International Women’s Day, recognised each year on 8th March, is a time to reflect on progress, acknowledge contributions, and continue to move forward in building inclusive communities.
The Keperra Country Golf Club would like to acknowledge the importance of this day by recognising the women of our club. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come — and where we’re headed.
Our club has 198 women members, along with two women on the Board: Helen Blanchfield, Vice-Captain, and Shauna Tomkins, Director.
Golf in general has not always been an easy or welcoming space for women. Historically, access to courses, competitions, leadership roles and even tee times was limited. Yet over the years, Keperra has continued to evolve, shaped by the commitment and passion of its women members, club volunteers, staff and leaders.
Since 1935 the Women’s & Girls’ Committee (formerly Associates Committee) has been an important part of KCGC creating connection for women golfers, along with supporting the advancement of KCGC.
In recognition of this year’s theme for International Women’s Day, “Balancing the Scales” – reflecting on policies, law or practices that restrict women’s access to equality. It is worthwhile sharing a piece of history which reflects how far golf for women has come.
In 1985 a group of determined women of KCGC sought equal access to Saturday tee times. These women were considered trailblazing women taking their case to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984. This was a significant early test case in Australia for golf clubs and demonstrated how anti-discrimination law began to apply in the sporting context. These brave women not only helped to change the approach to equal treatment of women at KCGC, but also in other clubs.
Women are an important part of our club and its future. So much so, that in November 2023, The Club became a proud signatory to the R&A Women in Golf Charter, which is established to create a more inclusive environment in golf by encouraging organisations to increase female participation at all levels.
This year KCGC will have two women’s pennants teams and a junior girl’s pennants team competing. We wish all our women’s teams lots of success with the upcoming season. The Club continues its “Pathways to Golf for Women and Girls” and looks forward to seeing more women and girls from this program becoming part of KCGC’s future.
We would like to acknowledge the women who have paved the way, celebrate those shaping the Club today and look ahead with confidence to the future, where opportunity in golf is not defined by gender, but by passion for the game.