Go Rabbitohs!

South Sydney Football Club Executive Chairman Peter Holmes à Court has expressed a view that poker machines should not be a part of the redeveloped Chalmers St Building which will house the new South Sydney Leagues Club. It is a stance supported by both co-owner of the Rabbitohs Russell Crowe and the Football Club’s CEO Shane Richardson.

Mr Holmes à Court has said that poker machines have their place in society but he believes there is scope for the Club to run profitably without the machines, points with which Mr Richardson agrees.

“At the end of the day this is a decision for the Leagues Club board, however I think it is a great social attitude to have and I concur that poker machines have no place in Redfern,” Mr Richardson said.

“We’re building a Football Club around community projects through Souths Cares that is based on sporting heroes. Poker machines just don’t fit in with the healthy lifestyle messages we are trying to promote through our Club.

“South Sydney Leagues Club has not been in a position to make community grants for a long time and we believe that with this fresh approach and stronger business plan the Leagues Club will be in position to support its community once again.”

Mr Holmes à Court has said that Redfern is not an appropriate location or social environment for poker machines.

“I believe Redfern is not a good place for poker machines,” Mr Holmes à Court said.

“Gaming has a place, however in areas with low wages and high unemployment I think it is socially irresponsible to have the machines operating in this environment.

“I would like to see a Souths Club that doesn’t need to rely on poker machines to operate and I know that Russell [Crowe] shares the same opinion. In fact I think the Club will operate better without the machines.

“The Board of South Sydney Leagues Club will make the ultimate decision on poker machines but we look forward to working with them to create a vibrant, family friendly environment in Chalmers St.”

Peter Holmes à Court has clarified his position on SSFC-TV. Visit the official South Sydney website at www.souths.com.au to watch the video.

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