President's Report
Sadly the year got off to a poor start with our Music Shindig receiving poor support. This unfortunate circumstance has led to the increase in membership fees for the financial year 2008/2009. As I wrote in the Christmas message to all our members, our events need the support of the members and the wider community if we are to remain viable and strong. There is a proven need for the service however at the time of writing we still fail to receive any Government assistance. Regrettably therefore we have to raise our membership fees and we will understand if current members choose not to renew their membership. There is no alternative however and that is the sad reality of the situation. Here is the new membership fee structure.
$5.00 Joining fee, $50.00 Single Adult, $75.00 Couple and $90.00 Family. Memberships are renewable on the 1st July each year. If you are already a member you do not pay the joining fee.
The building of the hangar at Ashford airstrip is proving to be a long drawn out affair which has drained a lot of valuable resources and time. Inverell Shire Council supplied the hangar and a massive array of members and non members have assisted with the erection of the structure.
Some much needed equipment was added to the aircraft by way of a GPS navigation system which Michael Newby was quick to utilize and I was quick to follow. While not a replacement navigation system we both found it very accurate and easy to operate. Naturally if there is an equipment failure then pilot’s must be able to navigate with the conventional equipment and therefore the GPS is only an aid.
The Masonic Association in both New South Wales and Queensland gave us excellent support throughout the year with our ground transport and it must be said that without this support our service would be almost unable to operate. We cannot over emphasise the value of the Mason’s support.
Pilot availability is and has always been of major concern to us. Our service may have to be severely curtailed in the very near future if a solution to this problem cannot be found. We are commencing our own pilot training program in co-operation with Inverell Aviation, however, we may still be grounded for a short interval as pilot’s gain the necessary skills and qualifications. This will be an inconvenience but it will ensure the long term survival of the service so we ask that members bear with us over the period if we are unable to fly missions.
Our last event to be held prior to writing this letter had no one, other than the committee turn up to support it. It would be unrealistic for any member to think that this service can continue without our events receiving some support. Some members who have used the service have made a donation towards the cost of the flight and while this is not required it is very much appreciated. All donations over $2.00 are fully tax deductible and we do appreciate any help - especially financial help.
Once again we must apologise for the rise in membership fees but it is unavoidable in order for the service to continue. Before you choose whether or not to renew your membership, please consider the alternative costs and the time saving, headache-free convenience of using our service.
David Roach - President
Profit & Loss For Year Ended 30th June, 2008
| 2007 | 2008 | ||
| 4,628.00 | Donations | 15,174.96 | |
| 15,183.85 | Fundraising | 15,184.25 | |
| 437.26 | Interest Received - High Rise Account | 643.73 | |
| 1,525.00 | Memberships | 6,115.00 | |
| 21,774.11 | TOTAL INCOME | 37,117.94 | |
| LESS EXPENSES | |||
| 13.50 | Bank Charges | 42.50 | |
| 0.00 | Donations | 217.60 | |
| 0.00 | Fuel and Oil | 5,606.43 | |
| 6,011.77 | Fundraising Expenses | 7,463.17 | |
| 0.00 | Hangar Rental | 1,944.47 | |
| 1,938.81 | Hire Aircraft | 8,284.98 | |
| 0.00 | Incorporation Fees | 44.00 | |
| 729.38 | Insurance | 5,758.50 | |
| 0.00 | Landing Fees | 290.85 | |
| 0.00 | Repairs & Maintenance | 18,628.43 | |
| 20.00 | Telephone, Stamps & Stationary | 584.39 | |
| 25.00 | Tributes | 0.00 | |
| 8,738.46 | TOTAL EXPENSES | 48,865.32 | |
| 13,035.65 | NET PROFIT FOR YEAR | ||
| NET LOSS FOR YEAR | 11,747.38 |
Balance Sheet as at 30th June, 2008
| 2007 | 2008 | |||
| 6,722.98 | Balance 1st July, 2007 | 19,758.63 | ||
| 13,035.65 | Net Profit For Year | 0.00 | ||
| 0.00 | Inverell Shire Hangar Donation | 13,000.00 | ||
| 19,758.63 | 32,758.63 | |||
| 0.00 | NET LOSS FOR YEAR | 11,747.38 | ||
| 0.00 | 11,747.38 | |||
| 19,758.63 | 21,011.25 | |||
| REPRESENTED BY:- | ||||
| CURRENT ASSESTS | ||||
| 10.00 | NECU Shares | 10.00 | ||
| 19,756.63 | NECU High Rise Account | 7,361.15 | ||
| 19,758.63 | TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | 7,371.15 | ||
| 19,758.63 | WORKING CAPITAL | 7,371.15 | ||
| ADD FIXED ASSETS | ||||
| 0.00 | Hangar | 13,640.10 | ||
| 0.00 | TOTAL FIXED ASSETS | 13,640.10 | ||
| 19,758.63 | 21,011.25 |