Nominations for the Board will soon open with the following key dates:
- Nominations Open: Wednesday 2nd October 2024
- Nominations Close: Wednesday 30th October 2024
- Ballot Open: Wednesday 6th November 2024
- Ballot Closes: Monday 25th November 2024 (6:00 pm)
- AGM: Wednesday 27th November 2024 (6:00 pm)
The following Board roles will be up for election:
- Vice-President (2-year term)
- Captain 2-year term)
- Vice-Captain (1-year term)
- Director (2) roles (2 x 2-year term)
As in previous years, I thought providing an update on the current board’s renewal intentions prudent.
As part of our governance function, we have a robust succession plan in place to ensure continuity and stability. Next year, my term as President will come to an end, and I will be stepping down from the board. With unanimous board support, I am pleased to announce that Club Captain Doug Tester will be nominated as Vice-President for the coming year, a role that will prepare him for the future Presidency. His leadership has been exemplary, and we are confident in his ability to succeed as President.
It is proposed that Vice-Captain Greg Marshall will nominate and succeed Doug Tester as Captain. Greg has served as vice-captain for the past four years and has been a Course and Match Committee member for seven years. Vice-President Helen Blanchfield intends to nominate for the Vice-Captain position, which will open with Greg’s nomination as Captain. Helen has been a Course & Match Committee member for the past six years and is considered a future Captain of the Club.
Director Matthew Reynolds, a member of the Finance, Audit, and Governance Committee and deputy Treasurer, will seek re-nomination for a further two years. In his initial term, he also assumed the role of Chair of the Constitution Review Committee. This project is well advanced, with member consultation to commence in early 2025 and formal consideration scheduled for the later part of the year.
With a mix of gratitude and sadness, we announce that Gary Musgrove, club director for 12 years, will not be seeking re-nomination. Gary’s services to the club have been exceptional, and his professional insight has been invaluable in guiding many projects. Over the past decade, he has overseen much of the golf course’s water management planning and infrastructure improvement. Furthermore, he has championed the “Tuesday” member volunteer group, which provides invaluable support to our course maintenance team every week. I want to take this opportunity to express our deepest thanks and recognition for the service Gary has provided the club. His dedication and hard work have left an indelible mark on our club, and he will be greatly missed.
As I shared last year, the board regularly reviews its composition and capabilities against its strategic objectives and the desired competencies detailed in the club’s board skills matrix. It also has an active succession planning strategy that promotes director renewal and fosters “fresh ideas.” Although most incumbent Directors will seek re-appointment this year, an unfilled opening exists. It has been identified that the board ideally seeks a person with appropriate credentials and experience in legal and/or commercial/government relations. It is important to note that the re-nomination of incumbent director/s does not restrict anyone from nominating for any vacant roles.
I encourage anyone considering nominating for a board role, whether it be an immediate or future desire, to reach out. I am happy to discuss any questions you might have.
From a commercial perspective, I am pleased to share that the club will again report strong financial outcomes and has maintained its commitment to investing in the course from an operational and capital improvement perspective. This increased investment commenced in 2022, and the benefits are now becoming evident.
Looking forward……….
The challenges of rebuilding the 8th Green appear to be behind us, and this project will be completed in early 2025. Furthermore, a decision to rebuild Green Seven has also been approved, and it is now in the design stage, with the works to be undertaken at the same time as the 8th hole. Adding eight new tee blocks in recent months has been welcomed, and a further $150,000 has been budgeted to ensure this program continues in 2025. Our equipment replacement program will see a further investment of $450,000 this year, which includes greens mowers, a tractor and a fairway mower.
The renovation and refurbishment of the clubhouse’s lower level have also been considered a critical priority. Planning for this project is well advanced, with member consultation to commence in early 2025.
The review of the Constitution is also well advanced, with member consultation planned to commence in early 2025. This vital project will require the membership to carefully consider the club’s governance framework and the necessary changes to continue operating at its best.
The club’s strategic plan also requires renewal, a significant and essential task for the ensuing year.
As with every year, there is much planned and happening, making it an exciting time to be a club member.
Kind regards,
Rod Rhodes
President
Filed under: Club News