Board Talk

Welcome to March 2020 Board Talk!
The Board and sub committees continue to meet regularly to ensure our governance systems continue to steer our club in a positive direction for a viable and sustainable future.  Did you know that voluntary Board and Committee members have spent nearly 400 hours over the past month in meetings for our club.  This is on top of the non meeting hours which are often double this number.  Our efforts are starting to be realised for members with continued monthly surpluses and a fantastic playing course.

Coronavirus (Covid-19)  Alert     

As all members would have been aware, a pandemic has been declared by the world health organisation.  Daily and hourly alerts and guidelines are being released by health authorities in Australia. The health and wellbeing of our members, staff and visitors is paramount and we urge you all to adhere to the guidelines and statements issued by our health authorities.  https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-coronavirus-disease-covid-19
 
Drouin Golf & Country Club is taking precautions to assist in limiting the spread of the virus and encourages all members to adhere to health authority precautions such as avoiding personal contact (eg. Shaking hands, kissing when greeting or finishing games), observing hand hygiene by washing hands frequently and using santisers that are available in the clubhouse.  Also, not entering the clubhouse if you have any symptoms or if you have been in contact with any persons who have symptoms, or if you have recently returned from overseas and have cause to believe you may have been at risk.
 
Fortunately golf is an outdoor activity and it is not necessary for players to be within a couple of metres from one another and we do not have spectators for regular play, so this indicates we will continue to have competitions going forward.  At this stage the club will continue to run golf competitions and have functions (obviously these will be less than 500 attendees) and our staff will continue to observe appropriate hygiene as per the food regulations and the current Covid-19 health requirements.  If there is a change to this you will be advised.
 
Obviously we are challenged with the purchase of toilet paper and some other domestic items.  If any members have excess we would welcome donations to keep the club stocked.
 
At this stage our annual tournament is still scheduled in April, however we will keep you informed if there are any changes to this.  You will appreciate the situation is very fluid and advice from authorities change from a day to day basis.
 
Thank you for your support and your trust in the club and our staff.
 
 
Membership profile.
 
For those who are worried about numbers, our membership profile is currently 383 made up of 310 men and 73 women.
 
If you are interested in increasing the membership profile of the club, the Golf Australia  is running ‘Even Par’ workshops around the State trying to improve the appeal of golf to the younger age-group and  girls and women.  Jim Bransgrove is chairing the committee looking at these strategies for DGCC.  If you want to be involved please contact Jim via the Pro-shop or Club house
 
What is available in the clubhouse on Sundays and Public Holidays?
 
This is a question that the Board is getting asked quite frequently. Sometimes on Sundays there is a substantial prior booking of golfers. When this is the case and they commit to using the Club-House after their round, then we are in the position of ensuring that staff are available. Unfortunately due to the costs of employing staff on Weekends and Public Holidays we cannot provide dedicated staff without this prior commitment of a large group.
 
However with support from the Pro-shop on Sundays there is access to beverages over the bar and snacks such as pies, pasties and sausage rolls. There will not be kitchen prepared food. The Pro-shop staff are obviously also keeping up with the golfers needing their assistance in the shop so we request everyone’s patience and support as they help us out and improve your golfing experience.
 
Ongoing development
 
The development of the land south of the golf club continues at pace. Many people are already visualising houses being built and other dramatic changes. DGCC is also planning in detail how things will look when the new practice fairway, new cart shed and new machinery shed are built.  In all of these projects there is always a lot of detail.  That is being sorted through by the Development Committee chaired by Board member, Darryl Bryce.  Other committee members are , Anthony Bambridge, Jim Bransgrove, Ryan Hammond, Matthew Long, Leanne Pollard, Diane Sullivan, Michelle Thomas, Ron Tomasetti, Ryan Hammond, Jim Bransgrove.  Have a chat with Darryl or other committee members if you have some good ideas!
 
Finances
 
2020 continues to see a gradual improvement in our financial position.  As mentioned earlier we are continuing to be careful around clubhouse staffing and this is dependent on demand and throughput over the bar.  The board’s approach is to ensure the ongoing viability of the club and this includes food and beverage services to operate profitably.  As advised to members previously, all functions and events are costed and reviewed by the Finance & Risk committee.
 
January’s financial result was healthy with EBITDA $10,471 and our YTD EBITDA $22,795.  This is nearly $50K turnaround result from same time last year. With 5 more reporting months for this financial year, we are striving for at least a breakeven result.
 
What a fantastic day for the Leanne Bambridge Memorial event.  The Finance & Risk committee are currently working through the costing and evaluation of the day and we will shortly be able to provide the outcome of fundraising.
 
Club Championships
 
Well done to everyone who is getting out there and competing in the club championships. Hope you are enjoying the fantastic course and may the weather be kind.  Congratulations to all winners of the men’s championships and good luck to the women competing in the final round next week.
 
Footy tipping is ON! It is time to join the Footy tipping competition
  
Lyn Defoe is kindly organising the DGCC Footy tipping for another year. All you have to do to get ready is:
•           Download the mobile phone/computer app ESPN footytips.
•           Create an account by clicking on the join now.
 Once you have paid your $30 you will be given the name and the password and you are part of the action
 
All funds received into the competition will be distributed as winnings
  • Winner receives 40% of monies received
 • Second place receives 25% of monies received
 • Third place receives 20% of monies received 
 • Fourth place receives 15% of monies received
                                   

On Friday night of August 28th 2020, we will be having one of our great dinners at the club and a presentation of the winning funds will be given to each of the 4 winners.
 
Stay safe, enjoy your golf and see you out on the course.
Diane Sullivan AM, Board Chair