XGinga
Oceanic Whitetip Shark
CEO Update
Welcome to the September CEO Update in wrapping up our 2023 NRL and NRLW seasons.
Everybody involved with our NRL team would have hoped to go a little deeper into September, however to again qualify for the Finals, for the 8th time in the last 9 seasons, despite a year of ups and downs, gives us confidence that we remain on track to challenge for a Premiership in the seasons to come.
When you consider three of last year’s final four in the Cowboys, Eels and Rabbitohs failed to even make the top eight, you get an idea of how close and competitive the NRL is, with playing Finals still an achievement to be proud of.
It was also a year where we had six sellouts at PointsBet Stadium, seven if including the Finals game against the Roosters, and eight all up for our home games with Coffs Harbour at capacity for our regional match, representing an excellent outcome. Thanks to those who attended games and supported the team throughout the 2023 season.
In relation to the NRLW, congratulations to coach Tony Herman and his team who did an outstanding job in our first year in that competition. We were competitive every week and unlucky to miss a place in the top four. There were some great signs this year, outstanding talent unearthed, and we are excited about 2024 and what lies ahead for our Women’s team.
This year we also farewelled a legend of our Club in Wade Graham. His 255 games for the Sharks ranks Wade behind just Paul Gallen and Andrew Ettingshausen in games played for the Club and with a total 297 NRL appearances, with a premiership in 2016 to show for his efforts, and it has been a career he should be proud of. We hope to see Wade around the Club going forward and wish him and his soon-to-be wife Karianne every success in their future endeavours.
Further in covering off on the month of September, the following will again review all things relating to business conducted at the Sharks, while also previewing some of what is coming up.
Our licensed premises at Sharks at Kareela continues to thrive, community and Sharks Have Heart will wind down to an extent over summer before ramping up again heading into the new season, memberships are soon to be on sale for 2024 and there will be a number of great merchandise deals in cleaning out 2023 stock, before new season gear arrives and goes on sale.
Darren Mooney will also provide a brief overview of football operations, from our NRL and NRLW teams, down through the various grades who represent under our umbrella.
As for our commercial department, I take this opportunity to farewell a vital member of the off-field team in Rebecca Hughes our General Manager of Partnerships who will finish her employment at the Sharks at the end of the week after deciding to take her career in a new direction.
We thank and acknowledge Rebecca for her service and contribution to the Sharks over more than six years in total, while recognising the great work she has done in our Commercial department in recent times. Under Rebecca’s leadership in this area of the business we now have an outstanding group of sponsors and corporate partners, setting up a foundation and platform for the Club to now build on. With her departure we are delighted to announce that Kylie Lucas has been appointed as the General Manager Partnerships & Hospitality.
Kylie has been involved with our Commercial Department and in various roles at the Sharks for more than a decade and is well placed to lead us commercially, to continue to drive the business forward and to assist us to progress from the healthy position from where the business is at present.
Also see following a video presentation highlighting the Cove Bar & Grill at Sharks at Kareela which is a great advertisement for inclusivity. Well done to Gina and her team for leading the way.
Please click on the link for the full video: CLICK HERE
And below is a brief update on the new leagues club and our recent property acquisition at 94 Cronulla Street.
Please take the time to read the September 2023 edition of the CEO Update and thanks once again for your continued support.
New Leagues Club development
In keeping you up to date with our new Leagues Club development, there have been many challenges to get us a committed timeline and therefore an opening date we can share confidently with you our valued members. The retail, hotel and residential components of the development are still charging ahead, and you may have seen reports, promotions and news articles around openings in the coming months of various retailers and the Quest Hotel. That being the case it is disappointing that we are not able to tell a similar story in relation to the new Leagues Club.
With this in mind we are planning a Members Information Night in November. We will provide details in relation to dates, venue and timings in due course and for those that cannot attend in person, we will make the information available on our website.
At the Information Night in November, we should be in a much better position to share specific details on our new Leagues Club and potential opening dates.
94 Cronulla Street
With the new leagues Club development again at risk of a further delay we may have to change direction as to the previously anticipated use of 94 Cronulla Street. As a result, we have slowed down the progress while we understand the moving parts and how the deployment of our capital can deliver the best return for the medium to long term. Having said that, the office and merchandise store design continues and is almost complete should the decision be made to proceed as originally planned.
Dino Mezzatesta
CEO
Despite the NRL season finishing a little earlier than we would have liked, and while we now look forward to the new season, Sharks at Kareela remains the ideal venue to enjoy all the major sporting action over the summer months, on the big screen in the main bar area and throughout the Club.
Kick off that spring and summer sporting season by witnessing history in the making on Sunday, October 15 as Australia’s WBO World Champion Tim Tszyu defends his title against power punching WBC interim champion, American Brian Mendoza, live and loud at Sharks at Kareela.
Still on a sporting theme and Melbourne Cup Day is fast approaching! Join us at Kareela and enjoy our delicious two-course meal and glass of sparkling on arrival, while watching ‘the race that stops the nation’ on the big screens. The day has sold out the last two years, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Whenever visiting the Club, take the opportunity to enjoy the outstanding food offerings at the Cove Bar and Grill, who are pleased to announce the launch of their new Spring Menu which includes the old favourites plus a range of delicious new dishes featuring the freshest seasonal produce. The Pork Cutlet, Truffle Mushroom & Prosciutto Pizza and Prawn Risoni and are already proving to be very popular with Members.
Following the success of our Harry Potter, Simpsons and Disney Trivia nights, next up we have locked in an 80’s Music & Movies and Seinfeld themed Trivia nights. The trivia is free, Stone-baked pizzas are just $17, enjoy a themed cocktail, with prizes to be won for best dressed. Get a group of friends together for a night of fun!
The Brazil Show, the perfect combination of Brazil’s essence, featuring energy, dance, culture and skilled artists, is also coming to Kareela this October. Tickets are just $20 per person for the show, or $49 per person for show and delicious tapas. Visit reception today or call 9521 5555 to purchase tickets.
And the popular Mega Meat and Seafood Raffles continue but with a change up in the prizes to now include Wine and Woolworths vouchers. With over $4,000 in prizes up for grabs across two big nights, be sure to mark October 25 and November 22 in the calendar and be at Sharks at Kareela to win.
I look forward to seeing you all around the Club.
CEO Update - September 2023
Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta provides his August update, detailing business conducted across the Club in the past month.
www.sharks.com.au
Welcome to the September CEO Update in wrapping up our 2023 NRL and NRLW seasons.
Everybody involved with our NRL team would have hoped to go a little deeper into September, however to again qualify for the Finals, for the 8th time in the last 9 seasons, despite a year of ups and downs, gives us confidence that we remain on track to challenge for a Premiership in the seasons to come.
When you consider three of last year’s final four in the Cowboys, Eels and Rabbitohs failed to even make the top eight, you get an idea of how close and competitive the NRL is, with playing Finals still an achievement to be proud of.
It was also a year where we had six sellouts at PointsBet Stadium, seven if including the Finals game against the Roosters, and eight all up for our home games with Coffs Harbour at capacity for our regional match, representing an excellent outcome. Thanks to those who attended games and supported the team throughout the 2023 season.
In relation to the NRLW, congratulations to coach Tony Herman and his team who did an outstanding job in our first year in that competition. We were competitive every week and unlucky to miss a place in the top four. There were some great signs this year, outstanding talent unearthed, and we are excited about 2024 and what lies ahead for our Women’s team.
This year we also farewelled a legend of our Club in Wade Graham. His 255 games for the Sharks ranks Wade behind just Paul Gallen and Andrew Ettingshausen in games played for the Club and with a total 297 NRL appearances, with a premiership in 2016 to show for his efforts, and it has been a career he should be proud of. We hope to see Wade around the Club going forward and wish him and his soon-to-be wife Karianne every success in their future endeavours.
Further in covering off on the month of September, the following will again review all things relating to business conducted at the Sharks, while also previewing some of what is coming up.
Our licensed premises at Sharks at Kareela continues to thrive, community and Sharks Have Heart will wind down to an extent over summer before ramping up again heading into the new season, memberships are soon to be on sale for 2024 and there will be a number of great merchandise deals in cleaning out 2023 stock, before new season gear arrives and goes on sale.
Darren Mooney will also provide a brief overview of football operations, from our NRL and NRLW teams, down through the various grades who represent under our umbrella.
As for our commercial department, I take this opportunity to farewell a vital member of the off-field team in Rebecca Hughes our General Manager of Partnerships who will finish her employment at the Sharks at the end of the week after deciding to take her career in a new direction.
We thank and acknowledge Rebecca for her service and contribution to the Sharks over more than six years in total, while recognising the great work she has done in our Commercial department in recent times. Under Rebecca’s leadership in this area of the business we now have an outstanding group of sponsors and corporate partners, setting up a foundation and platform for the Club to now build on. With her departure we are delighted to announce that Kylie Lucas has been appointed as the General Manager Partnerships & Hospitality.
Kylie has been involved with our Commercial Department and in various roles at the Sharks for more than a decade and is well placed to lead us commercially, to continue to drive the business forward and to assist us to progress from the healthy position from where the business is at present.
Also see following a video presentation highlighting the Cove Bar & Grill at Sharks at Kareela which is a great advertisement for inclusivity. Well done to Gina and her team for leading the way.
Please click on the link for the full video: CLICK HERE
And below is a brief update on the new leagues club and our recent property acquisition at 94 Cronulla Street.
Please take the time to read the September 2023 edition of the CEO Update and thanks once again for your continued support.
New Leagues Club development
In keeping you up to date with our new Leagues Club development, there have been many challenges to get us a committed timeline and therefore an opening date we can share confidently with you our valued members. The retail, hotel and residential components of the development are still charging ahead, and you may have seen reports, promotions and news articles around openings in the coming months of various retailers and the Quest Hotel. That being the case it is disappointing that we are not able to tell a similar story in relation to the new Leagues Club.
With this in mind we are planning a Members Information Night in November. We will provide details in relation to dates, venue and timings in due course and for those that cannot attend in person, we will make the information available on our website.
At the Information Night in November, we should be in a much better position to share specific details on our new Leagues Club and potential opening dates.
94 Cronulla Street
With the new leagues Club development again at risk of a further delay we may have to change direction as to the previously anticipated use of 94 Cronulla Street. As a result, we have slowed down the progress while we understand the moving parts and how the deployment of our capital can deliver the best return for the medium to long term. Having said that, the office and merchandise store design continues and is almost complete should the decision be made to proceed as originally planned.
Dino Mezzatesta
CEO
Despite the NRL season finishing a little earlier than we would have liked, and while we now look forward to the new season, Sharks at Kareela remains the ideal venue to enjoy all the major sporting action over the summer months, on the big screen in the main bar area and throughout the Club.
Kick off that spring and summer sporting season by witnessing history in the making on Sunday, October 15 as Australia’s WBO World Champion Tim Tszyu defends his title against power punching WBC interim champion, American Brian Mendoza, live and loud at Sharks at Kareela.
Still on a sporting theme and Melbourne Cup Day is fast approaching! Join us at Kareela and enjoy our delicious two-course meal and glass of sparkling on arrival, while watching ‘the race that stops the nation’ on the big screens. The day has sold out the last two years, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Whenever visiting the Club, take the opportunity to enjoy the outstanding food offerings at the Cove Bar and Grill, who are pleased to announce the launch of their new Spring Menu which includes the old favourites plus a range of delicious new dishes featuring the freshest seasonal produce. The Pork Cutlet, Truffle Mushroom & Prosciutto Pizza and Prawn Risoni and are already proving to be very popular with Members.
Following the success of our Harry Potter, Simpsons and Disney Trivia nights, next up we have locked in an 80’s Music & Movies and Seinfeld themed Trivia nights. The trivia is free, Stone-baked pizzas are just $17, enjoy a themed cocktail, with prizes to be won for best dressed. Get a group of friends together for a night of fun!
The Brazil Show, the perfect combination of Brazil’s essence, featuring energy, dance, culture and skilled artists, is also coming to Kareela this October. Tickets are just $20 per person for the show, or $49 per person for show and delicious tapas. Visit reception today or call 9521 5555 to purchase tickets.
And the popular Mega Meat and Seafood Raffles continue but with a change up in the prizes to now include Wine and Woolworths vouchers. With over $4,000 in prizes up for grabs across two big nights, be sure to mark October 25 and November 22 in the calendar and be at Sharks at Kareela to win.
I look forward to seeing you all around the Club.