Dear Members and Supporters,

What a start to the year!

Unprecedented bushfires across Australia, including our own Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Hills, followed by a global health threat which has us all feeling deeply for those directly impacted by the coronavirus.

I thought I might take this opportunity to provide an update on both of these extraordinary events.

Bushfire Appeal

It’s a bit belated, but thank you to everyone who attended or donated to the T20 Showdown.

All proceeds were directed to the Premier’s Appeal and will be distributed to those affected in South Australia.

We are acutely aware that whilst the fires are largely contained for the moment, the hard work for these communities has only just begun.

The $1 million raised, and the spirit in which the entire event was conducted, was a credit to all involved. Thank you.

Coronavirus

The impact of the coronavirus virus on our scheduled Round 11 game in Shanghai, is clearly an issue we are addressing.

Firstly, let me reiterate again, the health and safety of our players, staff and supporters is our number one priority and won’t be compromised.

We are taking a calm and measured approach to evaluating this situation, and will continue to receive and act on the best advice from the Australian Government, World Health Organisation and other medical experts in this field. Fortunately, the Shanghai game is still several months away, so,  from a playing perspective, we don’t need to rush the decision as to whether we play or not.

While our planning continues, we are, in conjunction with the AFL, developing contingency plans should the match need to be relocated back to Australia.

In this scenario, the game will revert back to a standard St Kilda home game, with the time and place to be determined by the AFL.

There are many factors at play, from operational and commercial, through to financial and, most importantly, the health and safety of everyone.

I assure you our team is across every detail.

We are keen to keep the Shanghai game on the 2020 fixture and beyond, and as such, we will give ourselves as much time as possible to make this decision.

But we will not compromise the health or wellbeing of anyone, and we will be entirely respectful of the very difficult circumstances facing our friends in China.

As we close in on a decision, it is my intention to provide you with regular updates.

If you require any further specific information, please do not hesitate to contact the Club at membership@pafc.com.au

Looking forward to getting up to Moreton Bay, Queensland for our first real hit out and a couple of other major announcements in the coming weeks.

Take care everyone,

KT