The Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club has put out a statement regarding comments made on the financials of the club. The Club has undergone a major transition period over the last 12 months and this has meant that members have had plenty to discuss with management. It appears that the club has decided to engage with members publicly on Facebook.
Their response was posted to their Facebook page on February 11 and is as follows: “there has been a post put up on a community Facebook page regarding our latest quarterly financials. We would like to make comment on that post as our Secretary Manager had responded to the document prior to it being posted and those comments had not been included. Our wages increased in the last quarter due to an increase in staffing, in October we hired 10 staff members for our new kitchen Harvesters.
“Throughout December the club does spend more on advertising due to the increase in draws/raffles that are held in the month. This amount has been significantly reduced coming into the new year.
“The computers and technology expense is correct, roughly $500.00 per week. The computers and technology expense category on the profit and loss is a broad category, it includes our lease for all of our tills, our Microsoft subscription, our domain license, our IT support, network maintenance etc.
“Director’s benefits through the year includes their uniform, mandatory training requirements, a couple of drinks after meetings, the last quarter of the year also has the Directors Christmas party.
“The cafe expenses in the last quarter include the upgrade to the cafe, it is not just stock, the cafe upgrade was $40,000.00. Taking that off the last quarter’s purchases would put it at the normal purchase amount.
“October is when the kitchen opened, in the week before, we needed to fully stock the kitchen prior to service.
“There was a concern over our bar sales, this was also a concern our auditors had when they checked the financial statements, this is why our prices have been increased, as they haven’t been increased in more than a year in an attempt to give members the best price we can.
“The renovations came in exactly on what we had been quoted, we utilised a local builder and the quote was approved by the board. It is important to note that the renovations that the club undertook, whilst they were very expensive, the club is in a financial position that we were able to pay for it through existing cash holdings. Releasing details of employee expenses is a breach of confidentiality, however, we used a recruiter to find our chefs, we have an EAP for our staff, among other services.
“In December and January, we get audited every year, we pay in two instalments, one in December and one in January, on top of our normal monthly fee. This is the reason for the increase in accounting fees in our last quarter. The increase in our staff benefits for the last quarter includes a staff celebration for milestones achieved by our staff.
“The Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club Ltd is committed to compliance within our financial reporting and works closely with our auditors, who are appointed by our members to ensure accuracy when reporting to ASIC.
“All members have access to our quarterly financials on our noticeboard and if and when they have questions regarding these reports, members are encouraged to come forward and speak directly to the Secretary Manager for clarification and accurate answers. The Manager is available during office opening hours (Tuesday-Thursday 10am-4pm and Friday 10am-12pm), or via appointment if outside of these hours. Alternatively, call the office on 026924 1577 or email generalmanager@jemc.com.au
“We, the board, hope that all members reflect on this information and make an informed opinion of the club and its financial standing.”
The Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club LTD Board of Directors.
The club received 61comments on their page.
Some are included here. They are, “I thank and salute your staff, as a VETERAN, AND A VISI-TOR to your club was very impressed at the great reception & service, both the wife and I received.”
Another commented, “the wages are ridiculously high normal businesses run at about 28% of in-come club seems to be at about 52%, rather high and would certainly explain losses. Could you explain, why ten people at Harvesters? Was there Thursday seen 3.? Were Chefs on a retainer way before kitchen opened?” The Club responded, “we will have had some large staff payouts from staff leaving included in the figure. We have 10 people at harvesters and not all are full time or part time, a lot are casual and not everyone is rostered every day. None of our staff have EVER been on a retainer. Thanks!”
Another commented, “Is it possible for the members to have a breakdown of the wages? Ob-viously not for individuals but for Harvesters as an operation? It would give members a much clearer picture of how the restaurant is running (income versus expenditure)”.
The Club responded,“Throughout January, the payroll for Harvesters was $20798, the stock and overheads cost was $12519 and sales were $36225. Which means we made a NET profit of $3000. This means our kitchen made a profit in Jan!”
It is clear in the community that there has been some upheaval regarding the departure of Danny’s Kitchen and the arrival of Harvesters’ and that club members want plenty of information to remain informed.
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