FROM THE PRESIDENT

2021 STRATEGIC PLAN

  • The program for our Strategic Plan will commence on 19 February and conclude on 30 April. The process will include several workshops led by our facilitator Michael Taylor, Director of Taylored Leadership Solutions. The workshops will involve the board, board and key staff, and members. The process also includes a survey of members which will be issued on 2 April.
  • The workshop with members will be held on 8 April at 7 pm in the View Room.
  • Michael Taylor will organise members into several groups. The workshop is an interactive process and it is hoped that many members will participate. More information will be provided in early March.
  • On 30 April the board will distribute the final Strategic Plan document to all members.

 

WATER LEVY

  • One of the biggest concerns for the survival and continued growth of any golf course is water. Without water and the necessary pumps and reticulation systems it is impossible to drought proof our golf course.
  • In 2019 the board decided to increase the green fee and competition rounds by $1.00 effective from 1 December 2019. The water levy fund needs to be increased considerably to ensure that we can meet any water emergency, including promptly replacing pumps when needed to spend dollars on maintaining an efficient reticulation system to cover the whole course and any other water related expenses.
  • In March 2020 when COVID arrived the water levy was suspended for members however it continued for green fee players. We also held 2020 membership fees at the 2019 level. We currently have $67,000 in the dedicated water fund.
  • The water levy will recommence effective 1 April 2021.

 

FINANCE MANAGER

  • After 6½ years our Deputy CEO David Milne has decided to retire. On behalf of the current and former boards of management we thank David for his excellent financial management and detailed reporting to the board. We wish David and Julie a long, healthy and happy retirement, it is richly deserved.
  • The board recently advertised and interviewed candidates to replace David. Rod Carmody will commence as Finance Manager on 1 March. Rod brings considerable finance experience having spent several years as Finance Manager at both the Albury SS&A club and Barooga Sports Club

 

GOLF COURSE PRESENTATION

  • During the recent holiday period we have experienced record numbers of golfers using our great golf course. On your behalf I would like to thank our Course Superintendent Steve Burchett and his staff, Anthony (Larry) Donohue, Matt Murdoch, Matt Fiomholtz and Alan Knott for their tireless work and dedication in maintaining our course. We are extremely fortunate to have this team at Portarlington.

 

CASH BONANZA DRAW (PEG BOARD managed by Herb Picker)

  • Started in November 2018 as an initiative of the golf committee to provide a fun competition among golf playing groups. As well as major cash payouts to participants with profit to be directed by the golf committee to members’ projects. We have just passed our 20th draw resulting in prize payment of $15,000 to players and $5,000 for members’ projects. Most golfers enjoy the playing competition where losers pay but the group shares the prize money. Thanks to all who participate and we encourage all members to the join the fun.

 

WEBSITE

  • The board has approved the engagement of Virtual Bean to develop a completely new and professional website for the club. The process will commence early February and over coming months members will see the benefits this will provide.

 

VIEW ROOM

  • Due to ongoing issues with the sun coming through the top windows in the View Room, plans have been put in place to install anti-glare blinds. The CEO is sourcing professional advice to alleviate the noise issues we are experiencing.

 

BUGGY/CART SHEDS

  • The CEO has undertaken an audit of the buggy/cart storage list which was found to be up to date and accurate based on the information available. The waiting list has now been posted on the members’ area of the website.

 

MEMBER ISSUES

  • From time to time issues arise whereby members have concerns regarding our club or suggestions for improvement.
  • Please feel free to contact me on 0407835747 between 10.00am to 5.00pm (Mon-Fri) if you wish to discuss any issues or arrange a time to meet at the club.

 

John Bowman
President