The Portarlington Golf Club Inc is incorporated in Victoria under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012
The primary objective and principal activity for which the Portarlington Golf Club Inc. was formed is:
To provide a golf course, greens, clubhouse and all things incidental to the playing of golf for its members.
ANNUAL REPORT CONTENTS
Features
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Port’s a good sport
A legend gets club’s highest honour
CAPTAIN’S REPORT
A new toilet on the block Club gets a whole new entrance
Pro-Am and Skins Game huge winners
A long day full of legends
TREASURER’S REPORT
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A League of its own Grants make their mark Our 2023-24 honour roll
OFFICE BEARERS
President: Mrs Janice Cogger
Hon. Treasurer:
Mr Peter Solohub
Director:
Mr Peter Vogel
Director: Mr Geoff Holland
Captain: Mrs Jenny Edmanson
Director: Mr John Bowman
Director: Mr William Reid
Director: Mr Ian Assender
Chief Executive Officer and Secretary
Mr Michael Phillips
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Portarlington Golf Club has enjoyed another successful year with the board and management team focusing on ensuring the club continues to develop and grow for the benefit of all our members.
JAN COGGER
We were able to update our position in each of our strategic priority areas. The plan is regularly reviewed to ensure we stay on top of challenges and opportunities in our industry.
In the Finance Director’s report, you will once again see excellent financial results for the 2023-24 year. This is attributable to sound and robust finance department input and oversight by the board’s finance, audit and risk committee It is pleasing to note that the bank loan taken out for clubhouse renovations in 2019 has been completed early with the final payment made in February.
It has been a busy 12 months for the club with many initiatives undertaken, ably led by our focused and dedicated CEO, Michael Phillips. Michael and his administration team continually strive to develop strategies to improve and grow the Portarlington Golf Club
A formal review of the 2021 Strategic Plan was undertaken in July 2023 Part of the review process involved conducting an external analysis to explore where our industry and club is positioned in order that we can adapt to changing trends.
To ensure the club was meeting new legal guidelines and to better reflect modern requirements, a revision of the club’s constitution was also undertaken. After much member consultation with focus groups and member forums, the club’s new constitution was adopted at a special meeting of members on 17 September. Subsequently, all other club documents - including the bylaws - are in the process of being updated.
A board and committee charter outlining the functions, responsibilities and key protocols of the board and its subcommittees was adopted by the board in November. It also outlines that the operations and activities of the club are managed under the direction of the board in the best interest of the members as a whole
The board and management are mindful of government movements in gaming regulations with the Department of Justice & Community Safety mooting a significant package of gaming reforms.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT (continued)
PGC submitted a response to the proposed Carded Play & Precommitment consultation paper in September Our club - along with other Bellarine stakeholders - met with the Minister for Casino, Gaming & Liquor Regulation and the Member for Bellarine in April to provide insight and discuss the impact of the proposed gaming reforms. Our Community Contribution Foundation continues to support notfor-profit community or sporting organisations to make positive improvements that will, in turn, benefit the wider community. This year, highlighted just how much the CCF means to these institutions, with the club receiving 18 grant applications Four of those applicants were successful with a total of $15,000 distributed.
The preliminary version of the course and clubhouse masterplan is a work in progress. The board has decided that the masterplan should be made available for member consultation. It is anticipated that member forums will be convened in coming months.
Under the stewardship of course superintendent Steve Burchett, our golf course continues to be developed and improved, providing a facility that has become the envy of many
The addition of the restroom precinct, the installation of pathways and direction signage add further enhancements to our course
The club’s signature events - the Legends Pro-Am in February and the Carnival of Golf in Septembershowcase our golf course and clubhouse and continue to be very popular with members and visitors.
The Premier League, ably administered by Mark Hayes and Matt Milne, is a highlight for members during the cold winter months on the Bellarine.
But it’s not just on the golf course that the club continues to provide recreation and entertainment, with events in the clubhouse such as the Friday night members’ draws, wine and dine nights and the dinner and show nights proving extremely popular.
I would like to thank all board members for their support, encouragement and assistance throughout the year.
I am confident that the Portarlington Golf Club will remain in a sound financial position, assisted by the prudent decisions made by the board and the dedication and leadership demonstrated by the CEO and management team
BOARD MEMBERS
Attendance of directors at board meetings – July 2023 to June 2024
J Cogger (President) - 11/11
M Phillips (Hon. Secretary) - 10/11
P Solohub (Hon. Treasurer) - 9/11
J Edmanson (Captain) - 10/11
P Solohub (chair)
J Cogger
P Vogel (Director) - 11/11
G Holland (Director) - 10/11
W Reid (Director) - 10/11
I Assender (Director) - 11/11
J Bowman (Director) - 10/11
SUB-COMMITTEES
As at June 30, 2024
FINANCE, AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE
M Phillips (CEO)
W Reid
M Plane
D Morrison (finance mgr)
M Fisher
GOLF COMMITTEE
J Edmanson (captain, chair)
M.Marles (vice-captain)
M Milne (golf professional)
A Royal
G Holland (chair)
J Cogger
S Rodwell
A Foott
Y Pollock
J McGrath
CLUBHOUSE AND COURSE
MASTERPLAN COMMITTEE
M Phillips (CEO)
S Burchett
M Milne
J Edmanson
P Vogel
Note: The club’s president is an ex-officio member of all sub-committees
We’re a good sport
It was a big year for the Portarlington Football and Netball Club, celebrating its 150th anniversary - and even launching a book in commemoration. And in all that time, there’s probably never been a closer bond between the Portarlington Golf Club and the Demons The clubs strengthened their financial and social ties this year, with the golf club one of the Demons’ executive partners But taking it more than another step further, three of those in red and blue are golf club employees
And in recruit Steve Heppel’s case, it’s his new job as bartender at the golf club that enabled him to become a Demon
“I’m really grateful the two clubs have such a great relationship because otherwise I couldn’t be here,” said Heppel, who played alongside the dynamic greenskeeping duo of Matt Fromholtz and Sam Beeston. Golf club chief executive Michael Phillips said the partnership
between the clubs was important for all around town.
“We have a lot of long-term members who would love to see the footy and netball clubs do well, obviously,” he said
“But I think some people forget how good it would be for the entire town to get behind the club because things have clearly started to turn around.
“If we can play our part in making the footy and netball clubs hum along, then it’s a win for the whole Port community.”
The golf club regularly hosts football and netball functions, plus all Demon members are eligible for free social membership
Sam Beeston (left), Steve Heppel and Matt Fromholtz mix their passions
It’s a word more common these days, but rarely in the 114 years of the Portarlington Golf Club has the term “trailblazer” been more apt
Marilyn Mooney this year became just the 42nd person in the club’s rich history to be recognised as a life member
Most would say it recognised her “work” at the club; but, typically, Marilyn said it had been anything but
“To receive recognition for doing stuff you love to do is amazing,” Marilyn said with great humility
“I love the club, so I’m extremely humbled by this and I’m absolutely chuffed, to be honest, because it’s totally unexpected and not at all why any of us in (official) roles in the club do the things we do ”
Former president John Bowman was effusive in his praise of someone he described as “tireless” in fulfilling any requests the club had of her.
“Everybody who has seen our honour boards knows Marilyn has held various board roles, but that doesn’t tell the whole story about her, nor her work ethic,” John said “She has been in just about every little group going, doing things with no reward or things we just can’t get other volunteers to do
“From being here every weekend for the juniors to standing in the rain directing cars when we have a tournament here and a thousand other small roles in addition to all the formal ones she’s had, Marilyn has literally done it all
“She is the archetypal great clubperson She never says ‘ no ’ and brings great integrity to everything she does.
“Life membership isn’t something we hand out too regularly, but absolutely appropriate in Marilyn’s case because she epitomises everything we want the club to stand for
A LEGEND
“She’s an inspiration to many people.”
Marilyn and her partner Jeanette moved to Port from Melbourne’s west, almost accidentally, in 2002
“We knew we wanted to get out of the city, but didn’t really have a firm plan of where we’d live,” Marilyn recalled “But we got a great feeling about this area and when we moved, we wanted to become part of the community ”
Marilyn, a teacher by trade, had never played golf until she came to Port, but was soon bitten by not only the sporting bug, but another to help the club progress and modernise.
“So we started playing and Jeanette and I found it a great way to learn about the town and the people.
“Then Greg Wood asked me to help out the juniors with clinics on Sunday morning not long after that and that’s really where it all began ”
And maybe “all” is an understatement. Marilyn was elected to the board in 2007 and served until 2018 and then again from 2020-22.
In that time, Marilyn was elected president and served in that role for two years from 2017, becoming the first female leader of the club since it began in 1909 Other duties include ladies’ committee board rep and as junior development officer. She has served on committees for strategy, course maintenance and development, finance, memorabilia and tournaments.
BECOMES A LIFER
Together with Tony Meagher, Marilyn compiled and later updated the club’s historical centenary book. Most recently, Marilyn gave her time to be a part of the rules and bylaw review And they’re just the formal roles among dozens of others that have largely gone unnoted
“I like being involved and feeling like I’m helping,” Marilyn said
“I became involved as I was invited to different roles, but when it came the right time for me to put my name up as the potential president, I felt – at least in some way – it was my responsibility as a woman.
“You do need to show up and be a role model so that men, but mostly for
other women, so they can see that we can do jobs (and) do them well
“There’s actually no real barrier to doing things like that, but not everyone sees it that way, so it’s important to show others they can do it, too.”
Asked about what makes her so proud of the Portarlington Golf Club, Marilyn said there was no standout feature.
“Like everything in life, It’s the people you associate with, but I think generally we ’ ve become a far, far bigger club than many once would have thought possible,” she said
“I like to think that we ’ ve become a major player in the golf community and community as a whole
“And that’s come about with a lot of
planning and building from the foundations that were laid and that makes me very proud to have played some small part in that
“I’m also very lucky that I’ve now got time to appreciate what (this honour) means and being a life member at a club I feel pretty privileged to have been involved with.
“Yeah, it was a moment in my life that really hit me I was very emotional
“Pride was how I felt And walking up (to the lectern to receive the honour), I did feel very proud
“It’s genuinely lovely to get that acknowledgement.”
From all at the club, Marilyn, please accept our hearty thanks
CAPTAIN’S REPORT
JENNY EDMANSON
It’s hard to believe that a full 12 months has passed since I took on the captain’s role. It has been a challenging but rewarding year with many great results and achievements. We have seen membership increase marginally and the number of visitors using our course increase significantly These increases show just how much our club has become regarded as a great course on which to play.
Steve and his team have done a wonderful job in keeping the course in great condition despite the growing numbers, so I want to take this opportunity to thank them for their hard work with improvements to pathways, signage and subtle changes to holes, all of which have been a great addition. The club fielded teams in pennant, bowls and salver events. We also played host to all these events plus clinics and other district events, not to mention our Legends Pro-Am and Carnival of Golf.
We fielded nine pennant teams – four for women on Friday, two for men on Sunday, two for veterans and one for juniors. Our senior teams produced some great results with our Division 2 men ’ s team making to the final but coming up just short. Our women ’ s teams gave their all and represented the club admirably.
Our two veterans’ teams were also highly competitive and narrowly missed flags Our junior team was also terrific in defence of its title, but as most would know, that is a very difficult thing to do.
They are a great group of young kids who love their golf, enjoy being part of our club and certainly do us all proud. Thanks to all pennant players who represent our club – your commitment does not go unnoticed
Congratulations to 2023 club champions Brendan Larkins and Alicia Clark, and to our junior champion, Will English. Once again, it was great to see the players supported both on course and in the View Room for presentations
The singles Knockout events for men and women were fully subscribed and produced some great competitions. Our worthy winners were Chris Bellamy and Fiona Newman. The club wholeheartedly thanks Sean Rodwell for organising these exciting events
Joy Francis puts the serious stuff aside during a pennant trip to Anglesea
CAPTAIN’S REPORT (continued)
I would like to thank the golf committee for another great year. Members of the committee were Matt Marles, Justin McGrath, Sean Rodwell, Yvette Pollock, Ange Foott and Ange Royal together with club professional Matt Milne, whose expertise is greatly appreciated. Justin and Yvette are finishing their terms and have decided not to renominate – we thank you both for your contributions to the running of our events
Another key group of club members volunteer their time every Monday to do what some might consider mundane jobs including weeding, line marking and generally keeping the course looking good I would like to acknowledge and thank them for their efforts.
Our course looks so good because of your commitment and dedication and we ’ re all particularly grateful.
I also thank the clubhouse staff for their support and co-operation in running our various events and Mark Hayes, who has kept us updated and amused with his wonderful stories and reports on the club website and other communications – don’t forget to read them!
Last but definitely not least, I would like to thank all in the pro shop for their assistance. Matt Milne provides me with an endless source of information and guidance while Max, Jill and Josh are always happy and willing to assist with any questions thrown at them.
I thank all our members for their support and input this year
We have an amazing club with a great spirit and it is a pleasure to be a part of it.
I’m very much looking forward to the coming 12 months another productive golfing season.
The men ’ s Division 2 pennant team after its epic grand final fight at Lonsdale Links came up just short against Geelong
A NEW TOILET
A stunning transformation has given the hub of the Portarlington Golf Club’s course a spectacular new – and functional – look.
Work was completed this year on the toilet facility that sits behind the 11th tee and adjacent to the ninth tee
But while the facility itself sparkles, the whole precinct has become a centrepiece, particularly for events such as the Sheen Panel Service Legends ProAm
Concrete paths – in a program that will continue in other areas in 2024-25 – were poured to connect a new entrance to the precinct from the back left of the 10th green, plus entry points from the third green and entry points to the ninth, 11th and 14th tees.
ON THE BLOCK
The concrete also provides a more workable base for the food truck, plus helps connect golfers more smoothly to the “paddock” that contains holes 4-8
Throw in improved drainage, new turf behind the 13th green and a host of new native plants to “soften” the look, and it’s been a great success story already
“There was much discussion and planning that went into this precinct and I think we can now all agree that it has been tremendous terms of updating the look of that area, but also generally being so much more functional,” chief executive officer Michael Phillips said.
“And to see it decked out with a barbecue and a bar and umbrellas and the like for the Pro-Am was a brilliant example of the vision brought to fruition by Steve Burchett and his team.”
WHOLE NEW LOOK
TO OUR ENTRANCE
What began as a legislative necessity has transformed into a thing of beauty at the entrance to the Portarlington Golf Club
State government changes meant something had to give in our gaming room, so the club took the opportunity to make wholesale change to the entire foyer area as well
With the addition of a couple of heavy-duty roofing beams and a lot of careful planning to ensure minimal intrusion on member activity throughout the clubhouse, the finished product (left) is nothing short of spectacular.
“It’s much more spacious and inviting for all members and guests than what we had before, that’s for certain,” chief executive officer Michael Phillips said
“We’re planning at this stage to continue the modernisation and refurbishment process both in the clubhouse and out on course, so hopefully this is the first of many great advances for the club into the next decade or so ”
A lot of toil (right and below) went into making the clubhouse foyer the bright and spacious entry that is has since become (left page)
Taylor, Port the big i s
Queenslander Chris Taylor saluted in a ripping Sheen Panel Service Legends Pro-Am, fending off a host of challengers for a one-shot victory
His four-under-par 68 edged out five players including tournament drawcard Peter Lonard - on 69 Highly fancied trio Terry Price, Peter Fowler and Lucien Tinkler were among another group at 70, while the popular Mark Allen and 2023 order of merit champion Andre Stolz were in another band at 71
The win looked anything but likely after Taylor started on the 18th hole and was yet to hit a green in regulation by the time he stood on the sixth tee
But a white-hot putter kept the Hervey Bay pro in the hunt and when the long game clicked into gear, he rolled in five birdies in seven holes from the seventh to charge clear.
And even as his playing partners fell victim to the mid-course hospitality tents, Taylor – third at
Taylor (above), flanked by Messrs Milne and Hayes, continued his love affair with the Port greens, while hundreds came on Monday to enjoy our partners’ tent village including Kieser (above right), a brilliant clinic from PGA Tour legend Terry Price and friends (top right) and Andre Stolz leading the Skins Game charge (right)
Portarlington in 2023 – kept his cool with only the one bogey on the tough par-4 15th
“I stayed away from the bar out there and my putter behaved, so it was a great day,” said Taylor, who lauded the groundstaff
“The greens looked slow but they rolled out really nicely and on that pure surface, if you get the ball on line, the ball will go in.
“The surrounds and the fairways are second to none, probably the best we play on all year ”
Of the other main drawcards,
Mike Clayton, Nick O’Hern and Mark Tickle each shot 75.
A day earlier, in conjunction with the club’s great partners, a tent village was put up between the clubhouse and first tee with food, drink, music and some great hands-on activations. But it was the shot-making clinic put on by 2023 Port champ
Terry Price and his friends that had all local golfers enthralled before the now annual Skins Game again played out to huge galleries.
Chris
Peter Lonard, Peter Fowler, our very 1own Matt Milne, Andre Stolz and Terry Price gear up for the Skins Game shootout.
Sheen shines on fine debut
Our Legends Tour Pro-Am enjoyed a magnificent new addition this year with Sheen Panel Service becoming the naming rights sponsor Led by local manager Josh Hewlett, the Sheen team poured their hearts into the partnership, with prizes, props, cars on display and all sorts of goodies around “Sheen Alley” between the third and 13th greens Fans flocked all day to the great action on course and our wonderful band of hearty volunteers kept them all fed and watered in the “Alley”, too.
“It was so good to have the enthusiasm of Josh and his Sheen team to make both days (including the Skins Game) so enjoyable for everyone who came, ” event organiser Mark Hayes said “With all the activations Sheen had, that great area in the middle of our course was buzzing and so much fun to chill out and watch golf in.”
FROM DAWN TO DUSK
Immense generosity.
That was the overwhelming sentiment on so many levels after the Portarlington Golf Club was central to raising more than $21,000 for the Cancer Council in this year ’ s “Longest Day in Golf” Mamy on the course played all 72 holes of the challenge, although some did as many as they could muster in contributing to the enormous donation
“It’s an extraordinary response, ” CEO Michael Phillips said.
“There was an amazing vibe around the course throughout the day – I know some loonies, just kidding, I mean players, were away at first light at 5 40am “And from that point on until after 7pm, there was just an immense spirit of commitment, teamwork and generosity which made that amazing donation possible.”
“It’s just great to have so many people supporting the cause –amazing to have so many people walking around with me as we go, ” Trung said
And past members Hugh Orton and Patrick Taylor returned to their old stomping ground. But impressively, a few new faces also came along
Leading the way for Port – as he has for four years now – was the indefatigable Trung Truong, who looked like the Pied Piper at times out on course
Trung was joined by several of his great mates for the majority of his day - including Darren Hellmann, who played all 72 holes with the event’s spiritual leader. Gary Stafford also walked the whole 72, playing the majority of the way But Trung’s tribe was intermittently joined by dozens of spectators, caddies and a whole swag of players who chimed in for nine, 18 or some times more holes to be part of the atmosphere
Trung and Darren, accompanied home by the bagpipes of longtime member Bill Ogilvie, were responsible for raising $4245 of the overall total
Members of “Trung’s Tribe” were epic in their support all day long A couple of social groups from Melbourne helped pad the final number
But it was largely just members and their guests who were the backbone of the effort.
Mark Hayes invited some members of the sporting media to the course, with Front Bar host Andy Maher and former AFL stars
David King and Daniel Harford among the groups, along with local identity and medico David Walder
Mark added to the day’s party vibe with a rare hole-in-one on the 17th – the 71st hole of his group ’ s day –which sent a roar reverberating around the course
Members Toby Prime and Ryan Reynolds invited former Age journalist Damien Ractliffe
Nina Ibbotson and Christine Noble (pictured above) ploughed brilliantly through 36 holes in their first attempt at anything of this ilk, raising almost $1000 between them and engaging many fellow female members to join them
Associate professional Max Edmanson was joined by Matt Whiting and even more impressively by rising junior star
Jackson McGrath, who not only conquered the four rounds, but raised a staggering $723 off his own bat!
The day would not have happened, though, without some powerful “back-room” contributions. Firstly the membership should be congratulated for not only offering their financial and moral support, but also for graciously giving up access to the course for the day
THE LEGEND GROWS
Head pro Matt Milne forewent green fees for the day to make an enormous contribution in an unsung way, while the groundstaff and volunteers not only worked around the early starters, but were forced into heavy-duty work to get the old barbecue into position Which brings us to the absolute heroes of the day – the Edmanson family (with some great volunteer help from Sean Rodwell and others)
who kept everyone fed, watered and entertained with the sausage sizzle and drinks at the first tee Jen and Rick did a power of work in many ways – including the party hole music – for which all players were extremely grateful. That hospitality later extended into the clubhouse where several staff members gave up their Christmas party to keep things afloat, with Richard and Nic making pizzas.
A big shout also to Coca-Cola for their generous sponsorship of the drinks for the day, while there has rarely been more enjoyment of any sausage in history than those provided by Bellarine Country Butchers with Nicky Beeston even rolling in an emergency back-up supply as tiring golfers grew hungry Thanks to all and we look forward to another big success in December 2024.
The Pied Piper of the Longest Day in Golf is undoubtedly Trung Truong - pictured above with his “tribe” - who was the power behind the great atmosphere on course, which was lifted again by Mark Hayes’ ace on his 71st hole alongside Andy Maher and David Walder (below left), while media men Ryan Reynolds, Toby Prime and Daniel Ractliffe had a torrid contest through four rounds (below right)
TREASURER’S REPORT
PETER SOLOHUB
My comments below should be read in conjunction with the detailed Financial Statements that follow.
The Portarlington Golf Club was financially successful this year – an outstanding result in an environment in which Reserve Bank of Australia interest rate increases and inflationary rises across all facets of life have had a dramatic impact on the day-to-day finances of the club, businesses and individuals.
Club management continued to monitor performance and necessary changes were made to counter potential lost revenue and increasing costs For example, wages have risen dramatically with a minimum 5 75% increase in 2023
We did well to start the new fiscal year in a strong cash position and most importantly we are now debt free
Last year I encouraged members to take time to “smell the roses ” and appreciate how good our club facilities, golf course, surrounds and staff truly are
I can report the roses have continued to grow and bloom
Our chief public-facing events are the Legends Pro-Am and our Carnival of Golf, both of which played out to widespread acclaim
Our golf course is ranked No.63 among public access courses in Australia; we ’ ve made substantial investments into our course, clubhouse facilities and surrounds;
and regular tribute shows, Friday night music and members’ draws have been highly appreciated and enjoyed by those in attendance
We should appreciate our outstanding management team and staff; the broad knowledge, expertise and hard work by our board; the hours put in by the golf committee; and the often-unsung heroes, our Monday morning volunteer ground staff
Thanks, too, should be conveyed to our members, the community and sponsors for their strong support and patronage of our club
A list of completed projects further enhances our great club:
Remodelled front of clubhouse completed
Restroom facilities at 9th and 11th holes completed
Cart path concreting has commenced and further works planned for this year
·Landscaping improvements on course
·Returfing of pathways and fairways
·New mower for course maintenance
Car park lines repainted.
The efforts of every one of these groups have bolstered community and member usage of our facilities and helped the club record a net profit for the year of $634,111 –down $357,770 from last year ’ s record profit.
Cash at end of year was $1,878,979, down $279,372 from the previous year. As always, cash flow is all important, not only to meet our ongoing commitments to pay our bills, but to invest back into our business, major projects and course enhancements
Golfing membership numbers remained steady at 785 and green fee income of $364,701 was an outstanding achievement
Breakdown of golf revenue: membership 54%, down 1% from last year.
competition fees 18%, same as last year.
green fees 28%, up 1% from last year.
We have budgeted for a 12.7% increase to golf course operational expenditure for the 2024-25 financial year
The bistro reported a loss of $131,381, which was $77,049 worse than budgeted Sales revenue was $1,927,913, up $239,360 from the previous year ’ s sales, representing an outstanding result considering the financial environment. The ratio of cost of goods sold to sales revenue was 34.9% against a budget of 36%, while wages were 63 4% against a budget of 58%.
Bar operations recorded a profit of $617,156, up $106,383 on last year on revenue of $1,663,434, $398,343 up on budget.
TREASURER’S REPORT (continued)
The ratio of cost of goods sold to revenue was 34 8% against a budget of 34%, while wages were 20.5% against a budget of 22%
Administration costs of $1,691,411 were $47,932 up on budgeted
Significant savings were made in reducing bank interest costs and electricity tariffs Our solar panel program has driven an overwhelming financial gain.
Gaming profit of $1,956,960 was an outstanding result, up $346,520 on the budget
Revenue was $5,973,626 for the year against a budget of $4,880,437
The club’s total trading income for the year was $11,005,907 against a budget forecast $8,960,419.
It should also be noted that the club made a commitment to reducing liabilities; our Bendigo Bank loan was repaid in full on 29 February, 2024
The board continues to monitor financial performance monthly, measuring performance against established guidelines and responds, as required, to unexpected challenges to maintain the club’s sound financial position
Past performance, however, cannot be taken as an indicator of future results and the club must continue to explore all avenues of additional revenue to ensure continued strong results are maintained and strategies
16/9/24
Peter Solohub
Janice Cogger
Saturday’s in a league of its own
The Neville Richards Premier League has rapidly become a fixture on the Portarlington Golf Club syllabus – and a much-hyped one at that!
Through the generous support of Neville Richards’ principal Luke Campbell, the second Premier League season had almost 100 players. These intrepid souls quite probably played more golf through winter than they otherwise might have, just so they didn’t let their mates down
And all the while they braved potential tonguein-cheek mockery from Matt “Bigfoot” Milne and his sidekick Mark Hayes on their weekly video wraps of all the action
“It has been a real hit, actually,” Milne said “The competition has ramped right up and everyone ’ s following all the scores – it’s amazing how many people are talking about it and checking so many other scores and not just their own any more.
“It’s a brilliant way of bringing a lot more people closer together, but some of them need a bit of a clip occasionally,” he said with a cheeky grin For the record, the Back Paddock Bullies prevented the Pidgon Street Pirates from defending their crown in a dominant grand final performance
The Bullies were then feted for their efforts in a spectacular presentation evening, with Pete O’Neill, of the Granny’s Corner Goblins, winning the Drayton Medal as the league’s best player.
Fun feeds epic cause
An important aspect of the second season of the Neville Richards Premier was that players were able to “rent” event co-organiser Mark Hayes as a fill-in when they were unavailable
This encouraged full teams whenever possible, but the money used for his rental was donated to charity Feed Me Bellarine at season ’ s end Remarkably, almost $960 was raised through the Neville Richards Premier League, adding to another $850 from another partner, Kieser, courtesy of a Carnival of Golf raffle Feed Me Bellarine chief executive Lana Purcell took the $1810 cash from Hayes with glee, ensuring us all that it would help generate hundreds of meals for those in need
“It’s amazing, it really is,” Purcell said “We’re in a position that every cent counts, so to see this generosity from the members of the Portarlington Golf Club is really special ”
Mark Hayes gives the cash to Lana Purcell
Matt Milne hams up a video with Ian Flanders
GRANTS HIT THE MARK
The Portarlington Golf Club takes its roll as a community leader extremely seriously.
So much so that there was a record distribution this year when the club announced its annual Community Contribution Fund (CCF) recipients
In the past five financial years alone, the golf club has given charitable support of more than $150,000, with the CCF, the biggest single source with almost $50,000 in such grants alone
The CCF supports not-for-profit community or sporting organisations to make positive improvements that will, in turn, benefit the wider community
This year, highlighting just how much the CCF means to these institutions, the club received 18 grant applications requesting in excess of $122,000
There were four successful applications, with a total of $15,000 given back to the community, extended from the originally advertised scope of $12,000. The successful applicants were Geelong Youth Engagement ($5000), Lifeline ($5000), RSL Portarlington and St Leonards ($2500) and Food Assist 3223 ($2500).
The volunteers at Food Assist 3223 (above) do extraordinary work, while PGC admin manager deals out the cheques (below) to Lifeline and the RSL
