Dear EFNL Community,
The past few weeks have been some of the toughest times our community, our clubs and our League have ever faced. The Covid-19 virus is disrupting lives, presenting new challenges and we are heading blind into the unknown.
What we do know is the virus is spreading across the globe, some 854,612 people are now infected and 42,044 people have tragically lost their life. Then there are the job losses which in Australia alone are in the millions. Devastating for so many people, who through no fault of their own are suffering at the hands of COVID 19.
The impact of the decision to postpone the EFNL season until 31st May 2020 was a bitter pill to swallow.
Sport plays such a critical role in the lives of so many, we are feeling for everyone that is unable to participate, coach, volunteer, support, barrack and engage with their club and community.
From the first year Under Eight players to the timekeeper who has been sounding the siren for 30 years, the banter at training, the feeling after a great win linking arms and belting out the club song – we are all affected. Our league spans across eight Local Councils and I’d like that thank them for the support and financial relief they are offering to our clubs.
The League is not immune to COVID-19, like many other businesses we find ourselves in a very vulnerable position.
With no competition revenue coming in, lower sponsorship and expenses going out the administration needs to navigate responsibly to survive and maintain the cash reserves of the League.
Our office was closed immediately and contingency plans built with key trigger points put in place based on different scenarios playing out. These plans have significant implications for all our staff who have remained professional, supportive and understanding of the situation as its evolved over the past four weeks.
The recently announced ‘Job Keeper’ payment from the Government may have thrown many businesses including ours a bit of a ‘life line’. This payment is designed to keep employees in employment rather than being stood down without pay or made redundant. A great initiative by the Government and much needed given that 300,000 businesses have signed up in two days. We will now spend some time to financially model this into our planning.
Where to from here, the Prime Minister and Chief Medical Officer in their communications have been very clear in highlighting that this is a six-month battle with the virus. That leaves the 2020 season precariously placed, with a very small glimmer of hope.
Our immediate focus needs to be on our health and safety, following the advice provided by our government and playing our role to ensure that the spread of COVID 19 is controlled.
Stay Sane and Stay Safe in our new short term Norm!
Troy Swainston
Chief Executive Officer
Eastern Football Netball League