RENOVATION UPDATE

The Committee recently toured the Clubhouse with Alchemy’s Project Manager Finnbar Kerr-Newell and Construction Manager Frank Lombardo to view the internal building works. The Committee was pleased with progress and noted Alchemy’s hard work in overcoming several challenges along the way (courtesy of a century-old building). Committee members were also delighted by the aspect, size and ‘feel’ of the rooms. The Links Room, now minus its internal pillars, is expansive. Its new bay windows to the north are in the same style as those in the Members’ Bar, providing a satisfying unity. The wider deck will be a very versatile asset. All Committee members were enthusiastic about the proportions and outlook of the Western Dining Room, which can operate as a stand-alone space or be incorporated into the Links Room for large functions.

Alchemy confirmed that the interior fit-out works are on track for a late-August hand-over to the Club. Approximately 50 tradespeople are currently engaged on-site to achieve this.

VIDEO UPDATE 

Click the play arrow or the link below to watch the latest video update from President Barbara Inglis and Project Steering Group Chair, Paul Klein.

quarterly finance report

As of 31 March, the Club’s financial position remained strong, with operating and net surplus figures, as well as cash balances, all exceeding forecast expectations. Revenue and cash flow performance continued to be robust, and the positive trend continued through April. The Club is set to commence its borrowing facility with Westpac later this month.

At the Committee’s May meeting, the Treasurer, Bronwyn Constance, will present the Finance, Audit and Risk Sub-committee’s recommendation for the annual member subscription 2025/2026 and the Club’s member entrance fee. The Committee’s decision will be communicated to members soon after. The annual subscription as per the membership category will appear on members’ end-May statements and is payable by 30 June 2025.

SALE OF 18 STEPHENS PARADE

The Club’s block of land at 18 Stephens Parade has been sold for $2.2 million. This was within the price band set by the Committee. The sale contract includes a 300 square metre set-back on the block’s northern boundary (abutting the ninth fairway) to protect the Club’s visual aspect and amenity. Settlement will take place in January 2026.

19th HOLE

The Course Superintendent, Craig Molloy, and his team continue their good work, with the course in excellent condition despite the lack of rain this autumn. The enhancements on the 4th and 13th holes have been well received by members.  

In line with the Club’s Strategic Plan 2023–2027, the Committee has approved the renewal of plans for a 19th hole. Consultation will now commence with the City of Greater Geelong and other appropriate stakeholders on the proposal. The Committee has also approved the development of the Club’s tender document for the course irrigation system upgrade, which is scheduled for 2027. The tender process will begin in the second half of this year. 

BHGC NAMING AND GIFT REGISTRATION POLICY

The Committee has approved a Naming and Gift Recognition Policy for the Club (link below).

This is the first time that a clear set of principles and procedures has been established to guide the Club’s naming of material items associated with its activities or within the Clubhouse or on the course – for example, the naming of perpetual trophies, or the criteria for the Club’s acceptance of material or financial donations where there is a donor expectation of recognition in some form. The launch of the Clubhouse Completion Fund in 2024 and, with it, the potential for naming opportunities for transformational gifts, further highlighted the need for a comprehensive policy in this area.  

The new policy governs the acceptance of gifts – in cash or kind – when there is a donor expectation of naming recognition either for him/herself or in memory of a current or past member of the Club as nominated by the donor.

The policy also outlines the process by which a BHGC member, a group of members or a third party can initiate a gift or naming proposal for the Committee’s consideration, as well as the process by which the Committee itself can offer or bestow a naming opportunity. Furthermore, the policy clarifies the responsibilities of both the donor and the Club in relation to the administration and maintenance of any material gift that has been given, or in the case of financial support to a specific project, the Club’s terms of acceptance and obligations associated with the gift.

BHGC VALUES STATEMENT

The Committee has approved a Values Statement for the Club (link below).

An organisation’s culture is often defined as “the way we do things here”. A Values Statement articulates an organisation’s fundamental principles, which underpin the “way” that it behaves and engages with its stakeholders and community.

To date our Club has not had a written statement of its core beliefs; however, it has become apparent that a statement is necessary so that everyone who is associated with BHGC – members, guests, staff, contractors, visitors and the wider community – understands the Club’s values and therefore the standards to which it holds itself accountable. The values that are outlined in the statement may seem conventional, but they are no less powerful. In developing the statement, the Committee discussed at length the Club’s history and traditions, and its enduring standards and ideals. The resulting Values Statement seeks to capture the principles that have mattered most to the Club since 1907. 

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PENNANT PLAYERS.

The Committee thanks the members of the six pennant teams that represented the Club in the South-West Golf Association’s pennant competition this year, and congratulates our Men’s Division 1 Pennant Team, Women’s Division 2 Pennant Team, and Women’s Sunday Pennant Team on their victories. It is 52 years since the Club last won the Men’s Division 1 flag; it is also the first time that the Club has won the Women’s Sunday Pennant competition – so both historic achievements. Well done to all!

Barbara Inglis

President