2021-09-07 Services & Organisation Committee Meeting Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                 7 SEPTEMBER 2021


3.    STAFFING
The J’s small team continues to work well, running the centre in a highly efficient manner, particularly
when compared to other similar venues with larger teams. The impact of Covid-19 remains
significant for the team and continues to cause operational headaches as shows are cancelled,
performers are unable to enter Qld and/or theatre occupancy limits are reduced in line with ever-
changing operating restrictions. The team have handled this volatile period extremely well and
continue to operate with the utmost professionalism during a highly stressful period.
On a positive note, a new part-time Marketing & Communications Officer was appointed earlier this
year, filling a long-term void within the structure.

4.    SYSTEMS & PROCESSES AND OTHER MATTERS
     A much-needed refurbishment of the theatre’s 15-year-old seating took place this year thanks
      to a State Government Covid grant. Initial feedback from patrons is that the seats are now
      much more comfortable.
     The J continued to support other Council departments during the prolonged Covid closure and
      were deployed to assist several community organisations during this time.

5.    FUTURE DIRECTION
     Manage the ongoing challenges of Covid-19 and the at times significant impact of operating
      restrictions.
     Review of The J’s booking system and consideration of alternatives.
     Development of a new 5-year business plan.
     Ongoing liaison with Noosa FM with the view to formalise an extended lease given their recent
      achievement of greater operational and financial stability.
     Following USC’s decision not to activate their next 5-year lease option at The J, prepare an
      options paper outlining possible future uses of this space. The options paper will consider a
      wide range of possibilities with a focus on ensuring any future uses are compatible with existing
      operations at The J.

Previous Council Consideration
Nil

Finance
Refer to Section 1 of this report.

Risks & Opportunities
This report does not propose any new actions or activities which would shift risks or opportunities
beyond the current levels encountered as part of The J’s day-to-day operations. However, it should
be noted that the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic presents significant operational risk to the centre in
the form of staff and patron safety and financial performance. Management will continue to do all
they can to effectively balance service provision and safety by operating within the parameters set
by State and Federal governments and departments, and those endorsed by Council’s own internal
Covid-19 taskforce.

Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Nil
Internal Consultation
Management Accountant, Corporate Services

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