Basket Case Clubs

A successful club isn't measured by the people it depends on, but by the systems it has in place.

We're back with another episode in our Breaking Point mini-series, where Michael and Steve explore one of the biggest challenges facing community organisations today: becoming too dependent on good volunteers.

From committee members who quietly burn out to decades of knowledge walking out the door with one person, they unpack why relying on goodwill is no longer enough. They discuss the warning signs every club should recognise, why succession planning starts long before someone leaves and how better systems can protect both your volunteers and your organisation.

If your club would struggle without one or two key people, this episode is a must-listen. Discover practical ways to build stronger systems, support your volunteers and create an organisation that can thrive well beyond any one committee member.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lqI0LAOTLZs

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Need a constitution check-up? Make sure yours is working for you, not against you. Submit your constitution for a free assessment by CPR Group's expert team here: www.cprgroup.com.au/constitutionassessment

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🥇 If you'd like a chance to win some fantastic Basket Case Clubs merchandise, simply leave us a review on the Apple Podcasts app or your preferred podcast platform.

If you're seeking additional support, then reach out to us. We're eager to share the wealth of knowledge we've accumulated over the years!

Sign up to our newsletter to stay in the know!

Stay in the know about our other upcoming FREE webinars!

Check out our previous episodes!

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Disclaimer: The content of this episode is for entertainment and information purposes only. The information provided is correct at the time of recording but may not reflect the latest developments. This podcast does not constitute legal, financial or other advice and should not replace the guidance of professional advisors. Always seek qualified professional advice.

Your club isn't struggling because it's growing. It's struggling because it's still operating like the club it used to be.

In this episode of the Breaking Point mini-series, Michael and Steve unpack why growth creates pressure in community sport and why so many volunteer committees unknowingly outgrow their systems long before they realise it.

From survival mode to scaling organisations and institutions, the Basket Case Bros explain the different stages of club growth, the challenges that come with each one and why understanding what's coming next can be the difference between thriving and burning out.

Whether your club has 30 members or 700, this episode will help you recognise the warning signs, prepare for the next stage of growth and build a stronger, more sustainable organisation for the future.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/13mnq7oEdOE

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Need a constitution check-up? Make sure yours is working for you, not against you. Submit your constitution for a free assessment by CPR Group's expert team here: www.cprgroup.com.au/constitutionassessment

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🥇 If you'd like a chance to win some fantastic Basket Case Clubs merchandise, simply leave us a review on the Apple Podcasts app or your preferred podcast platform.

If you're seeking additional support, then reach out to us. We're eager to share the wealth of knowledge we've accumulated over the years!

Sign up to our newsletter to stay in the know!

Stay in the know about our other upcoming FREE webinars!

Check out our previous episodes!

Follow us on Instagram

Follow Michael on Instagram

Add Michael on LinkedIn

Add Steve on LinkedIn

Add CPR Group on LinkedIn

Find us on Facebook

Find Michael on Facebook

Contact Us 

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Disclaimer: The content of this episode is for entertainment and information purposes only. The information provided is correct at the time of recording but may not reflect the latest developments. This podcast does not constitute legal, financial or other advice and should not replace the guidance of professional advisors. Always seek qualified professional advice.

The grant application isn't the hard part. Having the right plans in place for the project is.

In this episode, Michael and Steve unpack the key lessons from the recent Grants and AI workshop delivered as part of the City of Moreton Bay Community, Sport and Recreation Training Series.

They challenge the common "what grants can we get?" mindset and explain why successful organisations focus on identifying the projects their community actually needs before searching for funding opportunities. From strategic planning and project readiness to stakeholder engagement and evidence gathering, they explore why the best grant applications are built long before the application form opens.

They also discuss how AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini are changing the grant-writing landscape, sharing practical ways clubs can use them to save time, strengthen applications and reduce their reliance on external grant writers.

Because grants don't create great projects. Great projects attract great grants.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vumCw-yhVF8

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This episode is part of our ongoing collaboration with the City of Moreton Bay and continues the post-workshop discussions designed to help clubs better understand their responsibilities, avoid common pitfalls and build stronger, more sustainable facilities for their communities.

Got a question you’d like answered in a future episode? Send it through to [email protected]. It might just feature in an upcoming Basket Case Clubs episode!

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Need a constitution check-up? Make sure yours is working for you, not against you. Submit your constitution for a free assessment by CPR Group's expert team here: www.cprgroup.com.au/constitutionassessment

--------

🥇 If you'd like a chance to win some fantastic Basket Case Clubs merchandise, simply leave us a review on the Apple Podcasts app or your preferred podcast platform.

If you're seeking additional support, then reach out to us. We're eager to share the wealth of knowledge we've accumulated over the years!

Sign up to our newsletter to stay in the know!

Stay in the know about our other upcoming FREE webinars!

Check out our previous episodes!

Follow us on Instagram

Follow Michael on Instagram

Add Michael on LinkedIn

Add Steve on LinkedIn

Add CPR Group on LinkedIn

Find us on Facebook

Find Michael on Facebook

Contact Us 

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Disclaimer: The content of this episode is for entertainment and information purposes only. The information provided is correct at the time of recording but may not reflect the latest developments. This podcast does not constitute legal, financial or other advice and should not replace the guidance of professional advisors. Always seek qualified professional advice.

In this episode, we kick off our brand-new Breaking Point Mini-Series and we’re starting with a hard truth: from the outside, community sport looks like it’s thriving… but underneath, the pressure is building.

Participation is strong. Facilities are full. Everything appears to be on track.

But behind the scenes, volunteers are carrying more than ever before.

We’re talking about:

• The growing burden on club volunteers
• Why so many committees are stuck in survival mode
• The gap between rising expectations and limited capacity
• And the uncomfortable reality that the system itself might be the problem

This isn’t about blaming volunteers, it’s about recognising the pressure they’ve been quietly absorbing for years.

Because most clubs don’t collapse with a bang…
they simply fade away.

This episode sets the foundation for the series ahead, where we’ll unpack what’s really driving this pressure and what needs to change before community sport reaches its true breaking point.

Tune in now for a raw and honest look at the hidden realities of grassroots sport and why “just getting by” isn’t going to cut it anymore.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2dwmJPaZpzI

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Need a constitution check-up? Make sure yours is working for you, not against you. Submit your constitution for a free assessment by CPR Group's expert team here: www.cprgroup.com.au/constitutionassessment

--------

🥇 If you'd like a chance to win some fantastic Basket Case Clubs merchandise, simply leave us a review on the Apple Podcasts app or your preferred podcast platform.

If you're seeking additional support, then reach out to us. We're eager to share the wealth of knowledge we've accumulated over the years!

Sign up to our newsletter to stay in the know!

Stay in the know about our other upcoming FREE webinars!

Check out our previous episodes!

Follow us on Instagram

Follow Michael on Instagram

Add Michael on LinkedIn

Add Steve on LinkedIn

Add CPR Group on LinkedIn

Find us on Facebook

Find Michael on Facebook

Contact Us 

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Disclaimer: The content of this episode is for entertainment and information purposes only. The information provided is correct at the time of recording but may not reflect the latest developments. This podcast does not constitute legal, financial or other advice and should not replace the guidance of professional advisors. Always seek qualified professional advice.

In this supercharged episode of Basket Case Clubs, we unpack the real-world governance issues hiding inside club constitutions.

From outdated rules and confusing membership structures to weak dispute processes and governance gaps, this conversation dives into the common constitutional pitfalls that can quietly create risk for clubs and community organisations.

Drawing on practical examples, constitutional “confessions” and insights from almost three decades of working with clubs across Australia, this episode will help you work out whether your constitution is genuinely protecting your organisation… or quietly holding it back.

Leading the charge are Steve Connelly and Matt McEwan from CPRG, sharing the red flags, reality checks and practical takeaways every club committee should know.

If your constitution hasn’t had a proper look in a while… this one’s worth your time.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nNESk5lxqfA

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Need a constitution check-up? Make sure yours is working for you, not against you. Submit your constitution for a free assessment by CPR Group's expert team here: www.cprgroup.com.au/constitutionassessment

--------

🥇 If you'd like a chance to win some fantastic Basket Case Clubs merchandise, simply leave us a review on the Apple Podcasts app or your preferred podcast platform.

If you're seeking additional support, then reach out to us. We're eager to share the wealth of knowledge we've accumulated over the years!

Sign up to our newsletter to stay in the know!

Stay in the know about our other upcoming FREE webinars!

Check out our previous episodes!

Follow us on Instagram

Follow Michael on Instagram

Add Michael on LinkedIn

Add Steve on LinkedIn

Add CPR Group on LinkedIn

Find us on Facebook

Find Michael on Facebook

Contact Us 

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Disclaimer: The content of this episode is for entertainment and information purposes only. The information provided is correct at the time of recording but may not reflect the latest developments. This podcast does not constitute legal, financial or other advice and should not replace the guidance of professional advisors. Always seek qualified professional advice.

In this episode, we’re doing things a little differently.

Instead of breaking down a basket case, we’re going behind the scenes of something built right from the ground up… the brand new Western Sydney University Student Union.

Michael is joined by Richard Martino (WSUSU) and CPR Group’s own Nathan Butcher to unpack what it actually takes to design a modern student union - one that reflects busy, diverse students, embraces digital engagement and rethinks traditional governance models.

From a 9-person SRC model to grassroots representation, transparent consultation and a structure that balances independence with strong university relationships, this episode dives deep into the decisions, challenges and “oh wow this could fall over” moments that shaped the final outcome.

We talk:

• What a modern student union actually looks like
• Why transparency and trust were non-negotiables
• How to work with your university (without losing your advocacy edge)
• The messy reality of governance, stakeholder management, and big change
• Why sometimes the journey matters just as much as the destination

This isn’t your typical Basket Case Clubs episode, but if you’re in the sector, thinking about change or just wondering what the future of student leadership looks like… this one’s a must-listen.

Tune in for a deep dive into building something that might just become a beacon model for the sector.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pPAysO60eZc

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Need a constitution check-up? Make sure yours is working for you, not against you. Submit your constitution for a free assessment by CPR Group's expert team here: www.cprgroup.com.au/constitutionassessment

--------

🥇 If you'd like a chance to win some fantastic Basket Case Clubs merchandise, simply leave us a review on the Apple Podcasts app or your preferred podcast platform.

If you're seeking additional support, then reach out to us. We're eager to share the wealth of knowledge we've accumulated over the years!

Sign up to our newsletter to stay in the know!

Stay in the know about our other upcoming FREE webinars!

Check out our previous episodes!

Follow us on Instagram

Follow Michael on Instagram

Add Michael on LinkedIn

Add Steve on LinkedIn

Add CPR Group on LinkedIn

Find us on Facebook

Find Michael on Facebook

Contact Us 

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Disclaimer: The content of this episode is for entertainment and information purposes only. The information provided is correct at the time of recording but may not reflect the latest developments. This podcast does not constitute legal, financial or other advice and should not replace the guidance of professional advisors. Always seek qualified professional advice.

You don’t own your facility, you’re its custodian… and it’s your responsibility to leave it better than you found it for future generations.

In this episode, Steve and Michael dive into the often-misunderstood world of facility management for community clubs and not-for-profit organisations, unpacking what clubs really need to know to manage their facilities effectively.

Building on the recent Facility Management workshop delivered as part of the City of Moreton Bay Community, Sport and Recreation Training Series, they break down everything from understanding your lease obligations to navigating the different types of maintenance - operational, statutory, preventative and reactive - cutting through the confusion and explaining it all in plain English.

Along the way, they explore the mindset shift that underpins it all: thinking like a custodian, not an owner. Because when clubs plan ahead, build sinking funds, maintain assets properly and work in partnership with Council, they set their facilities and their communities up to thrive long into the future.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/a36D886RfWc

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This episode is part of our ongoing collaboration with the City of Moreton Bay and continues the post-workshop discussions designed to help clubs better understand their responsibilities, avoid common pitfalls and build stronger, more sustainable facilities for their communities.

Got a question you’d like answered in a future episode? Send it through to [email protected]. It might just feature in an upcoming Basket Case Clubs episode!

--------

Need a constitution check-up? Make sure yours is working for you, not against you. Submit your constitution for a free assessment by CPR Group's expert team here: www.cprgroup.com.au/constitutionassessment

--------

🥇 If you'd like a chance to win some fantastic Basket Case Clubs merchandise, simply leave us a review on the Apple Podcasts app or your preferred podcast platform.

If you're seeking additional support, then reach out to us. We're eager to share the wealth of knowledge we've accumulated over the years!

Sign up to our newsletter to stay in the know!

Stay in the know about our other upcoming FREE webinars!

Check out our previous episodes!

Follow us on Instagram

Follow Michael on Instagram

Add Michael on LinkedIn

Add Steve on LinkedIn

Add CPR Group on LinkedIn

Find us on Facebook

Find Michael on Facebook

Contact Us 

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Disclaimer: The content of this episode is for entertainment and information purposes only. The information provided is correct at the time of recording but may not reflect the latest developments. This podcast does not constitute legal, financial or other advice and should not replace the guidance of professional advisors. Always seek qualified professional advice.

Most volunteers don’t quit dramatically. They slowly disengage and disappear.

It usually starts small. A little less engagement in meetings. Cameras off. Phones out. Then missed meetings. Then fewer messages. Before long, they’re gone and committees are left wondering what happened.

In this episode of Basket Case Clubs, Michael and Steve explore the subtle warning signs committees often miss before a volunteer drifts away. From reduced participation in meetings to missed messages and quiet withdrawal, these early signals are easy to overlook, but they can make the difference between losing a volunteer and keeping one.

The discussion also highlights an important leadership lesson: it’s not just the president’s responsibility to notice when someone is struggling. Every committee member has the opportunity to step up, check in and ask a simple but powerful question:

“How are things with you?”

If you’re part of a club committee and want to retain good volunteers instead of watching them quietly disappear, this episode will help you recognise the warning signs early and take action before they drift away.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8-6ods7B83o

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Need a constitution check-up? Make sure yours is working for you, not against you. Submit your constitution for a free assessment by CPR Group's expert team here: www.cprgroup.com.au/constitutionassessment

--------

🥇 If you'd like a chance to win some fantastic Basket Case Clubs merchandise, simply leave us a review on the Apple Podcasts app or your preferred podcast platform.

If you're seeking additional support, then reach out to us. We're eager to share the wealth of knowledge we've accumulated over the years!

Sign up to our newsletter to stay in the know!

Stay in the know about our other upcoming FREE webinars!

Check out our previous episodes!

Follow us on Instagram

Follow Michael on Instagram

Add Michael on LinkedIn

Add Steve on LinkedIn

Add CPR Group on LinkedIn

Find us on Facebook

Find Michael on Facebook

Contact Us 

--------
 
Disclaimer: The content of this episode is for entertainment and information purposes only. The information provided is correct at the time of recording but may not reflect the latest developments. This podcast does not constitute legal, financial or other advice and should not replace the guidance of professional advisors. Always seek qualified professional advice.

In this episode of Basket Case Clubs, the Basket Case Bros dive into one of the most misunderstood roles in club governance... the Vice President.

Ask five committee members what the Vice President actually does and you’ll probably get five different answers. For many clubs, the role has become a legacy position with no clear purpose, leaving volunteers feeling undervalued or stuck picking up everyone else’s leftover jobs.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why some clubs are removing the Vice President role entirely
• The hidden cost of volunteers sitting in meetings without a clear purpose
• How unclear roles lead to burnout and poor governance
• A simple two-step job description that can make the Vice President role valuable again

If your club has ever wondered what the Vice President is supposed to be doing, or whether you even need one, this episode will give you practical ideas to clarify roles and strengthen your committee.

Tune in for another conversation about governance, leadership and making volunteer committees work better.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mVYIc5waAOc

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Need a constitution check-up? Make sure yours is working for you, not against you. Submit your constitution for a free assessment by CPR Group's expert team here: www.cprgroup.com.au/constitutionassessment

--------

🥇 If you'd like a chance to win some fantastic Basket Case Clubs merchandise, simply leave us a review on the Apple Podcasts app or your preferred podcast platform.

If you're seeking additional support, then reach out to us. We're eager to share the wealth of knowledge we've accumulated over the years!

Sign up to our newsletter to stay in the know!

Stay in the know about our other upcoming FREE webinars!

Check out our previous episodes!

Follow us on Instagram

Follow Michael on Instagram

Add Michael on LinkedIn

Add Steve on LinkedIn

Add CPR Group on LinkedIn

Find us on Facebook

Find Michael on Facebook

Contact Us 

--------
 
Disclaimer: The content of this episode is for entertainment and information purposes only. The information provided is correct at the time of recording but may not reflect the latest developments. This podcast does not constitute legal, financial or other advice and should not replace the guidance of professional advisors. Always seek qualified professional advice.

In this supercharged episode of Basket Case Clubs, we’re sharing the full recording of one of our most popular webinars, where we break down strategic planning that actually works for clubs.

Strategic planning isn’t about ticking a box, chasing grants or producing a glossy document that gathers dust. Done properly, it’s your organisation’s roadmap, helping committees stop firefighting the urgent stuff and start focusing on what really matters for long-term success.

In this episode, we break down:

• What strategic planning really is (and what it definitely isn’t)
• Why “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is one of the most dangerous mindsets for clubs
• How to move from good intentions to clear, achievable goals
• The difference between doable, stretch and truly game-changing goals
• Why clarity around your why matters more than a wordy mission statement
• How to turn big-picture thinking into practical action your committee can actually follow

Whether your club has never had a strategic plan, your current one has expired or you’re ready to take things from good to great, this episode will help you think differently about planning. 

If you’re serious about building a sustainable, future-ready club or community organisation, this is one episode you don’t want to skip.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aPg-cAmQRyE

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Need a constitution check-up? Make sure yours is working for you, not against you. Submit your constitution for a free assessment by CPR Group's expert team here: www.cprgroup.com.au/constitutionassessment

--------

🥇 If you'd like a chance to win some fantastic Basket Case Clubs merchandise, simply leave us a review on the Apple Podcasts app or your preferred podcast platform.

If you're seeking additional support, then reach out to us. We're eager to share the wealth of knowledge we've accumulated over the years!

Sign up to our newsletter to stay in the know!

Stay in the know about our other upcoming FREE webinars!

Check out our previous episodes!

Follow us on Instagram

Follow Michael on Instagram

Add Michael on LinkedIn

Add Steve on LinkedIn

Add CPR Group on LinkedIn

Find us on Facebook

Find Michael on Facebook

Contact Us 

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Disclaimer: The content of this episode is for entertainment and information purposes only. The information provided is correct at the time of recording but may not reflect the latest developments. This podcast does not constitute legal, financial or other advice and should not replace the guidance of professional advisors. Always seek qualified professional advice.