Golf NSW Club Support Newsletter - 2015 Decemberr 2015 12 web by Golf NSW

DECEMBER 2015

CLUB SUPPORT

NEWS

CLUB SUPPORT SERVICE GAINS MOMENTUM In 2015 the Golf NSW Club Support Service has continued to gain momentum. Key staff appointments in the areas of Agronomy (Martyn Black) and Government Relations (Bernard Bratusa) have strengthened the breadth of skills Golf NSW can offer member clubs through the Club Support Service. Areas of support to assist clubs include: • Operational Reviews • Strategic Planning • Membership and Member Retention • Marketing and Promotion

the golf industry, and many clubs have already enjoyed cost savings by utilising their services and providers. These include: • Construction & Property Development – Paynter Dixon • Solar & Retail Energy Solutions – Go Energy • Legal Services – Thomson Geer • Course Machinery – Jacobsen Contact details of preferred service providers can be found on the back page of this newsletter. The Club Support Service is complimentary to member clubs of Golf NSW.

• Policy and Procedures • Course Maintenance Reviews • Equipment/Machinery Audits • Water Saving and Capture Initiatives • Identifying and Accessing Government and Council Grants Golf NSW has also forged corporate partnerships with key industry service providers, so that clubs can achieve cost savings in many areas of their operations. In addition, clubs should have peace of mind and confidence in the fact that our Club Support preferred service providers are trusted and respected partners of

Stuart Fraser

Chief Executive Officer

STONECUTTERS FLICKS THE SWITCH TO SOLAR for the supply and installation of the solar power generation system. This is done in return for the supply of electricity back to the club over the life of the system, which is at a rate significantly lower than the retail cost of electricity.

Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club in Sydney’s North West has recently commissioned its solar power generating system, a move that will save the club thousands of dollars annually. The club engaged the services of GO energy, an industry leader in solar and retail energy solutions and corporate partner of Golf NSW, to provide and install the solar power infrastructure.

The club’s solar power generating panels have been installed on the club’s maintenance shed and have not in any way compromised the visual appearance of the club’s facilities.

Apart from significantly reducing the club’s electricity costs, the benefits to the environment is something the club is very proud of.

GO energy’s Chief Operating Officer, Neil Purser said, “We are proud to add Stonecutters Ridge to our portfolio of clients. Besides solar, we are also the retail electricity provider to the club, offering the best rates available, so they are getting cost savings from both our services. This is a prime example of what we set out to achieve when we came on board as a sponsor with Golf NSW.”

CEO of Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club said, “We are delighted with the professional job by GO energy’s installers and we are expecting around $6,000 in energy savings in year one, and increasing savings over time with the locked in pricing agreement. We have a strong belief that we need to be considering renewable energy where it makes economic sense, and we can now demonstrate our commitment to our community.”

Golf NSW Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Fraser, commented that “the terms and service offered by GO energy is a ‘no brainer’ for clubs. In the past the cost of the supply and installation of a solar system has been a real barrier for golf clubs, especially smaller regional clubs. With GO energy removing this barrier, there should be no reason why all golf clubs in NSW shouldn’t consider solar energy as a viable and environmentally friendly means to significantly reduce their electricity costs.” To further discuss how your club may benefit from the supply of solar energy please contact: Go energy Neil Purser – Chief Operating Officer E: neilp@goenergy.com.au M: 0448 058 648

There is no doubt that solar energy is an opportunity for many clubs to attain significant savings in electricity costs. At clubs where solar power generation is viable, GO energy provide the capital

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GOLF CLUBS Golf clubs in NSW currently have access to two grant programs offered by the State government.

Northbridge Golf Club received $60K grant for safety netting, support structures and associated works.

Through the Local Sport Grant Program funding is available for projects covering sport club development, community sport events, sport access and facility development and capital equipment. Each NSW electorate has been allocated $50,000 towards the grant program, with funding limits set dependent on the project category.

The Community Safety Fund has been established to assist in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour through infrastructure and service delivery projects. Funding is available for local organisations to develop new and targeted projects to help people feel safe and proud of their community. More information on these grant programs can be obtained by contacting the Golf NSW office on (02) 9505 9105.

OATLANDS TO HEAD OVER THE MOUNTAINS FOR BUDDY BENEFIT Plans are underway at Oberon Golf Club as it prepares for the arrival of its Big Buddy club, Oatlands Golf Club in January. Oatlands and Oberon were brought together through the Golf NSW Buddy Club program, an initiative of Golf New South Wales to promote the game and club facilities across both venues. The program was launched earlier this year with more than 120 clubs signing up to the program during the first round of offers. To date clubs have benefitted in many ways including the facilitation of strategic planning workshops, lending unused or under-utilised course and office equipment, and organised club visits from staff and executives. The two-day visit from Oatlands will include a delegation of executive staff including Club General Manager Barnaby Sumner, Director of Golf Operations, Steve Younan, Teaching Professional David Ecob and Head Chef Paul Molan.

During the visit Oatlands staff will not only pass on their knowledge of golf club management and operations, but they will also coordinate activities aimed at introducing new members and engaging current members within the Oberon Club and its community. The visiting delegation from Oatlands will help coordinate a range of activities including a “Super 6s” competition, golf clinics and a 9-hole Ambrose competition. There will also be a pop-up golf shop offering products that Oberon locals may not usually have regular access to. The new Oberon kitchen will be in operation and of course there will be plenty of time to share ideas and golf stories. Oatlands will also be donating dinnerware to be used in the newly renovated kitchen. “Oberon is the big winner out of this and we are truly grateful to be part of the initiative,” says Sean Mooney, Secretary of Oberon Golf Club. “The bonus to the

Oatlands team is a trip to our lovely town and golf club, and if they pick up one idea from us that’s a bonus.” Oatlands General Manager Barnaby Sumner regards the buddy club as a great opportunity for his team to mentor and help develop other clubs within the industry. “It looks like being a fun trip but we are also excited to be playing our part in developing our industry and assisting those clubs that perhaps aren’t as fortunate as our own in terms of resources and member numbers,” Mr Sumner says. Golf NSW is currently calling for expressions of interest from any affiliated club that missed out on nominating for the first round of offers. More information can be obtained by calling the Golf NSW office on (02) 9505 9105 or emailing Jon Shineberg at jon.shineberg@golfnsw.org.

BUDDY UP WITH YOUR LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOL The National Sporting Schools Program provides funding for schools to undertake sport in Primary Schools. Golf clubs should be actively encouraging a local primary school to apply for funding to undertake an introductory MyGolf skills program at the school. The program structure is flexible and provides for a transition session to be undertaken at the golf course. This will then become the feeder program for beginners at the club. Golf clubs can also register to become a MyGolf centre and take advantage of the opportunities of being part of the national junior program. Jack Newton Junior Golf will assist clubs with a school holiday gala day to encourage young students to take up the game. In order to develop the relationship with the school, the golf club can provide benefits to the school for undertaking an introductory program. Examples include subsidising a fundraising golf day for the

school or providing a venue for Parents and Friends Association meetings or Student Presentation Nights. The funding available through the Sporting Schools Program can be used for teacher and community instructor training, equipment kits, coaching and transport costs. The program can be administered and delivered by the club professional or a trained club community instructor.

The MyGolf website www.mygolf.org.au/mygolf-sportingschools provides information on the programs available and links directly to sporting schools and the PGA community instructor’s websites. Contact JNJG on (02) 9567 736 (www.jnjg.com.au/schools/sportingschools) and ask for the details of your nearest Territory Manager who will assist clubs in setting up the MyGolf and Sporting School programs.

CLUB SUPPORT - PREFERRED SERVICE PROVIDERS

Construction & Property Development Founded in 1914, Paynter Dixon is acknowledged as one of the country’s leading integrated property solutions providers. Australian owned and operated in offices in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Paynter Dixon has earned a reputation for delivering innovative and cost effective solutions in a variety of markets, including the hospitality, aged care, educational, industrial, commercial and other industries.

GOLF NSW LIMITED ABN 48 001 642 628

Contact: Lindsay Verdon – Head of Hospitality and Entertainment Venues

1a Duncan Street, Arncliffe NSW 2205

E: lindsay.verdon@paynterdixon.com.au, M: 0407428 526 W: www.paynterdixon.com.au

PO Box 195, Arncliffe NSW 2205 P 02 9505 9105 F 02 9505 9199

golfnsw.org Solar & Retail Energy Solutions Energy is a major expense in a club’s operation, and GO energy provide clubs with an opportunity to significantly reduce this cost through solar solutions. GO energy in many cases can deliver substantial cost savings to clubs with access to lowest industry pricing for traditional retail electricity supply. Contact: Neil Purser – Chief Operating Officer E: neilp@goenergy.com.au, M: 0448 058 648, W: www.goenergy.com.au

Legal Services Thomson Geer are leading corporate lawyers who have serviced golf and the general club industry for over 25 years. Their extensive knowledge and experience in registered clubs is unequalled in all areas of legal services. Contact: Brett Boon – Partner E: bboon@tglaw.com.au, M: 0414 808 265, W: www.tglaw.com.au

Course Machinery Jacobsen is one of the largest providers of professional grounds care equipment in the world with an extensive array of mowers, spraying equipment, aerators, utility vehicles, and specialty products and equipment. Contact: John Woodham – JT Turf Pty Ltd E: jw@jtturf.com.au, M: 0499 448 474, W: www.jtturf.com.au

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