Successful Managing Through the Great Flood of 2017

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

A series of crisis management steps enabled the Club to continue to operate through flooding caused by record high water levels. Temporary walkways, sandbag walls, emergency protection of power and sewage systems and other measures facilitated almost normal operations. Meanwhile, safety protocols were developed and communicated to Members and Staff alike to ensure that all temporary measures were safe. Weekly updates to Members and Staff kept everyone posted as to what was working and what was not, while ensuring the highest level of safety was preserved. All weddings, club events and regattas were held as scheduled - even if people had to wear Wellington boots to access parts of the property - and most financial targets were met and an overall operating surplus was achieved. Policies and procedures were developed for future reference and post-season changes are now being made to the main power and sewage systems. The Team is confident that we can manage another season of high water levels, should this occur, while learning valuable lessons for crisis management for other emergency situations.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

Department Managers developed and implemented temporary measures in consultation with the General Manager & CEO. Many of the steps that were taken were suggested by supervisors and even front line staff. Interdepartmental teams were also formed when problems crossed operational lines. The Human Resources Department worked with Department Managers to ensure that all temporary solutions were safe. The Marketing and Communications team ensured regular and comprehensive communications on all flood-related matters. The Board was kept informed throughout - so that they could respond to questions - but all measures were developed and implemented by staff. Members were highly complimentary of staff efforts and the Commodore publicly thanked the staff at our season opening in May. After just a few weeks of flood operations, Members took everything in stride and treated it as an adventure. Member and employee engagement levels were very high and the staff were complimented for saving the sailing season.