BENDIGO Bank Spirit board chairman Greg Bickley says the cost of operating a national team based in Bendigo is significant.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“Increasing regulatory compliance costs weigh heavily upon our operations in what is still largely a volunteer run organization," he said.
“We have just come through two premiership seasons, and we are now hit with a significant tax assessment bill relating to the foundation years of the club.
“This pretty much wipes out the gains we made in the last two years.”
“Finances are very tight and it will be a challenge without significant ongoing community and stakeholder support."
Bickley said the Spirit had a board which was committed to ensuring the club would survive as a club.
“We are in a fortunate position in that most of our players have shown great commitment to sign on for the next two years, and we have a stable playing group” he said.
“We now have a full roster well before the season starts and Bernie (Harrower) has put this together within his playing budget.
"Significant ongoing challenges face the club and the board is working hard to secure the future of the Spirit.
“The costs to travel, accommodate and resource the club to the level required to remain competitive and viable at an elite level, increases significantly every year.”