Edinburgh Military Tattoo - A Salute to Australia Waveaid Concert

Winter 2005
Edinburgh Military Tattoo - A Salute to Australia
Waveaid Concert | Cricket Review | Footy Preview
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
OF THE SYDNEY CRICKET &
SPORTS GROUND TRUST
www.scgt.nsw.gov.au
CONTENTS
CHAIRMAN
Sydney Cricket Fans Give Generously
4
Members Breakfast
5
50 Year Members Morning Tea
5
Breakfast with the Curator
5
SCG Hosts 'Waveaid' The Tsunami Relief Concert
6
Edinburgh Military Tattoo, A Salute to Australia
8
Is this the Waratahs' Year?
10
Sydney Swans to Start 2005 with a Bang
10
Sydney Roosters, New Faces, New Captain, New Season 11
Rabbitohs, Alive in 2005
11
Summer at the SCG
12
One Day International
14
NSW Blues Respond to the Challenge
14
ICC Super Series Test
15
SCG Museum
15
Tennis at the SCG
16
Vale Johnny Warren, MBE
16
Sydney FC
17
Socceroos Thrash Solomon Islands
17
Plenty of Big Hits During New Year's Test
18
Get the Email Advantage
18
Winner - Sony Wega Plasma TV On-line Subscriptions
18
Pride of Workmanship Awards
18
SCG is No 1 Sporting Venue
18
Experience Sport!
19
Membership Noticeboard
20
Stadium Fitness Centre
22
Out and About
23
Sydney Cricket & Sports Ground Trust
Office: Moore Park Road, Paddington
Postal: GPO Box 150, Sydney NSW 2001
Reception: (02) 9360 6601
Fax: (02) 9360 1319
Membership: 1800 80 11 55
Membership fax: (02) 9380 0398
Venue Services (Fitness Centre, Tours): 1300 72 47 37
Corporate Hospitality: 1800 88 55 55
Restaurant Bookings: (02) 9360 0771
Web: www.scgt.nsw.gov.au
Photos by Hamilton Lund.
Photo Requests
Do you appear in this edition of Around the Grounds?
Photos featuring Members from this edition and future
editions of Around the Grounds can be downloaded from
the Membership section on the Trust website for one
month after each edition. Please note the Trust is unable to
print photos for Members. (All non-Member photos remain
the property of the Trust and are not available
for distribution).
2 | Around the Grounds
In any part of the Trust year it is busy. If ever
there was a fallow period between seasons,
that occurs no longer. When the rest of
Australia is on holiday, meaning they are looking
forward to fun and games, the staff of the
Sydney Cricket Ground are hard at work from
well before Christmas in preparation for the Test
Match at New Year. For 2005, as the extent of
the catastrophe in the Indian Ocean became
clear, the staff of the Trust and Cricket felt an
obligation to assist the victims of the Tsunami,
an obligation which extended beyond the Test
Match into a concert of rock stars past and
present organised with only weeks of notice.
Aussie Stadium can count on a rest during
the summer months most years. Not this year,
not with the staging of the Edinburgh Military
Tattoo over six nights broken by a one-day
cricket international at the SCG.
These events, occupying no fewer than 13
event days and nights, placed our staff at full
stretch. Our staff came through magnificently.
The Test Match in early January reached the
highest standards of wicket preparation, a part
of the preparation that makes viewing the game
such a pleasure for so many. Children's games
of elaborate rules took place on the practice
wickets in the narrow roadway behind the MA
Noble stand, in the tunnels, anywhere space
was sufficient and others did not cross too
regularly the field of play. Attendance settled
back to historic numbers, not inflated by a
home crowd saying farewell to an all-time great,
capacity was comfortable.
The efforts by the Trust to interest Members
in the food and beverage outlets on the 'village
green' lawns at the back, an experiment still even
in their fourth year, drew more people, they were
a recourse before the start of play, a rendezvous
for groups wanting a break and to follow the
game on the giant screen. The Trust will continue
to provide these outlets, a part of the diversity
of dining and drinking. At the concert for the
Tsunami, the lawns were crowded with people
and remained crowded even as the concert
continued.
The concert was a splendid occasion.
Protective covering was the platform for the
outfield. The wicket square was roped off.
Almost everyone respected the special soil
where they were sitting and standing. No
one set foot on the wicket square. Again the
SCG provided excellent acoustics and a fine
background. Approaching midnight the wicket
was inspected for damage. The cleaners were
already at work - and so was Tommy Parker,
our curator. He was making sure not a fragment
slipped through the Terraplas. He returned to
his bed at whatever hour but was back in the
middle shortly after dawn with the rest of the
ground staff to start work on the wicket for the
one-day international six days hence.
N'S MESSAGE
The Tattoo provided challenges very
different even to the exhausting, long days
of a five-day Test Match. The Trust itself
had made the decisions two years ago to
commit the capital that made the event
possible. We took the risk, there were
no guarantees, no collateral, no come
back. We took the risk because we were
confident that people across Australia,
with or without a Scots heritage, would be
wanting to see bands in a performance
which enjoys a world reputation. Across
Australia and from other parts the people
did come, they came for the rehearsal, they
came for the five nights of performance.
The members of the bands did not
disappear during the days. They were
visible at social occasions, they were
helping charities. Each night our staff
were in place to assist crowds generally
unfamiliar with Aussie Stadium, including
very large numbers of elderly people who
needed assistance and were provided
wheelchairs. The performances enjoyed
unanimous applause. They created
memories to last a lifetime. The logistics of
putting all of this in place from Edinburgh
to Sydney and all the years between will
make the staging of another most unlikely
any time soon.
When last I was writing I was outlining
the determination of the Trust to retain
international cricket in all of its forms
at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Not
a commentator thought we would.
Conventional wisdom was saying
otherwise, rumours abounded of what we
would lose – though no one rumour ever
matched a second. The Trust negotiators
presented a powerful case on why a
Ground built for cricket and named after
the great game should remain at home.
The first point of departure was and is the
Sydney Cricket Ground one of the two
finest cricket grounds in the world, a view
advanced very powerfully in that wider
world where the community of cricket
spoke solidly on our behalf.
The finances added up, the atmosphere
was unbeatable, traditions did matter, the
tricky business of preparing a wicket just
right for five days of use and measured
deterioration, all of these were factors
where the SCG was unbeatable. The
process occupied four months. The
process occupied some or all of every day
during the four months. When it was over
we had cause to wonder if ever we had
done anything else.
The outpouring of relief mixed with pride
and pleasure upon the announcement is
not a moment that will be forgotten. The
victory belonged to a lot of people. We did
not have to engender a single comment.
Past greats spoke on our behalf,
cricketers of every ability made it clear
the Sydney Cricket Ground was a central
part of their conception of the game at its
best, Members wrote volumes attesting
an affection that only those who love the
Sydney Cricket Ground will ever know.
The moment and its savouring belonged
to all. I express the gratitude of the Trust
to everyone who spoke and wrote in all
the channels formal and otherwise that
ensured the voice of cricket was heard.
Winter 2005 | 3
SYDNEY CRICKET FANS GIVE GENEROUSLY
ASIA Tsunami RELIEF APPEAL
RAISES $212,141
Sydney cricket
fans showed their
overwhelming
support for victims
of the Asia tsunami
disaster during the
Sydney Test Match
between Australia
and Pakistan with
donations to the
Sydney Cricket
Ground's appeal
more than doubling
the original target
of $100,000.
Sydney Cricket Ground Trust Chief
Executive, Mr Jamie Barkley, together with
Mr David Gilbert, Chief Executive Officer
of Cricket NSW, presented a cheque for
$204,789 to World Vision during the lunch
break on day four, on behalf of the cricket
fans at the SCG. A further $7,352 was
collected by the end of the Test Match
taking the total to $212,141.
The Appeal, which was supported by
4 | Around the Grounds
Jamie Barkley, Nigel Rooke, David Towill and David Gilbert.
Cricket Australia, was launched on January
2, day one of the third 3 Mobile Test Match
between Australia and Pakistan.
The Sydney Cricket Ground Trust kickstarted the fundraising with a donation
of $25,000. This was matched by Cricket
NSW, and the target amount was quickly
reached on day two of the Test Match.
“We were overwhelmed by the
support shown by the cricket fans and
the community during the week at the
SCG,” said Mr Barkley.
“We were delighted to present a
cheque to World Vision for $204,789
which was more than double the original
target. This will support their work in
affected areas such as India, Bangladesh
and Sri Lanka, all of who sent national
teams to Australia in recent years.”
Mr Nigel Rooke, NSW State Manager
for World Vision, said funds raised from
the appeal will provide much needed relief
to victims of the Asian tsunami disaster
through World Vision’s programs in all
areas affected by the tsunami. He also
paid special tribute to the volunteers who
manned collection bins at 12 locations
around the SCG, many of whom cancelled
family holidays to assist with the appeal
during the Test Match.
Other major contributors were
Coca Cola Amatil - $5,000, golfer Peter
O’Malley - $5,000 and Taylor Made/
Cricket Australia - $5,000.
MEMBERS' BREAKFAST
A record number of Members and guests attended the
2005 official Members Breakfast in the Indoor Cricket
Centre on Day 1 of the Australia - Pakistan Test Match.
The 630 breakfast attendees also included representatives
of Cricket Australia, Chairman Bob Merriman, CEO James
Sutherland plus Cricket NSW Chairman, Bob Horsell.
Andrew Coorey was the MC with former players Ian
Healy and Kerry O’Keeffe enhancing the event with their own
brand of humour and story telling.
All Members who attended the Breakfast were entered
into a prize draw with the top prize being a Sony Wega
plasma TV. Kerry O’Keeffe drew out Peter Berents as
the winner. Other prizes included signed copies of Kerry
O’Keeffe’s and Ian Healy’s books.
50 YEAR MEMBERS
MORNING TEA
Around one hundred, 50 Year Members attended
this year’s Morning Tea under the marquee on the
training field on Day 3 of the Test Match. Members and
Trustees shared stories and reminisced about the glory
days of football at the SCG.
BREAKFAST WITH THE CURATOR
Plan B had to be activated during the
January Test Match when rain prevented
100 Members and their guests from
inspecting the Test wicket with head
curator, Tom Parker.
Instead, Parker became a double
act in a Q&A format with assistant
curator, Bruce Fouracre. Members and
guests were shown a 10-minute video
which was produced at stumps on day
two with Parker conducting a “tour”
of the wicket with the fourth umpire,
Shane Reed, offering his views on the
state of the wicket.
Parker also detailed the procedures
ground staff must strictly adhere to at
the conclusion of each day’s play.
All Members and guests received a
special copy of Fouracre’s Test wicket
preparation diary.
The Trust rescheduled the wicket
inspection for the VB Series One Day
International Match between Australia
and Pakistan on January 23 but
unfortunately rain prevented the event
proceeding.
Winter 2005 | 5
SCG HOSTS 'WAVEAID'
THE TSUNAMI RELIEF CONCERT
Over 50,000 passionate music fans attended
WAVEAID The Tsunami Relief Concert at the
Sydney Cricket Ground on January 29, raising
$2.3 million for the appeal.
The Boxing Day natural disaster
touched the hearts of all
Australians and left the Australian
music community wondering how
they could help the hundreds of
thousands of people affected by
the tsunami. A few phone calls
later, WAVEAID was devised and
the concert raised $2.3million.
What started as a small idea soon
snowballed into one of the biggest
events in Australian music history when
music promoters Michael Chugg, Mark
Pope, Joe Segreto and John Watson
invited bands to participate. Soon they
had to turn eager artists away.
Midnight Oil agreed to reunite for
one last time, Silverchair performed for
the first time in two years and the event
saw the arrival of The Wrights (featuring
members of Jet, The Living End,
Grinspoon, Powderfinger, Spiderbait, You
Am I & Dallas Crane) performing Stevie
Wright’s classic Australian hit, Evie Parts
I, II and III.
6 | Around the Grounds
The list of other artists read like
the who’s who of the Australian music
industry....
THE WAIFS
MISSY HIGGINS
NICK CAVE
KASEY CHAMBERS
PETE MURRAY
FINN BROTHERS
THE WRIGHTS
JOHN BUTLER TRIO
SILVERCHAIR
POWDERFINGER
MIDNIGHT OIL
To optimise the fundraising effort,
event organisers engaged suppliers to
work free of charge or at cost. All those
including the bands, management,
production, publicists, web designers
and hosts involved in staging the event
donated their time free of charge. All
funds raised went to the Red Cross,
Oxfam, CARE Australia and Unicef.
The SCG Trust generously contributed
towards the $2.3 million raised from the
concert by waiving its venue hiring fee,
while over 500 full-time and casual staff
donated their services free of charge.
All other event costs were absorbed by
the Trust.
The Trust, mindful of the forthcoming
VB Series one day international second
final on February 6, secured the wicket
square and placed plastic flooring over
the remainder of the field. Additional
food outlets and bars were positioned on
the practice wickets.
It took crews one week, through
rain and wind, to erect the massive
stage in front of the Bradman Stand,
working around the clock and making
the finishing touches on the morning of
the concert.
And after a week of rain, the
clouds finally cleared and the SCG was
bathed in beautiful sunshine and ready
for the event of a lifetime. There was a
great vibe in the air, and patrons were
well behaved.
The location of the concert was not
lost on the fans. An area at the back of
the oval was cleared for a ‘pitch’, a fan
bought along a plastic bat and ball and
an impromptu cricket game started...
with over 200 players!
While the cricket game progressed,
the concert continued. Fans were treated
to some very special performances, and
returned the goodwill of the artists, who
had donated their time, by cheering and
singing to all songs.
Before the sun went down, the
crowd stood together for a minute
silence to remember the thousands
who had lost their lives as a result of
the tsunami.
The concert was a special moment
for Midnight Oil’s frontman Peter Garrett,
whose great-grandfather Tom Garrett
represented Australia in cricket at the
SCG over 120 years ago.
“I think Tom would have been proud
and happy – especially that the pitch
was protected and survived the day’s
play. And we (very nearly) got the ninety
overs in by the scheduled close of play!”
said Garrett.
“It was a fantastic days play from the
Oil's perspective. A great crowd, a very
worthy cause, and a marvelous privilege
for the band to be playing here. And
good on the SCG and the SCG Trust for
doing its bit to make sure it
all happened”.
During his performance Garrett
touched on how much the SCG meant
to him saying “You might have noticed when you
came into the SCG this afternoon, that
there were two hallowed principles
operating in the arena. The first hallowed
principle is that patch of green over
there, that everybody takes really
seriously and I guess I do too, I love it.
And the other hallowed principle is up
above us, the universal declaration of
human rights”, said Garrett.
“What a fantastic effort to raise all
that money. It really is very, very, very
inspiring. It’s a mighty day for Australian
music, for all those people involved in
the industry, and it’s a very big honour
on behalf of Midnight Oil and our
management. We want to say it’s a real
privilege and honour to come together
on this special occasion and help
people out”.
A DVD of WAVEAID will be on sale in March.
Winter 2005 | 7
EDINBURGH
MILITARY TATTOO
A SALUTE TO AUSTRALIA
ONE OF THE BEST
EDINBURGH MILITARY
TATTOOS EVER
Brigadier Melville Jameson, CBE, CEO and Producer of the
Edinburgh Military Tattoo, considers A Salute to Australia to have
been “one of the very best Edinburgh Military Tattoos ever staged”
– and he’s seen a few.
“That was my aim: to bring the very best from overseas to
join with your best,” he says. “There were so many other groups
who would have loved to come but weren’t able to, but I was very
pleased with the program and delighted with the capacity crowds.”
Leo Schofield, Creative Director of the event, says that it
surpassed his expectations. “I always knew that Sydney would
take to the show. We know from the annual broadcast from
Edinburgh that there is a loyal audience but I didn’t quite expect
the huge, all-encompassing appeal that it had.”
Jamie Barkley, Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney Cricket
& Sports Ground Trust, the man who convinced SCG Trustees
to take on the huge responsibility of underwriting the event, also
believes their faith was rewarded.
In fact, he considers ‘A Salute to Australia’ to have been even
better than the Tattoo he saw in Edinburgh last year. “It’s been
widely acclaimed as one of the most successful entertainment
events ever staged in Sydney and in Australia,” says Barkley. “All
credit to Leo Schofield and Mel Jameson for bringing the event
8 | Around the Grounds
to Sydney and staging it so successfully.”
As for the 160,000 attendees, Schofield believes that their
expectations were also surpassed. “Even though they’ve seen the
broadcast I don’t think they were prepared for the scale of it, the
beauty of the castle, and the drama of the lighting and music.”
The Tattoo took four years of planning and preparation such were
the logistics involved in confirming the program and getting approval
from the various Government Ministries and the Defence Forces.
“It’s too easy to say that it was a logistical nightmare,”
says Schofield, “but it was certainly a challenge. But we had
unprecedented support at every level: the Federal Government,
the State Government, the Police and the Sydney Cricket
& Sports Ground Trust, [who underwrote the event] did a
magnificent job,” he added.
On Wednesday February 2, a full dress rehearsal was
planned for 3pm in advance of a public preview that night. Then
at around 4pm the heavens opened and Sydney was lashed by
a ferocious summer storm. At 4.15pm the rehearsal had to be
abandoned because of torrential rain.
In its 55-year history, the Tattoo has never once been
cancelled and had the rain continued the performance would have
gone on. But the heavens were with the Tattoo. By 6pm the rain
Aussie Home Loans raised close to $200,000 for the
Children's Hospital at Westmead at a unique fund-raising
event centred on a night at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
More than 300 people enjoyed cocktails, first-class dining,
premium seating and received Edinburgh Military Tattoo gift
bags at the end of the night. Corporate supporters
included Walker Corporation, Gadens and the
Commonwealth Bank. Funds from the purchase
of tickets were donated directly to The Children’s
Hospital at Westmead. Aussie Home Loans is the
naming rights holder for Aussie Stadium.
QANTAS presented UNICEF and CARE
Australia with cheques of $90,000 each for
their Tsunami relief program, with funds raised
from the dress rehearsal attended by Qantas
Frequent Flyers and its partners
on Wednesday February 2. A
special on-field presentation was
made prior to the performance.
had stopped and at 8pm the performance began as scheduled.
“Because it’s a sporting arena, it is set up to drain very quickly
and the ground was not at all squelchy,” says Schofield.
Opening night was huge. From the traditional Australian
welcome (a lone didgeridoo player in a spotlight) to the Finale
featuring the 1200-strong cast, the evening ran like clockwork.
There were lovely changes of pace and tone throughout the night
as pomp and ceremony shared the bill with the heart-warming
and the humorous.
From the stirring sight of the massed pipes and drums from
Scotland, to the delightfully unexpected humour of the New
Zealand Army Band with its haka and Austin Powers dance, the
awe-inspiring precision of the Queen’s Colour Guard of the RAF, the
spectacular drumming of Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corps, the
Musical Ride of the mounted New South Wales Police, the highland
dancers, the young men of HM The King’s Guard from Norway,
who had only begun their national service two months earlier, to a
moving rendition of Waltzing Matilda by the bands of the Australian
Armed Forces, it was a program full of surprise and variety.
Tattoo soloist 19-year old Allegra Giagu sang beautifully as did
the Tattoo Choir made up of young people from The Sydney Public
Schools Singers. The crowd sang along with Waltzing Matilda,
I Am Australian and a selection of golden oldies whilst waving
multicoloured glow sticks that turned the stadium into fairyland.
Each of the five performances elicited the same delighted
response from audiences.
At the Saturday performance, Her Excellency the Governor,
accompanied by former SCG Trust Chairman, Sir Nicholas
Shehadie AC OBE, took the salute. And then, after the last
performance on Tuesday February 8, it was suddenly all
over. The heat had been hard, at times, for the performers
– particularly those used to British summers! Everyone involved
was exhausted but happy at the fantastic response.
Brigadier Jameson professes to be delighted on a number of
levels. “We were invited to Australia with the aim of reproducing
a replica Tattoo and I hope we have more than lived up to
expectations,” he said.
“We will have generated a significant sum of money
for various Service charities. The exact amount will be
announced later. And I’m told that the Tattoo generated
around $60 million for the economy of Sydney during our
stay. Most important for me has been the opportunity for
us to develop a closer association between the British and
Australian Defence Forces.”
Winter 2005 | 9
IS THIS THE WARATAHS' YEAR?
Is this going to be the year? That is the question on the lips of all
Waratah rugby union supporters as the Super 12 season unfolds.
Fielding an impressive team of world class Test stars, the
Waratahs have been unable to transform their unlimited promise
into a championship winning outfit but the early signs are
encouraging for coach Ewen McKenzie and his team.
The squad is a vastly improved outfit on the 2004 model,
featuring a new blend of youth, experience, and hard hitters.
Key signings include devastating loose forward Wycliff Palu,
who at 194cm and 120kg is sure to leave the opposition
wondering what hit them.
Also new to the team this year are Dwayne Haare and
Winston Mafi. Dynamic performances from both players on the
end of season tour of Argentina won them their spots in the
squad. Under the leadership of skipper Chris Whitaker, NSW
looks forward to reaching the final series in 2005.
With 14 Wallabies in the Waratahs there is plenty of big
game experience on board. An extra home game this year will
give fans another opportunity to get behind their charges to
push for that much sought after Super 12 title.
The big home game will no doubt be the annual grudge
match against Queensland. There’s always plenty of talk and
controversy around the place when this game is played and this
time it’s at Aussie Stadium.
As in previous years, Aussie Stadium will again be a
stronghold for the HSBC Waratahs this coming season. We
look forward to welcoming all fans of fast, flowing rugby to
make “Our House” their house in 2005.
SYDNEY SWANS TO START 2005 WITH A BANG
The Sydney Swans 2005 season kicks off on Easter Sunday,
March 27 when the locals take on Hawthorn at the SCG in
what promises to be an enthralling contest.
Coming off yet another solid season in 2004, big things
are expected of the Swans under coach Paul Roos with
recent All Australian inductees Barry Hall, Leo Barry and Brett
Kirk looking for even greater success this year.
Last season, Barry Hall was in sparkling form kicking 74 goals
10 | Around the Grounds
and along the way picked up enough votes from the coaching
panel to take out the Club Champion award. His presence on
the forward line has earned him cult status in Sydney and the big
man will be one to watch in the new season.
In recent years players like Jude Bolton, Ryan O’Keefe,
Kirk and Barry have turned heads both on and off the field
and you can expect to see much more of them in 2005.
Bolton and O’Keefe have been real success stories and
their off-field persona has seen them catapulted up the list
as two of Sydney’s most eligible bachelors ensuring a large
contingent of female fans at the SCG!
Then there are the two major off-season recruits,
Darren Jolly and David Spriggs. Jolly is looking to become
a major force in the Swans ruck ranks joining the club from
Melbourne, while Spriggs is a running “machine” from
Geelong who will bolster the midfield stocks.
The Sydney Swans proved extremely hard to stop at the
SCG in 2004 and they will be hoping for an even better strike
rate in 2005. Last year the Swans won seven out of nine
games at the SCG including victories over the three times
premiers Brisbane and the then unbeaten St Kilda.
This year you can expect to see much of the same with
the red and white livery hopefully being carried to many a win
at the SCG where they will play nine games.
Certainly the Sydney Swans are one of the teams to watch
in 2005 and the Easter Sunday clash with Hawthorn promises
to be a major event to kick-start the season.
Sunday 27 March 1.10pm
- Sydney Swans v Hawthorn at the SCG
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
NEW FACES, NEW CAPTAIN, NEW SEASON
Sydney Roosters coach Ricky Stuart has given his official
stamp of approval to the club’s major 2005 signings - Brett
Firman, Amos Roberts, Joel Monaghan and Richard Fa’aoso.
Fans saw the foursome in action when the Roosters opened
the premiership season at Aussie Stadium tackling the Rabbitohs
on March 12 and then when opposed to the Broncos at Aussie
Stadium on March 25.
Speaking after another gruelling pre season training session,
the former Australian halfback said he was more than satisfied
with their progress.
“I’ve been very happy with them, they’ve all been very
enthusiastic,” Stuart said.
“They’re all very eager to be successful. That comes with the
territory at the club here, where we try to do anything possible to
be the best.”
The acquisition of Roberts and Monaghan gives the Roosters
a fearsome backline, which is now arguably the fastest in the NRL.
For Roberts - last year’s leading try scorer - the opportunity
to switch to the club was too good to refuse, after salary cap
restraints forced him out of Penrith and the Dragons over the past
two seasons.
“The Roosters are a championship team, they’ve been up
at the top for the past few years, and I want to be a part of it,”
Roberts said.
“Training’s been going great, all the guys are really good.
Hopefully I can play well and help the team out in trying to win
the title.”
Classy centre Monaghan, who now lives with his brother
and Manly captain Michael, believes the Roosters are primed
for a big year.
“It’s all looking good, hopefully we can have a top year. Now
we’re all just looking forward to getting out on the field.”
For young half Firman, the road to Bondi has been a painful
one, after recovering from a broken leg sustained in round five
last year.
“Ricky hasn’t placed any pressure on us in trying to replace
Brad,” Firman said.
“I’m not going out there to try and be ‘Freddy’, I don’t think
anyone could.
“I’ll just be going out there to play my own game and to do
what’s best for the team.”
The uncompromising Stuart rejected claims the team’s
increased attacking ability would detract from the side’s famously
ruthless defence.
“We’re doing everything we can in regards to keeping our
defence as strong, if not stronger,” Stuart said.
“We’re in a position now of having more speed and more
attacking options with the players we’ve bought.
“We’re looking to improve in both attack and defence, and I
don’t see any reason why we can’t do that.
“All the players are now very excited, they’re all just keen to
get back out there and play some football again.”
RABBITOHS ALIVE IN 2005!
NRL season 2005 is shaping up as a big year for the
Rabbitohs with some high-quality, experienced recruits
joining the red and green as well the progression of some
exciting juniors and young stars to the senior club.
The Rabbitohs secured the signatures of Australian, Queensland
and premiership winning centre Shannon Hegarty for three seasons
from the Sydney Roosters, as well as fellow former Rooster, Country
Origin and premiership winning prop Peter Cusack.
Add to these players the youthful talent of forwards Michael
Greenfield and Ray Moujalli, halfback Peter Taylor, hooker Trent
Young and back Germaine Paulson and the recruitment for
season 2005 looks impressive.
You also cannot forget the Rabbitohs current stars in captain
Bryan Fletcher, vice-captain Ashley Harrison, international Adam
MacDougall, his brother Luke, and Mark Minichiello, all who
impressed in season 2004.
The Rabbitohs’ first NRL premiership game at Aussie
Stadium was in Round One when they took on last year’s grand
finalist Sydney Roosters on March 12. The following week
the Rabbitohs’ first home game of the year will be against the
Parramatta Eels on March 20.
The traditional match against the Dragons will again be played
at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Round 15.
Make sure you come out to Aussie Stadium and the Sydney
Cricket Ground to support the Rabbitohs throughout 2005.
Rabbitohs…the evolution has started.
Winter 2005 | 11
SUMMER AT THE
2005 TEST MATCH
Australia secured a comfortable victory by nine wickets in the
New Year’s Test Match against Pakistan at the SCG.
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first, with opener Salman
Butt scoring 108 in Pakistan’s first innings score of 304. For the
Aussies, Stuart MacGill took 5-87 and Glenn McGrath captured 4-50.
To add to the list of Memorable Moments at the SCG, the Test
Match saw Ricky Ponting’s first century as an Australian captain,
and just to be sure, he made it a double century!
Australia’s first innings of 568 was dominated by Ponting’s 207 and
Adam Gilchrist’s 113. For Pakistan, spinner Danish Kaneria took 7-188.
Pakistan scored 325 in its second innings, with 87 from
Asim Kamal. Shane Warne took 4-111 for the Aussies, and
Stuart MacGill claimed 3-83.
Australia easily scored the 62 runs for victory with only the
loss of Justin Langer’s wicket.
The Match was also
Michael Clarke’s first
Test Match on his home
ground - with the promise
of many more to come.
CATERING ON THE GREEN
Catering at the Test Match was embraced by Members,
especially on the ‘Village Green,’ otherwise known as the
training field.
Whether it was an espresso coffee and bacon and egg
roll for breakfast or six oysters and a glass of champagne,
everyone had a satisfying start to the day.
Additional seating under a marquee meant that Members
could relive Steve Waugh’s historic century in 2003, or marvel
at the sheer force of the West Indian fast bowlers at their peak,
courtesy of a selection of videos played on the large video
screen prior to commencement of the match each morning.
12 | Around the Grounds
The Village Green’s menu then changed for lunch.
Fresh chicken stir fry, 40cm freshly made baguettes and
the Tyrrell’s wine bar, stocking 14 different wines, was a hit.
So too was the Stella Artois on tap in the Members and we
may see more of it in 2005.
All the old favourites like pies and chips sold well, but
there were a few debutants in sushi and sashimi, calamari and
chips, antipasto, garden salads, pork rib burgers, a wide variety
of ice creams, killer pythons for the kids and green iced tea.
Members also took advantage of the 10 minute
massages provided by Stadium Fitness Centre staff.
SCG
SCG MacGILL
It was appropriate that NSW leg spinner
Stuart MacGill was named Man of the
Match for the January Test Match.
With initials SCG and playing on his
favourite ground, MacGill claimed 5-87
in Pakistan’s first innings before snaring
3-83 in the second innings to claim
match figures of 8-170.
Bowling in partnership with fellow
leggie Shane Warne, the pair were
instrumental in Pakistan’s second
innings collapse to set up Australia’s
nine wicket victory.
INAUGURAL CHAPPELL-HADLEE TROPHY
Australia defeated New Zealand
by 17 runs in the Chappell-Hadlee
Trophy match number two at the
Sydney Cricket Ground on December
8 to level the series at one-all in front
of 28,374 spectators.
The deciding game in Brisbane
was later washed out. Man of the
Match was Australia’s left arm
spinner Brad Hogg who took 3-45.
The match saw the resurgence
of the beige New Zealand one
day outfits of the 70s with several
groups of exuberant ‘Beige Kiwis’
spotted around the ground adding
to the atmosphere on the day.
Winter 2005 | 13
ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL
NSW stars Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and the mercurial
Michael Clarke led the winning charge as Australia continued
its One Day International cricket dominance when cruising to a
2-0 Finals series win over Pakistan in the VB Series.
One VB Series qualifying match and one Finals game were
staged on the SCG and Australia’s class overpowered plucky
Pakistan in both contests.
The qualifying match on January 23 saw Clarke score his
maiden SCG ODI century when posting 103 not out, largely
thanks to skipper Ricky Ponting’s generous rotation of the strike.
After Pakistan was dismissed for 163 in 39.2 overs with
McGrath (2-18) and Lee (2-54) making early in-roads into the
Pakistani batting, Clarke blazed away to score his runs off
107 balls and featured 14 boundaries and a six in Australia’s
nine wicket victory.
With Pakistan disposing of the West Indies to clinch a
Finals berth, Australia arrived at the SCG for the second Final
after recording an 18-run first Final win in Melbourne.
Sensing a second Finals win would provide extra days of
rest before touring New Zealand, Australia’s batting blasted
the Pakistan attack early on but were then subdued in the
middle period to finally post 9-230 off its 50 overs.
Pakistan needed to begin the run chase confidently but
McGrath and Lee ripped in and the tourists crumbled to be
4-38 in the 12th over.
While Pakistan staged a gallant fightback, it was McGrath
who quickly wrapped up the series capturing the last two
wickets to claim 5-27 off 7.4 overs as the tourists were
dismissed for 208.
NSW BLUES
RESPOND TO THE
CHALLENGE
At the beginning of the 2004-05 season, NSW cricket coach
Trevor Bayliss asked his team to step up to the challenge of
playing without Michael Bevan, Michael Slater, the Waugh twins
and their handful of current Australian squad members, and
become better players.
There was no turning back for the Blues and the remaining
squad members embraced Bayliss’ challenge to lift NSW
cricket into a new era.
With the season drawing to a close this month, Bayliss can
be well satisfied with his players’ response, particularly in the
four-day Pura Cup format.
Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has led from the front with some
sparkling batting and brilliance behind the stumps while Phil
Jacques and Dominic Thornley fulfilled their boundless batting
potential to each post memorable double centuries.
With Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee mostly absent on
Australian duties the bowling responsibility has centred on leg
spinner Stuart MacGill and the pace trio of Stuart Clark, Matt
Nicholson and left-armer Nathan Bracken – and they have each
responded in great fashion.
Along the way, the selectors have blooded new players with
UTS Balmain’s Jason Krejza, Sydney University’s Ed Cowan and
14 | Around the Grounds
Gordon’s James Packman all making their first class debuts.
Apart from challenging for titles again, the Blues have reestablished the SCG as a playing fortress where opposing teams
fear to play.
ICC SUPER SERIES TEST MATCH
14 - 19 OCTOBER 2005
The Sydney Cricket Ground will host the cream of world cricket when the inaugural six-day
ICC Super Series Test Match between Australia and the ICC World XI begins on October 14.
The SCG will host cricket’s newest major event, pitching the
world’s best team against the world’s best players.
SCG Trust Chief Executive Officer, Jamie Barkley, believes the
SCG will provide the perfect setting for this historic Super Test Match.
“The SCG is
unquestionably one of the finest
cricket venues in the world
and will provide an appropriate
backdrop for this wonderful
fixture,” said Barkley.
The SCG ranks alongside
Lord's as one of the world’s
most revered cricket venues
and provides the ICC Super
Test Match with the sense of
occasion a match of this grand
stature deserves.
ICC Chief Executive,
Malcolm Speed, said the
ICC World XI selection panel
was made up of some of
the greatest players ever
to have taken the field and
they have impeccable cricket
credentials for undertaking the
challenging job.
SCG MUSEUM
The SCG Museum and Archive Taskforce has been working to
document our collection and apply appropriate conservation
programs, including the microfilming of some of the Trust’s
earliest minute books to preserve the information.
A cataloguing project has been in progress for some time
now, allowing us to see what we hold in the collection and
what significant events are not well represented, with a view to
collecting relevant objects. In particular, the Trust would like
to seek donations of items relating to the 1938 Empire Games
(forerunner of the Commonwealth Games). These Games
were held in Sydney, with the SCG and Sports Ground as two
of the major venues. Photographs, programs, newspaper
articles and sporting equipment relating directly to the SCG
and Sports Ground would be welcome donations that will help
us tell the story of our site. Please call Marcelle Jacobs (9380
0312) or Madeleine Lindsell (9380 0375).
Any Members who may like to participate in future
volunteer programs are invited to register their interest on the
above numbers.
Sunil Gavaskar (Chairman), Michael Atherton, Sir Richard
Hadlee, Jonty Rhodes, Aravinda de Silva and Clive Lloyd will
choose the ICC World XI team to take on Australia in the ICC
Super Test Match.
The panel will select 30-man ICC World XI squads this
month. They will then reconvene to reduce these squads to
20 players in June before the final squads are announced in
mid-August.
“This international panel of cricket legends with 581
Tests and 917 ODI matches between them, is faced with the
unenviable task of picking teams to take on Australia in three
one-day matches in Melbourne and the six-day Super Test
Match in Sydney,” said Speed.
The Super Test Match has been
enthusiastically received by fans with over $1
million in tickets sales within the first week of
tickets going on sale.
“They will have to make some tough decisions. It would
be fascinating to be a fly on the wall as these former greats
discuss whether to open with Sehwag and Strauss or Gibbs and
Jayasuriya; whether there is space in the middle order for Lara,
Dravid, Tendulkar, Laxman, Kallis and Flintoff; whether Kumble can
be accommodated with Muralitharan; and whether to hand the
new ball to Vaas, Akhtar, Harrison or Ntini, Hoggard and Pathan.
“Once these former greats have made their decisions, the
players selected in the final squads will be in contention for total
match fees and prizemoney of US$2.644 million.”
The SCG has already commenced preparations for the
Super Test Match.
Following the Test between Australia and Pakistan in
January, head curator Tom Parker and his men re-turfed
sections of the wicket square and a long term plan is in place to
ensure the ground is in pristine condition for the match.
The Trust has negotiated access for financial SCG Members and
Gold Members. Club Cards will be admitted on days 4, 5 and 6 when
accompanied by the appropropriate Member or Guest.
All Members will receive their 2005 subscription renewals
in early September 2005. Fees are to be paid in order to
gain access to this event. Public tickets on sale now through
Ticketek. Tel: (02) 9266 4800 or www.ticketek.com.au
Winter 2005 | 15
TENNIS AT THE SCG
The Trust has mounted a new exhibition in the Museum to
commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Sydney Lawn
Tennis Club. Since its foundation in 1880, the Club has
been an integral part of the Sydney Cricket Ground. The
display comprises many pieces of equipment and trophies
loaned by the Sydney Lawn Tennis Club dating back to
1890. Mark Edmondson and Ian Craig have also lent a
number of items.
The exhibition acknowledges the Club’s outstanding
success in competition tennis, noting its dominance of the
Metropolitan Badge Competition and displaying the pennant
from its most recent win in 2004.
The exhibition also highlights the group of Australian
cricketers who have created a special link between the Club and
the SCG. Cricketing greats who have been members of the Club
include renowned Test cricketers Jack Gregory, Brian Booth,
Arthur Morris MBE, Ian Craig OAM and Alan Davidson AM MBE.
The Sydney Lawn Tennis Club’s connection with the SCG
has ensured its continued ability to attract quality players and
remain at the top level of competition.
Membership of the club is open to Trust Gold Members.
If you are a Gold Member and a tennis player of competition
standard, you are invited to apply for membership of the SLTC.
Please contact Ron Warren, Honorary Secretary at
r.warren@edfac.usyd.edu.au
VALE JOHNNY WARREN MBE,
1943 - 2004
Australian soccer legend, Johnny Warren, passed away on
6 November after a long battle with cancer.
Warren was known affectionately as ‘Captain Socceroo’
because of his phenomenal commitment to Australian soccer
over 40 years as a player, coach, manager and commentator.
He played 42 soccer internationals for Australia, and was
a key member of the team when Australia qualified for the
1974 World Cup.
In 1974, Warren became the first Australian soccer player
to be awarded an MBE. In 1999, he was one of the inaugural
inductees into the Australian Soccer Hall of Fame. In 2001, he
was an inaugural inductee into the SCG Trust’s Walk Of Honour. In
2004, he received FIFA’s Centennial Medal of Honour.
On Wednesday October 13, Johnny Warren and NSW
Premier Bob Carr were at Aussie Stadium for the launch of the
Johnny Warren Soccer Academy.
The new academy is an initiative of the NSW Government
that will help elite young NSW players to develop their skills in
Australia. At the launch, Warren spoke of his passionate desire
to see the world
game prosper
in Australia.
The Johnny
Warren Soccer
Academy is
certain to make
a significant
contribution to
the success of
the game in this
country.
Johnny Warren at Aussie Stadium on 13 October
16 | Around the Grounds
125 YEARS OF THE
SYDNEY LAWN
TENNIS CLUB
SOCCEROOS THRASH
SOLOMON ISLANDS
Australia won the OFC Nations Cup Final with a 6-0
victory against the Solomon Islands in front of a crowd of
almost 20,000 at Aussie Stadium in October.
Fans who had flocked to the Stadium to see Harry Kewell
were rewarded with a goal from the man himself in the first half.
As a result of the win, the Socceroos qualified for the
Confederations Cup in Germany in June 2005.
Sydney FC Head Coach Pierre
Littbarski has hit the ground
running saying he wants to instil
a winning football culture and
help develop the team’s tactics
and technique whilst also winning
silverware.
Using the knowledge that took
him to three World Cup Finals
amidst a glittering career both in
Europe and on the international stage, Littbarski will also lean
heavily on his experiences in Japan where he was both a player
and a coach for the start of the successful J-League competition
ten years ago.
Sydney FC is Aussie Stadium’s newest tenant and will play in
the new national Hyundai A-League football competition which
kicks off on August 28.
Littbarski, who has signed a two year deal with Sydney FC,
said he saw amazing similarities between the Australian football
scene and that of Japan in the early 1990s.
He stressed he will be looking to improve the team and
the players while striving to win qualification to the World Club
Championships and the A-League.
“One of the things that I like about this (appointment) is it
gives me the chance to improve what I have in front of me,”
Littbarski said. “The League is new and I know that means we
can make big improvements.
“I would like to bring improved tactics and techniques and
I want to set a standard early. Sydney is the biggest city in
Australia and we want to make Sydney FC the best club in the
A-League.”
Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Andy Harper, said
Littbarski’s appointment was as much about the overall package,
as it was with coaching or playing resumés.
“Pierre’s stature as a player is as good as it gets in the world
of football but he is also a very astute coach. He has been
involved in building clubs from scratch, which we need to do here
at Sydney,” said Harper.
Sydney FC has recruited strongly having signed Australian
representatives Steve Corica and David Zdrilic who have each
played several seasons in Britain, Europe and Japan before
deciding to return home to Australia.
Also on the team books is Ufuk Talay who played several
seasons in Turkey where he was highly regarded.
Sydney FC will play their first game at Aussie Stadium against
Melbourne Victory on Sunday, August 28.
HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE
2005-2006
SYDNEY FC HOME GAMES
AUSSIE STADIUM
RD
DATE
EVENT
TIME
AUGUST
1
Sun 28
vs Melbourne Victory
5.00pm
SEPTEMBER
3
Sun 11
4
Fri 16
vs Newcastle United Jets
vs Central Coast Mariners
5.00pm
8.00pm
OCTOBER
7
Sun 9
9
Fri 21
vs Adelaide United
vs New Zealand Knights
5.00pm
8.00pm
NOVEMBER
12 Sun 13
13 Sat 19
vs Queensland Roar
vs Perth Glory
5.00pm
8.00pm
DECEMBER
15 Sat 3
vs Melbourne Victory
8.00pm
JANUARY
17 Fri 6
18 Sat 14
vs Newcastle United Jets
vs Central Coast Mariners
8.00pm
8.00pm
vs Adelaide United
8.00pm
FEBRUARY
21 Fri 3
then finals
Times and Dates listed above are subject to change.
Check Trust News and Trust website for updates.
Winter 2005 | 17
PLENTY OF BIG HITS
DURING NEW YEAR'S TEST MATCH
The SCG’s website provided an extensive,
innovative coverage of the 2005 New Year’s
Test Match. The content included:
• a live webcam of the scoreboard
• daily photo galleries
• videos of media conferences
• photographic comparisons of evolution of the pitch
• the curator’s diary
• video of an interview with the curator
• video of the Sydney Test Match Breakfast
• statistics of teams and players in the Test Match
The SCG’s webcam is located in the MA Noble Stand.
The webcams are set to upload a still image to the website.
On match days, the still image is updated every 30 seconds.
On non-match days, the still image is updated every 10 minutes.
The webcams also have the capacity to broadcast live motion
pictures. This option is never used on match days due to
contractual broadcast restrictions.
During the week of the Test Match the website received
1,378,701 hits. The weekly average over the last 12 month
was 274,008.
GET THE
EMAIL ADVANTAGE
WINNER OF SONY
WEGA PLASMA TV
ON-LINE SUBSCRIPTIONS
Thousands of Members took advantage of the
convenience of subscription payments via the Internet
this year, with the chance to win a Sony Plasma television
worth nearly $5,000. Mr Robert Sutherland of Lane Cove
paid his subscription via the website during the discount
period and was the lucky winner.
The Trust is delighted to have SONY as one of its key
corporate clients and looks forward to passing on further
benefits to Members in 2005.
Win a Sony DVD recorder
with a 160GB hard disk
drive valued at $1,699
E-mail has revolutionised the way that the Trust
communicates with Members. Over 10,000 Members
have already registered their e-mail address with the Trust.
These Members are always first to receive any
new information.
Information to Members by e-mail includes:
• A monthly ‘Trust News Update’
• Notification of changes to event schedule
• Advice about use of cards
• Access to a range of special offers
The Trust adheres to a strict privacy policy. The Trust never
allows its database to be used by third parties.
All e-mails to Members come directly from the Trust.
Register your e-mail address at
membership@scgt.nsw.gov.au and you will be kept “in
the loop” with all the latest information from the Trust.
All e-mail addresses in our membership database at
midday on 31 March, 2005 will be entered into a draw to
win a SONY DVD RECORDER WITH A 160GB HARD DISK
DRIVE VALUED AT $1,699.
The winner will be notified by e-mail on 31 March, 2005,
and their name will be published in the “Membership”
section of www.sydneycricketground.com.au.
18 | Around the Grounds
PRIDE OF
WORKMANSHIP AWARDS
In November, the 2004 Rotary Club of Randwick presented
the Pride of Workmanship Awards to three Trust employees:
Kim Anderson (membership), Nikki Blazeska (crèche), and Lisa
O’Neill (tennis coaching).
The Pride of Workmanship Awards are presented by The
Rotary Club of Randwick each year to individuals who have
demonstrated Rotary’s themes of “do it once and do it well”,
and “service above self” in their vocations.
SCG IS 'No 1
SPORTING VENUE'
The Sydney Cricket Ground is the ‘No 1 Sporting Venue’
according to a major poll of radio listeners in Sydney held in
October.
Radio station WS-FM conducted the poll as part of their
‘Best Of Sydney’ competition. The SCG won the poll ahead
of Leichhardt Oval and Telstra Stadium.
EXPERIENCE
SPORT
Experience Sport! provided 30 SCG
Members and their guests a memorable
trip to Melbourne for the 2005 Centenary
Australian Tennis Open in January
Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Lleyton Hewitt and Andre Agassi at Melbourne’s Park
Hyatt Hotel, the Members enjoyed evening welcome drinks, two fantastic days of tennis
and a private dining room luncheon at Riva restaurant overlooking Port Phillip Bay.
Fellow Gold Member and Managing Director of Experience Sport! Craig Brown
attended the tour and was delighted to see SCG Members getting to know each other
in such a unique setting.
“The culture of our Membership is one of its greatest assets and it is the aim of
Experience Sport! and the Members Social Club to further enhance this by providing
great travel experiences throughout the whole year,” said Brown.
Last year saw Members and their guests enjoying trips all over the world via exclusive
SCG Members tours. This year will see SCG Members and their guests have the
opportunity to experience even more world class events.
The remaining 2005 offerings are:
DATE
EVENT
SALE DATE
21/6/05-3/7/05
WIMBLEDON
ON SALE NOW
6/7/05-27/7/05
2005 ASHES (INCL BRITISH OPEN)
ON SALE NOW
20/7/05-5/7/05
BRITISH OPEN GOLF
ON SALE NOW
2/9/05
BLEDISLOE CUP AUCKLAND
ON SALE NOW
24/9/05
AFL GRAND FINAL
30 APRIL
3/10/05
ARC DE TRIOMPHE PARIS
30 MARCH
29/10/05-3/11/05
P&O MELBOURNE CUP CRUISE
ON SALE NOW
17/11/05-19/11/05
TENNIS MASTERS CUP SHANGHAI
30 MARCH
11/12/05
HONG KONG CUP RACING
30 MARCH
JAN 2006
AUSTRALIAN OPEN TENNIS
EXPRESSIONS OF
INTEREST TAKEN
NOW DUE TO TICKET
RESTRICTIONS
Further information on these tours including pricing and inclusions will be emailed
to Members by the Trust with their Members update. You can also email direct to
tours@experiencesport.com.au. For those without this facility Experience Sport!
can be contacted on (02) 9264 0266.
In keeping with their philosophy of community, Experience Sport! through its retail
travel arm Mid City Travel has also arranged some exclusive destinations along
with tremendous discounts for Members. These deals and discounts are strictly for
Members, their families and friends.
INSIGHT,
TRAFALGAR &
COSMOS TOURS
Up to 15% discount
P&O CRUISES
Up to 50% discount
The exclusive deals listed above will
be noted as “Members Only” on the
Experience Sport! website. For those
who wish to contact by telephone you
can call Mid City Travel on (02) 9283
5818 and tell them you are enquiring
about the SCG Members offer. If
you wish you can also email them at
info@midcitytravel.com.au.
Winter 2005 | 19
MEMBERSHIP
N O T I C E B O A R D
Reciprocal Rights
This year’s events for seat reservation include:
Surrey County Cricket Club (The Oval) and
Marylebone Cricket Club (Lord's)
15 Jun 2005 NSW v QLD
NRL State of Origin II
9 Jul 2005
Rugby Union Test Match
Members are advised that the ticket allocation for Trust
13 Aug 2005 Australia v New Zealand Bledisloe Cup
Members to the above grounds in England has reached
2 Oct 2005
capacity for this year. The Trust is limited to 100 tickets per
international match with fees applying for both grounds.
Those Members still travelling to the UK may wish to contact
Experience Sport! to enquire about tour packages available.
Please visit the membership section of the Trust wesbite
or contact Experience Sport! on 9264 0266, or by email to
tours@experiencesport.com.au for availability.
Australia v South Africa
NRL Grand Final
(TBC)
Seat reservation forms will be mailed to eligible financial Gold
Members in mid-March. Please refer to the booking form for
details and conditions. All completed forms to be returned to
the Membership Office by April 1, 2005.
Reciprocal Rights
Members who have received advice of their successful
Australian Jockey Club
application will receive confirmation regarding payment as soon
Following previous advice to Members, the Trust is pleased to
as details are received by the Trust.
confirm arrangements negotiated with the Australian Jockey
Sale of Day Passes
Members may be entitled to purchase a limited number of
additional day passes for nominated events at the SCG and
Aussie Stadium. Single Members may book one day pass
and Double Members may book two day passes to selected
events. Details of the matches that day passes are available
will be published on the Trust website prior to the event.
Purchases can be made by Members only on the day of the
event from the appropriate Membership office. As in previous
Club (AJC) for Trust Members to purchase a limited number
of tickets into the AJC Members' area on race days and have
access to some key AJC functions throughout the year. The offer
includes access to a Trust allocation of AJC Members tickets at
all mid-week, Saturday and public holiday meetings at both Royal
Randwick and Warwick Farm, including but not limited to:
• Oaks Day
• George Main Stakes Day
• Derby Day
• Doncaster Day
• Sydney Cup Day
years, day passes will not be available for purchase on the
• Epsom Day
Trust website.
• Melbourne Cup Day
Day passes are only available for sale on event days when
club cards are admitted.
Telstra Stadium Seat
Reservations
Gold Members who joined prior to 1996 will again have the
opportunity to request seats for selected events held at Telstra
Stadium in 2005.
Trust Members may contact the AJC directly to purchase
tickets via one of the following methods:
• In person prior to event day - by visiting the AJC
Membership Office, located on the ground floor of the
AJC office on Alison Road, Randwick. Office hours are
9.00am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
• In advance via telephone - Members may telephone the
AJC membership office on 02 9663 8419 or 02 9663 8436
(please ensure that you have your SCG/Gold membership
card number available to quote), or alternatively you may
fax your request to 02 9663 2754 (please remember to
state your valid 2004-2007 membership card number).
• In advance via email - Members may purchase tickets
via email by sending your membership and credit card
details to members@ajc.org.au.
20 | Around the Grounds
entry fee and proceed to the “General Office”. The
Zoo Competition Winners
office is located just before the main entrance to the
Thank you to all those Members who recently entered the
Members’ area inside the venue. Please ensure you are
Trust’s Bonus Voucher competition for the opportunity to win
in possession of your valid SCG/Gold membership card
one of ten family passes to Taronga Zoo or Western Plains Zoo.
• In person on event day - Members pay general course
to obtain tickets.
The lucky winners were:
Prices for Standard Non-Carnival Day:
Mr A Blandis of Arncliffe
Course Entry $10, Members Enclosure Entry $25
Mr A Burge of Hawthorn
Prices for Carnival/Melbourne Cup Day:
Mr R Conolly of Castle Cove
Course Entry $25, Members Enclosure Entry $90
Mr J Gannon of Dover Heights
Members are reminded that their behaviour and that of their
guests is the entire responsibility of the Member. Any reports
of misconduct will result in Members’ jeopardising future
reciprocal arrangement opportunities.
Tickets will be limited to a maximum of four per Member per day.
Dress Regulations - AJC Members' Enclosure
• Gentlemen are required to wear a suit, sports coat or blazer
and tie, except during the period of daylight saving, when
coats need not be worn, provided braces are not showing.
• Ladies a re expected to maintain a suitable standard in
keeping with the dignity of the Members’ Enclosure. Shorts,
jeans or brief clothing are not considered suitable attire.
• Pullovers, cardigans, parkas, duffle coats, or waist length
jackets, jeans and shorts as outer wear and running
shoes, including sandshoes, joggers, thongs, are not
permitted. No denim.
• Younger children accompanied by an adult must be
suitably attired and children over the age of 14 years
must dress to adult standards.
2004 - 2007
Membership Cards
All financial Members should now be in possession of their
2004 - 2007 photo identification cards.
A limited number of photo membership cards may experience
Mr G Katsoolis of St Ives
Mr J Last of Chester Hill
Dr S McCaffrey of Liverpool
Mr S Robilliard of Eastwood
Mrs L Springer of Beecroft
Ms Y Witting of Beverley Park
The above winners have been notified by mail.
Behaviour of Members
and Guests
Members are reminded that their behaviour and that of their
guest/guests is the responsibility of the appropriate Member.
Members are requested to observe a standard of behaviour
and be courteous and considerate of their fellow Members at
all times.
In accordance with the Members Handbook and Trust By-laws
your attention is drawn to the following:
• The Trust expects that Members and their guests maintain
acceptable standards of behaviour whilst using the facilities.
• The Trust reserves the right to refuse entry to, or remove
persons from the grounds when those persons breach
Trust rules.
• The Trust reserves the right to suspend or cancel Membership
for misbehaviour or misconduct on the scheduled lands.
If you experience any problems upon entry to the venues,
ICC Super Test
Membership Entitlements
please visit the SCG Match Day Office on Driver Avenue (SCG
Unlike the Olympic Games and Rugby World Cup, the Trust
event days) or Membership Services located in Venue Services
has negotiated access for Members to the ICC Super Test,
(Aussie Stadium event days) to have your card replaced.
October 14 - 19. Additional Day passes will be available for
If you hold 2004 - 2007 Guest and Club cards these will
$140 per ticket for Days 4, 5 and 6. Full details will be made
remain valid, as the error has affected the Member Card only.
available in the next few months.
difficulty when entering the turnstiles to attend events. As a
result, your photo member card only may need to be replaced.
Winter 2005 | 21
STADIUM FITNESS CENTRE
SYDNEY'S LIFESTYLE CENTRE
STADIUM FITNESS CENTRE RENOVATIONS
AND UPGRADE
The newly renovated Stadium Fitness Centre
is now due for completion on April 11. On
completion, Members will enjoy a facility
over twice the size of the SFC when it first
opened. This includes extensions to the
Group Exercise Studio, Cardiovascular
and Weight Training Areas, along with
improvements to the women's change
room and spa areas. New ‘state of the art’
equipment will be provided throughout the
entire facility!
PERSONAL TRAINING
Looking towards a healthier 2005 but you need some
direction or motivation? The Stadium Personal Trainers
will guide you through a fun, safe and effective exercise
program to achieve the results you desire!
Personal Training will ensure optimum results; time efficient
training for busy people, including variety and will assist in
your athletic performance.
MASSAGE
Are you feeling stressed from life or work?
Recovering from an injury?
Massage is the perfect remedy!
Allow our Massage Therapists Heidi Hill, Sandy Marquette
and Michelle Borkowski to provide you with Swedish,
Remedial or Sports massage.
Invest in your well-being or purchase a gift voucher for a
well-earned break.
CRÈCHE
Crèche hours for 2005 are 8.45am-12.15pm Monday
to Saturday.
Your child will receive the best possible care by our
qualified staff.
Casual and permanent bookings are available at Venue
Services, to allow some ‘time out’ whilst you train and
catch up with friends.
22 | Around the Grounds
SWIM SCHOOL
Parents and bubs, learn to swim, stroke correction, junior
and adult squad training is available for you. Classes from
Feb 9 – April 5.
Enrolment forms are available at Venue Services.
KIDS HOLIDAY PROGRAM
The next school holiday program will be held 18-20 April.
Children can enjoy a range of activities including tennis and
indoor soccer, and clinics hosted by the ARL Foundation
& South Sydney Rabbitohs, AFL NSW/ACT and Cricket
NSW. Book early to avoid disappointment.
GROUP EXERCISE
Enjoy the 'new look’ Group Exercise Studio with a
comprehensive program of over 35 classes each week
with Velocity, Yoga, Boxing, Aqua, Step, Body Sculpt,
Circuit, Fit Ball and Pilates.
Bookings or enquiries for any of the above services can be
made with Venue Services on 1300 724 737.
Please check www.sydneycricketground.com.au for all
weekly Fitness Centre Updates and program information.
It is mandatory that all Gold Members and guests attending
the Stadium Fitness Centre (SFC) complete a Pre-Exercise
Questionnaire prior to engaging in any recreational activity
on the Trust premises.
If applicable, a questionnaire is enclosed in this issue of
Around the Grounds. All forms are to be returned to Venue
Services either in person on your next visit, by facsimile on
(02) 9380 0398 or by post to GPO Box 150, Sydney 2001.
By returning your completed form/s prior to the May 31, 2005,
you will go into the draw to win one of the following prizes:
• one of 10 one-hour massages
• one of 10 one-hour personal training sessions or
• one of 10 passes for Yoga, Pilates or Yogalates
(each pass is valid for 10 visits).
OUT AND
ABOUT
Winter 2005 | 23
AUSSIE STADIUM FIXTURES
GOLD MEMBERS ONLY
DATE EVENT
MARCH
CLUB CARDS
SAT 12
Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Yes
SAT 19
Waratahs v Stormers
Yes
SUN 20
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels
Yes
FRI 25
Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos
Yes
SAT 26
Waratahs v Bulls
Yes
MON 28
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canberra Raiders
Yes
APRIL
SAT 2
Waratahs v Crusaders
SUN 3
Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers
Yes
M
15 - 17
23 - 25
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Penrith Panthers
Sydney Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons
Yes
Yes
DATE EVENT
NOVEMBER
SUN 13
SAT 19
CLUB CARDS
Sydney FC v Queensland Roar
Sydney FC v Perth Glory
Yes
Yes
DECEMBER
SAT 3
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
Yes
JANUARY
FRI 6
SAT 14
Sydney FC v Newcastle United Jets
Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners
Yes
Yes
FEBRUARY
FRI 3
Sydney FC v Adelaide United
Yes
SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND
GOLD & SCG MEMBERS
MAY
FRI 6
Waratahs v Reds
No
7-8
Sydney Roosters v Newcastle Knights
Yes
DATE EVENT
MARCH
CLUB CARDS
FRI 13
Waratahs v Blues
M
10 - 13
NSW Blues v Victoria
14 - 15
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Melbourne Storm
Yes
18 - 22
Pura Cup Final (tbc)
Yes
20 - 21
Super 12 Semi Final (tbc)
No
SUN 27
Sydney Swans v Hawthorn
Yes
20 - 22
South Sydney Rabbitohs v New Zealand Warriors
Yes
27 - 29
SAT 28
Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders
Super 12 Final (tbc)
Yes
No
Sydney Roosters v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels
Yes
Yes
Yes
JUNE
3-5
10 - 12
24 - 26
Yes
APRIL
SUN 17
Sydney Swans v Adelaide
Yes
SAT 23
Sydney Swans v Melbourne
Yes
MAY
JULY
FRI 1
Australia A v Junior All Blacks
Yes
8 - 10
15 - 17
29 - 31
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
Sydney Roosters v New Zealand Warriors
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Bulldogs
Yes
Yes
Yes
SUN 15
Sydney Swans v Port Adelaide
Yes
SUN 22
Western Bulldogs v Sydney Swans
Yes
JUNE
SUN 12
Sydney Swans v Fremantle
Yes
17 - 19
South Sydney Rabbitohs v St George Illawarra Dragons
Yes
JULY
SAT 9
Sydney Swans v Geelong
Yes
SUN 24
Sydney Swans v West Coast
Yes
AUGUST
AUGUST
5-7
Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers
Yes
SUN 21
12 - 14
19 - 21
26 - 28
SUN 28
Sydney Roosters v Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters
South Sydney Rabbitohs v North Queensland Cowboys
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
14 - 19
ICC Super Test Match
M
No
Gold Club cards will admit when accompanied by the Gold Member only
Gold Club cards will not admit. Member & Guest Card only
SEPTEMBER
2-4
9 - 11
SUN 11
FRI 16
SAT 17
SUN 18
SAT 24
Sydney Roosters V Bulldogs
NRL Qualifying Final
Sydney FC v Newcastle United Jets
Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners
NRL Semi-Final
NRL Semi-Final
NRL Preliminary Final
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
M
M
M
OCTOBER
SAT 1
SUN 9
FRI 21
Toohey’s New Cup Final
Sydney FC v Adelaide United
Sydney FC v New Zealand Knights
Yes
Yes
Yes
Sydney Swans v Kangaroos
Yes
OCTOBER
NB. All fixtures are subject to change.
Watch daily press.
Event Times
Event times are provided on our website,
recorded message and in major media
leading up to events.
Net Club
If you would like weekly event updates
emailed to you, please visit our website to
register: www.scgt.nsw.gov.au
Schedule Updates
Changes to event scheduling will be
emailed to all Members who have provided
e-mail addresses.
You can submit your e-mail address to
membership@scgt.nsw.gov.au
tbc
Club Cards
Please refer to the 2005 Winter fixture card
for Member card usage information.
Club Card usage indicated is a guide
only. The Trust reserves the right to
change Club Card access dependent
on event demand. Club Card usage is
listed on the Trust website and in Trust
News, the Trust’s column in the Sydney
Morning Herald first Saturday of every
month. The appropriate Member Card or
Guest Card must always swipe in first to
activate the Club Cards.
www.sydneycricketground.com.au or
www.aussiestadium.com.au
REDRAZOO|3338SG