32 Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club Inc. – 86th Annual Report – 2024-2025 Season Treasurer Members and Supporters, Burning Palms made an operating profit of $64,832 in the year to 30 April 2025. This was an increase from last year's loss of $4,231. Grant income totalled $108,754 largely due to the NSW Office of Sport Surf Club Facility Program 23/24 which provided $88,662. This was for the replacement of the ten year old solar batteries at the clubhouse and the installation of stainless steel ember mesh. This mesh has been attached to the subfloor area of the clubhouse for protection from bushfires and embers. Thank you to Australia Wide Solar for the provision and installation of the batteries and Stephen O'Connor for the installation of the mesh. We also thank Margaret Pearce and Peter Pearce OAM for overseeing the installation and completion of these projects. We capitalised $73,565 of the costs of these projects. The disposal of the old solar batteries resulted in a loss on disposal of $22,493 as in hindsight the life of these items was not as long as originally expected. Accommodation income was lower this year $11,600 ($13,364 in 2024). The clubhouse is still well used by both members and other groups who make use of the accommodation. Donations were $29,771 ($21,329 in 2024) with a $20,000 donation received from David McManus which was gratefully received. I'd like to acknowledge the contributions from David over many years which is appreciated by all members. The Butt Family donated $1,000 to provide for a new First Aid Award to be named in memory of the Late Dr Dorothy Butt. Membership fees were up slightly to $12,300 ($11,845 in 2024). Gas sales were higher this year at $2,228 ($1,614 in 2024). Total grant income is mentioned earlier and included in that we received a lifesaving grant from NPWS of $3,000. We received a $10,000 grant from SLS NSW for expenditure on equipment as well as $8,000 for uncommitted funding. We received a grant of $7,092 from SLS NSW named a "Cost of Living Member Support Package". It was communicated to members that when they reached 50% of their allocated patrols they would receive a $50 gift voucher as some recognition of their commitment to travelling to the Palms. Also, a member may be rewarded with either a refund on their 2024-2025 season membership fee or the equivalent value of their 2024-2025 membership fee deducted from their membership fee for 2025-2026 season. $2,250 was paid to members via gift cards and one active patrolling member will be refunded $75 for introducing two other members during the season. This makes for a total of $2,325. The Committee intends to continue to disburse this grant to the benefit of members. Bank interest was $8,296 ($2,636 in 2024) showing the positive impact of higher interest rates. We also increased the term deposit to $185,000, up from $170,589. On the expense side, maintenance costs for the clubhouse & boat shed were higher at $19,294 ($4,401 in 2024). We had expenses involved with the batteries and mesh projects such as helicopter lifts, environmental reports which were expensed. There were some other items expensed for items such as repairs and maintenance on our fire fighting equipment and a new brush cutter. Competition and Carnivals were higher at $1,138 ($502 in 2024). Insurance increased to $11,151 compared with $10,497 in 2024. Given increases in insurance in general this was not as high as might have been expected.
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