OCTOBER 2023 NEWSLETTER

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Spring has again arrived and the course is looking great providing us all with a little additional shot distance, which I’m sure many including myself appreciate.  Although rain is falling currently as I write, rainfall has become scarce as the year has progressed with monthly rainfall struggling to reach 50-60mm. 57.5mm for September which is in line with the BOM predictions for the return of El Niño conditions.  The greens are coming back nicely after coring last month and the boys groomed and lightly sanded them last week.  They should be back at a good speed shortly.  The practice green extension looks good and will open fully soon.

Big thanks to Pat and Dave Hackney and all the helpers.  Helpers that still include young James Christie who is still fulfilling school work experience with us.

Volunteers of the Month – July, August, September.  Committee recognised the efforts of the following respectively – Murray Sells; Kevin Anderson; All the volunteers that assisted with the recent irrigation works on the 5^th fairway and the coring of greens last month.

Equality Matters Update: After the quite recently agreed settlement of victimisation claims against the club, the club is still awaiting a VCAT decision/ruling on the discrimination claims that were heard back in April.

Important – New Defense Housing for HMAS CERBERUS

As part of the most recent Strategic Review, Defence recently confirmed intentions to construct an additional 60 new homes in the Cerberus married quarter areas.  This has been spoken about in very broad terms at the past two club AGMs.  The new homes will include an additional 15 in close proximity to the clubhouse, this includes eight homes in the two grassed areas adjacent the current children’s playground.  Parking around the clubhouse will be affected and all golfers will need to use the two formal car parking areas once works begin.  Housing works is expected to get underway sometime in 2024 and run into 2025.

New homes (5) will also be positioned alongside Cook Rd near the 8^th green crossing track; some in vicinity to the 7^th green (17) where housing was removed some years ago; and an additional (20) homes positioned either side of Cook Rd close to the Cerberus cemetery.  The committee has been informed that these latter homes will likely impact directly on the 16^th tee and the green nursery areas. Once the boundaries of the new homes are confirmed and the full ramifications known, the committee will initiate alterations to the course layout as required.

Important – Commonwealth Lease Arrangements Set to Change

Many club members will recall me referring to the current Commonwealth Lease that enables the club to operate a golf course. The current lease is due to expire at the end of January 2024.  Committee was recently advised that current lease arrangements will be altered markedly under the terms of the new lease.  Committee was informed that CGC is one of five defence golf courses nationwide and that we would likely be the only one to continue operations post 2023.

Key to the Commonwealth’s over riding new lease requirements is that the club is to become fully self-funded with no financial input from the government.  This will result in the club assuming full financial responsibility for: water usage and infrastructure; waste management including weekly collections; the mowing of all fairways and rough areas; clearance of all tree fall and debris; the repair of all fitted equipment in commonwealth owned assets including the clubhouse.  The club is already responsible for the utilities costs of gas and electricity.

The forced change to the club’s current business model will necessitate the committee implementing strategic changes to ensure the club remains prosperous beyond 2023 and well into the future.  A small sub-committee has been established to assess where changes will potentially need to be made. Required changes will be announced to all members in due course.

A few weeks ago the following message was released to members. As yet no-one has responded. Please consider the contents.

Expressions of Interest – CLUB PRESIDENT

Dear Members,

As was stated at this year’s Annual General Meeting 6 August 2023 following the advice received from the Commanding Officer HMAS Cerberus prior to the meeting, the process for selecting the President of the club is now changed.  This means that the President no longer needs to be a serving or reserve member of the Australian Defence Force.  The committee will continue to select the President of the club from nominations received for the position prior to the AGM.  

On behalf of the CGC committee I now request ‘Expressions of Interest’ from members of the club who may be either six or seven day members, who would be interested in accepting the role of President from January 2024.

Members who are interested are requested to write or email a brief written ‘Expression Interest’ for the position addressed to the Club Secretary by close of business Tuesday 31^st October 2023. 

Any queries concerning the role or functions of the President and or the Club should be directed to myself or the Secretary as appropriate.

The position of President is key to the club meeting its responsibilities and objectives. The committee would welcome the consideration of any members who feel they could contribute in the role. 

Nominations for Club Awards – Wayne Lewis Award (Club Person of the Year)

It is approaching that time of the year again when we award the Wayne Lewis Award to the member considered to have made the most valuable contribution to the club. Contribution can be significant work undertaken for the benefit of the club, around the clubhouse or out on the course.  Copies of the Club By Laws are available from committee so the award detail is appreciated. Nominations should be submitted prior to the committee’s November 14^th meeting.  Written nominations may be placed in the blue box located near the inside noticeboard.

Regards,

Steve Wright
President CGC