-for-profit sector, enabling collaborations with an array of stakeholders including governments, Councils, clubs, associations, universities and state and national governing bodies. As a tennis Dad to my son Ethan, a self-driven athlete with support...
In today’s digital age, where social media platforms reign supreme, Facebook stands as a titan in the realm of online connectivity. With billions of active users worldwide, it’s no wonder that organisations of all sizes are leveraging Facebook’s advertising tools to amplify their online presence. Among these tools, one strategy stands out which is boosting Facebook posts. Boosting Facebook posts involves investing a dedicated amount of money to expand the reach and engagement of your...
Upload your constitution for an initial assessment for compliance to current regulations. (*Eligible to Australian not-for-profit registered organisations only) The foundation of any successful sporting club, or other not-for-profit (NFP) organisation, lies in its constitution. A constitution contains the governance rules of the club and serves as the guiding framework that outlines the organisation’s objectives, structure, governance processes and member rights. While establishing a constitution is a crucial step for any NFP organisation, ensuring it...
Take a look at your club’s committee members. What do you see? Do you see a mix of people of different backgrounds, experiences, genders, cultures and ages? Hopefully the answer is YES. The benefits of having a diverse range of views and experiences represented on your club committee are well established. Being able to draw upon a variety of views and experiences will lead to more informed discussions and better decisions. As an example, studies...
One of the most rewarding elements of CPR Group’s planning projects is when we see our plans result in great facility outcomes for the community. One recent example that we are proud to share is the Deception Bay Community Hall. In 2018, Moreton Bay Regional Council identified strong demand for flexible, multipurpose community space in Deception Bay and engaged CPR Group to assist with planning to appropriately meet this demand. At the time, Deception Bay...
A Sporting Club Facility Master Plan and Strategic Business Plan The Wests Juniors Australian Football Club embarked on a Facility Master Plan and Strategic Business Plan project to ensure its long-term viability. The club enlisted the expertise of CPR Group for this endeavour, leveraging our extensive background in strategic facility planning to guarantee a successful outcome. The project aimed to provide a strategic roadmap for the next three to five years, focusing on infrastructure refurbishment,...
Marketing Corner Marketing to different audiences requires a tailored approach to engage and effectively connect with each group. Firstly, it’s essential to understand your customers’/members’ unique needs and preferences. This involves research to identify demographics, behaviors and pain points. Once segmented, tailored messaging can be crafted to speak directly to each group. Selecting the right channels, such as social media or email, is crucial for reaching them effectively. Personalised marketing tactics including customised content to...
We’re reaching out to share some important updates from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) that may impact your sporting club or non-profit. As part of our commitment to keeping you informed and prepared, we’ve summarised the key changes and what they may mean for you. This change relates to income tax exemption and introduces a requirement for all not-for-profit organisations with an active Australian Business Number (ABN) to lodge an annual not-for-profit self-review return to...
Register now for a free grant writing webinar delivered by Australian experts in the field. Have you ever wanted to learn how to prepare more persuasive grant funding applications? Our upcoming free grant writing webinar is your gateway to success in winning crucial grant funding. CPR Group has assisted organisations for over 26 years in becoming grant-ready and winning important funding to support priority projects. Although grant writing isn’t a skill you can learn overnight,...
Get ready for some important changes coming your way if you are an incorporated association in Queensland! Beginning on July 1 2024, incorporated associations will see significant adjustments in how they handle internal grievances. To ensure compliance, your organisation must adhere to the grievance procedure outlined in the model rules or opt for an alternative procedure that aligns with Section 47A of the Associations Incorporation Act 1981, incorporating it into your association’s constitution. Although the...
How can our team help your club or association in 2024? In a world where the vitality of community organisations and sporting clubs is paramount, CPR Group stands tall as a loyal supporter, providing indispensable services for over two and a half decades. As we reflect on our journey, we are excited to share our continued commitment to fostering the growth and success of these valuable not-for-profit organisations. Often, we encounter queries about our role...
In the heart of every thriving community lies a complex web of interactions, relationships and structures that define its very essence. Among these, community leasing stands out, especially within the realm of local government. It’s a domain where Councils play a pivotal role, not just as regulators, but as enablers of community, sport and recreation organisations that breathe life into our cities and towns. The Landscape of Community Leasing Across Councils, the sheer number of...
Promoting walkability in towns and cities is increasingly recognised as a pivotal goal for fostering healthier and more sustainable communities. The Queensland Government’s ‘Queensland Walking Strategy 2019–2029 (QWS)’ and the Action Plan for Walking “coordinates and integrates the state’s approach to walking so communities can be made better for people of all ages and abilities. The strategy recognises the critical role that walking plays as part of a single integrated transport system accessible to everyone...
Mark Fox Strategic Writer and Researcher | B.Env.Plan. (First Class Honours) CPR Group welcomes Mark Fox to our CPR Group Planning team. Mark is an experienced town planner and project manager with 20 years in the development industry. His extensive hands-on and leadership experience covers local government development assessment, master planning, private retail planning and a long list of business and industry improvement initiatives. Through Mark’s roles on the Sunshine Coast, London and Ireland, he...
Rather than sending you a gift this Christmas, we are excited to let you know that we are sponsoring Diamond Spirit. Diamond Spirit is a holistic community engagement program, which uses netball as a vehicle to engage, empower, and educate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls in remote and regional communities across Queensland. For more information visit: qld.netball.com.au/diamond-spirit
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for any organisation, and not-for-profit organisations are no exception. A website is a valuable tool that can help not-for-profits achieve their goals and create a positive impact in their communities. Here are some compelling reasons why every not-for-profit should have a website: Audience reach: A website is a platform that allows not-for-profits to reach a broader audience. It serves as a 24/7 information hub,...
As Australia gears up for the year 2024, the sporting landscape is set to undergo a transformation in terms of facilities, infrastructure and community engagement. Our nation, known for its passion for sports, is investing in the future by planning for state-of-the-art sporting facilities that will not only support elite athletes but also enhance community participation. Here’s a look at what’s on the horizon for sporting facilities in Australia in 2024 and beyond: Upgraded Stadiums:...
Stuck for ideas on what to send as Christmas greetings to your club members? Then come read our article to learn how to strengthen bonds during this time of joy and togetherness!
Sports clubs play a crucial role in promoting physical activity, fostering community engagement and enhancing personal well-being throughout Australia. However, sports clubs need a strong and active membership base to thrive and achieve their goals. In this article, we will explore strategies for attracting more members to your sports club in Australia. Embrace Inclusivity and Diversity To attract a broad range of members, it’s essential to be inclusive and diverse. Welcome individuals of all ages,...
We are excited to announce that in 2024, our new restructured clubMENTOR program will make our on-call services available to many more not-for-profit sporting clubs and community organisations. Every day, our experienced consultants assist management committee members with day-to-day governance-related questions and help solve clubs’ operational issues. We offer peace of mind. With clubMENTOR you can simply pick up the phone or send an email to your dedicated clubMENTOR consultant to receive dependable advice. It...
In the vibrant world of the golfing community, the choice of governance structure for not-for-profit organisations is a crucial decision that sets the stage for effective operations and legal protection. Queensland and Northern Territory golf clubs primarily opt for either Incorporated Associations (IA) or Companies Limited by Guarantee (CLG) as their governance structures. In this article, CPR Group explores the characteristics of these two structures and their implications for golf clubs across the states. ...
The heart and soul of a community often lie in the venues where people gather. Through our work on the Sunshine Coast Community Venues Audit Report, we uncovered invaluable insights that will shape the future of community venues in the region. Our sporting clubs have unique potential as community venues. What’s the path forward to activate sporting clubs as community venues?
Succession planning, an important aspect of long-term stability, has proven challenging for several local organisations within your LGA. Key hindrances span from members' uncertainties about leadership responsibilities to the perception that current leaders are unparalleled, compounded by the knowledge void created upon their departure. Moreover, stringent regulatory demands often divert attention from crucial long-term goals. However, by integrating succession measures into routine strategic discussions, championing the transfer of knowledge through mentorship programs and understanding succession...
In an age dominated by digital marketing, Councils nationwide might question the significance of traditional signage. At CPR Group, we emphasise that while digital outreach is transformative, the essence of on-ground signage for community spaces remains pivotal. Effective signage serves as the forefront of a community’s identity, leaving lasting first impressions, reinforcing brand values, and notifying locals of seasonal events or offers. To truly capture your community's heart, the synergy of stellar design, clarity, and...
Across Australia, community organisations are dealing with the dwindling number of volunteers. The reasons? Societal changes, shifting interests and evolving commitments. The challenge is universal, yet the solutions may lie in innovative thinking and adaptive strategies. As CPR Group, with over 26 years of deep-rooted experience in supporting Australian organisations, we urge you to recognise the seismic shifts in the volunteering arena. The age-old strategies might no longer yield the anticipated fruits. As such, it's...
CPR Group is deeply proud of our long-standing association with Golf Australia and golf clubs across the country. We understand the dynamics, challenges and aspirations of the golfing community and are dedicated to providing tailored support and expert guidance in an ever-evolving landscape.
Working hand-in-hand with Longreach Regional Council, we're proud to have collaborated on the Park and Streetscape Infrastructure Manual. This toolkit provides a structured guide for the region’s townships – ensuring a cohesive and vibrant community feel. The Infrastructure Manual is an essential document for any council looking to create vibrant, welcoming and sustainable communities. Through the use of placemaking principles and a focus on reinforcing each township's unique identity, this Manual helps Council to save...
Get ready to master the art of AGM preparation with Basket Case Club’s exclusive mini-series, just in time for AGM season! 📆 In this debut episode, the Basket Case Bros are diving into the importance of early AGM date and time selection, and ensuring you allocate sufficient time to prepare your financials – remembering that this is a mandatory aspect of your AGM! But that’s just the beginning! 🚀 Register and join us on October...
In this article we discuss the importance of facility management for clubs and community organisations. Organisations, often run by volunteers, bear the responsibility of managing community infrastructure worth millions. Councils and organisations share the duty of maintaining various types of infrastructure. As Councils across Australia demand greater compliance in facility management, the consequences of neglect are highlighted through instances of organisations falling into ruin due to lack of cleanliness and mismanagement of assets. Emphasising that...
Unlock your organisation’s potential with the power of effective marketing. By understanding your target market, you can craft messages that resonate with potential members or sponsors, making your organisation more appealing and impactful. From understanding your audience's interests and needs, to finding the best channels to reach them, targeted marketing is a game-changer. Embrace this strategy to see an increase in membership, volunteer involvement and sponsorships.
By engaging a strategic planning expert, your organisation can reap benefits such as an unbiased perspective, expertise in facilitating complex planning processes and effective time management. CPR Group helps keep the planning process focused, prevents it from getting lost in day-to-day operations and contributes to crafting an engaging an effective strategic plan. For your organisation, this approach can save you precious volunteer hours and ensure a long-term vision is clearly defined. Reach out to CPR...
For over 25 years, CPR Group has been a steadfast supporter of Australian clubs, organisations and Councils. We possess a deep understanding of the diverse perspectives involved in ensuring the successful operation of sports clubs and community organisations. Throughout this year, CPR Group has taken a proactive approach by hosting a series of free webinars, aimed at equipping these groups with effective strategies to overcome their most pressing challenges. So far this year, we have...
Within every organisation, the ultimate aim is to cultivate a team of happy and engaged volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time and expertise to support the community. Yet, what precisely characterises a fulfilled volunteer? How can we establish an environment that nurtures joy and fulfilment among our volunteers? This article embarks on a journey to unravel these questions, offering valuable insights into volunteer management specifically tailored for Australian volunteers engaged in sports clubs and community organisations.
Effective functioning of any organisation, such as a sporting club, charity or community group, hinges on the presence of good governance. It encompasses transparency, accountability, and the adoption of sound policies that yield benefits for all stakeholders. Recognising the importance of this topic, CPR Group conducted a poll to discern the most crucial elements of good governance, as perceived by our clients. The obtained results offer valuable insights, shedding light on the fundamental pillars of successful...
Having a clear mission and vision is imperative for success in any organisation, be it a business, non-profit, or even a personal endeavour. These carefully crafted statements not only establish the purpose and direction of your efforts, but also act as a powerful driving force that inspires and unifies all stakeholders towards a shared objective. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of mission and vision statements, discovering how they can shape and...
As grassroots club volunteers, you might have come across numerous templates for club strategic plans online, many of which lack that personal touch and excitement. Let’s explore why strategic planning can be difficult for clubs, while also highlighting how the process can be enjoyable and engaging.
Many of the fights that arise between different tenants of the same sporting facilities stem from a lack of leadership and direction from the local Council when the sharing arrangements were originally set up, years or even decades earlier.
As a volunteer for a sports club or community organisation in Australia, you play a crucial role in the success of your group. You invest your time, effort and skills to help your community thrive. However, being a volunteer can also be challenging, especially if you're new to the role. That's where a board induction training session can make all the difference.
The Program, which began in 2020 and runs until 2023, aimed to provide online training sessions to improve the knowledge and skills of Brisbane City Council staff and community facility tenants. The program included monthly interactive webinars for community sport and recreation organisations, separate online training sessions for BCC community facilities staff, and a series of instructional videos to help tenants navigate Council's processes for community leasing and to deal with flood preparedness and recovery.
Clubs and community organisations are responsible for managing costly infrastructure and facilities. With Councils all over the country imposing stricter regulations, it's becoming increasingly important for these organisations to properly maintain and manage their assets.
MPIOs provide information about the rights, responsibilities and options available to an individual making a complaint. They are central to maintaining the integrity and values of sport. As advocates for safe clubs, MPIOs can also play a key role in fostering inclusive cultures in clubs, associations and sport more broadly.
CPR Group is delighted to announce that we are Netball Queensland’s preferred provider for governance support to affiliated clubs and associations.
Your constitution really is important. Not only does it cover vital things like your name, why you exist and how you need to hold meetings, it’s the document that keeps you incorporated! If it isn’t up to date, it can cause stress and sleepless nights leading up to events like your AGM. If you don’t feel comfortable trying to write your new constitution on your own, it’s a good idea to get professional help, to...
The most successful community groups, clubs and charity organisations know the value of engaging external professionals to deliver governance training for their committees and boards. They know that the investment of time and money they make will lead to more efficient operations, and therefore better community outcomes. So why do many smaller organisations still shy away from buying club governance training? In this article, we bust what we think are the 6 biggest myths that...
Starting in September 2021 and finishing September 2022, Michael and Steve Connelly hosted 11 masterclasses as part of Ipswich City Council’s Stronger Communities project. These masterclasses saw over 150 attendees come together, from more than 100 local community organisations, clubs and associations.
At CPR Group, we are proud to be one of the Top 5 Australasia’s Best Places to Work and to be recognised among the most strategically aligned businesses in Australasia.
If your constitution looks like it was written on a typewriter, it may be time for an update. We’re waiting for the day an organisation brings in their constitution chiselled in stone - it wouldn’t be a complete surprise.
Whether it’s leaders in their early 20s in university clubs and societies, young parents at the community kindy, coaches at the local footy club or retirees running a golf club or craft society, all of these volunteers would be far better off if they had access to the best governance training; training to teach them things from how to run an effective meeting to preparing a club budget.
Shooting the messenger feels good, because it gives us a chance to vent when we receive bad news, even though we know it isn’t helpful. But have you also noticed that people have a tendency to ignore advice from people they don’t like, even if the advice is sound? This article is a reminder about the need for club leaders to have great listening skills and to keep an open mind to all suggestions, regardless...
Are there things you do in your club that haven’t changed in more than 10 years? In that time, how has the world around you changed? In this article, Michael Connelly explores how people’s natural fear of losing what they have can be holding clubs back from making sensible changes that can lead to better growth and prosperity.
Australian clubs, associations and organisations experience a wide array of risks throughout the year. These risks include everything from natural disasters through to losing volunteers. However, over the last few years we have seen a rise of another kind of risk that could result in committee members being liable if they turn a blind eye to the problem. Management committee and board members need to be aware of common mistakes, such as outdated constitutions, policies,...
Marketing in clubs and not-for-profits usually isn’t at the forefront of volunteers' minds, mostly because they’re focussing on other important things. Marketing can be the solution to many of the issues that volunteers face within their organisation. These issues can include recruiting new members, gaining new members, finding sponsorship deals, and the list goes on. This marketing series dives into the details of how you can turn your club around and make your life as a...
The Basket Case Clubs - Marketing Series turned its focus to canteens. In sports clubs, canteens should be viewed as a separate business unit, with their own marketing. Your canteen marketing could be so much more than just rolling up the shutters and hoping for the best! Many sports clubs are missing out on opportunities to generate more profit from their canteen, falling victim to the misconception that not-for-profit clubs and organisations can’t be entrepreneurial....
CPR Group was engaged once again to host a series of webinars for Brisbane City Council's local community clubs and organisations. With the first workshop series starting during the COVID lockdowns, the focus was on how clubs and organisations can build resilience and how they can adapt to emerge successfully from the lockdowns. The 2020 workshops saw great attendance levels and engagement, which resulted in Council wishing to continue the program in 2021 and 2022.
This year CPR Group is proud to celebrate our sixth year working with Suncoast Spinners Wheelchair Basketball, a Sunshine Coast based not-for-profit organisation enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through social interaction and engagement.
COVID hit grassroots sports clubs hard. From having to adapt to new regulations to dealing with complete shutdowns, there was a lot to learn for the hard-working volunteers who run local clubs. As Australia prepares to get back on the field for full sporting seasons in 2022, it’s time for more clubs to use the lessons that COVID taught us about change, and apply them across their operations.
Starting way back in September 2021 and finishing September 2022, Michael and Steve Connelly hosted 11 masterclasses as part of Ipswich City Council’s Stronger Communities project. These masterclasses saw over 150 attendees come together, from more than 100 local community organisations, clubs and associations. These masterclasses were designed to cover the common pain points volunteers face, give them practical tools and provide the techniques to implement those tools within their organisations.
As Football Queensland’s preferred supplier of governance support and training, we are delivering a series of club-focused interactive webinars.
There is often a misconception that grants are easy money. The idea that grant money will just fall in your lap is really far from reality. If you have a well-planned project, grant money is a great way to get it accomplished sooner, and that’s the key - grants provide money for a project. Be proactive by starting with your project and being ready when the right grant comes along. Here are some rules to...
2020 brought a raft of challenges to the world in both personal and business settings. Whilst a lot of news was negative, CPR Group is happy to report on positive outcomes that came from last year's unique situation.
Listen to the interview with the Wellers Hill Bowls Club president, Richard Tanner, as he discusses how they turned around the club to become a great community organisation.
As we all know, a lot of meetings and events have been forced to go online, and Council’s Community and Lessee Forums have been no exception. CPR Group has facilitated both in-person and online forums, and we have found both have a unique set of benefits that is worth exploring.
We are excited to announce CPR Group's partnership with Football Queensland as the preferred provider of club governance support and training! The upcoming webinar series will be filled with great tips to help clubs of all sizes, by strengthening club structure, culture and operations.
A new State of Volunteering in Queensland Report has just been released. We’ve pulled together some of the interesting findings related to formal volunteering. And to help all of the volunteers out there, we are happy to provide a free volunteer management plan template.
Michael Connelly, our Managing Director, has been focusing his sights on something a little different of late. The big question has been; “Is your Council's approach to managing community leasing as good as it should be?”If you manage leasing, or know someone who does, contact us to take part in our research project and become involved in the ongoing development of an automated, tailored one-stop-shop for community lessees - clubTRAC.
CPR Group is proud to announce the success of their design and associated grant funding application made on behalf of Longreach Regional Council. The Longreach Childcare Centre, operated by Longreach Regional Council, will be provided $150,000 from the Australian Government to help fund an expansion of the childcare centre that will double the capacity of the facility.
Longreach Regional Council has recently commissioned our team to help strategically plan and harness funding opportunities for future development in the region. Our team is excited to help the Longreach community plan and deliver new infrastructure, improve existing facilities and provide community based programs. These initiatives are vital in making our towns and places more liveable and more profitable, as they help our communities be healthier and happier.
Sport and recreation master plans can be like jigsaw puzzles. There are many pieces, and sometimes it takes time to work out just where everything fits. To make planning projects come together effectively, a picture really does tell a thousand words!
CPR Group has developed a proven, scalable data model that has already delivered community sport future needs analyses for a number of local governments and state sporting organisations. Visualisations produced by the model can include filtered text, tables, charts, graphs and maps. Data can be split, cropped, and drilled to facilitate the exploration of a wide range of scenarios.
Sports master planning can seem like a simple task. After all, isn’t it only a matter of geometry to work out how to make rectangle and oval fields and courts fit within the land shape available?
The first step for any club wanting to turn their vision into a reality is to actually have a clear vision. It seems obvious, but you would be surprised how often this step is missed. Fig Tree Pocket Equestrian Club was awarded a grant through Brisbane City Council’s Building Stronger Communities Program to improve club governance and long-term sustainability.
What interesting times we live in. We’ve got empty stadiums, empty fields, empty clubhouses, empty canteens, empty bars, empty committee rooms, and in some cases, empty bank accounts. CPR Group has developed a three-phase process to support your club through shutdown, downtime and re-open. Find out more about the shutdown stage in the webinar presented by Chris Kenward.
The swimmers were off the mark, diving into the stunning blue waters of the new swimming pool at the Canterbury Aquatic and Tennis Centre. It was the first official race in the 50m Olympic swimming pool, conducted as the finale event at the official opening and blessing on 10 November 2020.
Sport plays a pivotal role in the fabric of Australian society. The current global situation is forcing us to change our daily routines and for many this includes giving up organised sport. For club volunteers however, a new set of challenges have arisen. Keeping members engaged and clubs running and viable during this period of downtime has become the focus for many committees.
We understand every club is different, with volunteers that require different approaches and support to be inspired to achieve real, long-lasting results. We also understand that club budgets are finite, so we have developed the clubMENTOR+ package for peak bodies to provide high value support to their affiliates.
Did you know that Queensland's association legislation has been amended?After 13 years without change, Queensland's Associations Incorporation Act 1981 has recently undergone a comprehensive review.
How will our recovery from COVID-19 impact the way that Councils and peak bodies plan sporting Infrastructure Planning Implications in a Post-COVID-19 Contextinfrastructure in Australia? The rapid spread of COVID-19 and its official declaration as a pandemic blindsided sport in Australia. It shut down our sports fields, tracks, pools, courts and indoor venues and put the handbrake on our country’s professional competitions. While the impacts on players, parents, volunteers and administrators in sport have been...
The evolving coronavirus pandemic and subsequent changes to the way clubs, associations and not-for-profits are operating mean organisations need to look at new ways to stay in touch. Committee meetings, members’ forums and other regular meetings can still happen using online platforms instead of traditional face-to-face meetings.
BMX Queensland has worked with CPR Group since 2010. Over the years, CPR Group has developed and delivered a tailored volunteer support package for BMX clubs and zones across the state.
Check out our projects from all around Australia!
