Having trouble viewing the email and images? View the email online.
 

CLUB BULLETIN

Friday 3 April 2020

 

President's Message

Members of Port Macquarie Golf Club hold your heads up high as we have and continue to see the toughest conditions for many years.

We had the driest conditions for a very long time plus the trauma of the armed robbery, the bush fires followed by one of the wettest Februarys for many years then on top of that Covid-19 which saw our Clubhouse facilities closed on March 23rd followed by the remainder of our facilities closed on 30th March, the same day as we received the resignation letter from our C.E.O Daniel Constable.

As we all know the world is responding to a crisis that could not have ever been contemplated. The might of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and its effects are extraordinary. No one is immune from the virus itself or the broader impact it is having on our Australian way of life.

I am writing to you today, on behalf of all Board Members and staff and our CEO Daniel who will leave us in coming weeks, as he has advised to Members separately. We are seeking your support during this period and ask that you please give us some time. We are acutely aware that the way you enjoy your membership and the game of golf has been affected. In fact, the way we go about our daily lives have changed dramatically.

Whilst golf has not been completely suspended, due to the powers that be allowing us to reopen with strict conditions we can offer social play for members only on the basis of no motorised carts and only two people to a playing group, you will have received an email explaining the details of the social golf.

In times of great challenge, golf has given our membership an avenue of escape from the issues of their daily lives. It is what binds us as a golfing community. Golf has always contributed to the greater good of Port Macquarie and districts, Port Macquarie Golf Club has been part of that since 1910 and will be back again once this crisis has passed. We have faced obstacles in the past, in the late 1980s some 16 weeks went by without any play because of weather which saw parts of the course completely converted into lakes. These conditions have placed a huge financial burden on our club that will last for many years going forward, but not as long as it could have been due to the tireless and excellent work done by Daniel and his staff to implement the Government Stimulus strategies that allowed us to look after one of our greatest assets "Our Staff". Due to the work done by Daniel and staff they have put in place a strategy to retain as many of our staff as cost effectively possible and show compassion and thanks to our good and loyal staff.

Going forward is not going to be easy, so as we travel through these uncertain times the Board does, will and will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the members and we ask you all to make a promise to yourselves to give moral, mental, physical and financial commitment to the support of your club.

The Federal and NSW governments have implemented a stringent social distancing policy and a far reaching shut down of non-essential services. We fully support this action and we trust the community will follow the rules and guidelines as this is the only way we will bring the pandemic under control. These very necessary restrictions have obvious implications for significant areas of our operations. Our business model has been severely interrupted. We are not a large organisation and our sources of income being, golf, gaming, food and beverage has all stopped. We are hardly alone and the challenges we now face with solvency supporting our staff, members and stakeholders are in no way unique.

In this desperate situation we want to see each Port Macquarie Golf Club member maintain their membership in the months ahead. We cannot offer access to our club as a hospitality venue, we can however offer some limited golf on a social basis as outlined. We are monitoring updates and we are responding to the COVID-19 situation in line with Federal and State government directives, obviously the new Job keeper program will assist our cash flows as we try to retain staff for when this pandemic is over. We do not have all the answers and what we know today will almost certainly change tomorrow, but will keep you informed with specific information in the months ahead as it becomes available. Your Board of Directors is focused on mitigating risks and impacts and our course staff will continue to look after the course so that it will be ready for play once the virus is behind us. We will also have security on hand to monitor the integrity of the Course. We have stopped all non-essential work, but limited staff remains to support members as much as possible. They are on deck and available to assist you with any inquiries you might have. We ask you to work with us as proud and loyal members of our golf club. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and please know that when the day comes to reopen Port Macquarie Golf Club to full capacity, we will be ready.

The Port Macquarie Golf Club will endure. Its history will continue to be written and our traditions will prevail. This will pass, we will return and so will you.

When we come through this pandemic and we will, with your support we will be bigger, better and stronger if we all do our bit, such as after golf come in and have a drink and something to eat even if it is just a cup of coffee or beer with your playing partners.

Come to the club of an evening and enjoy a meal in the Dining room whilst taking part in the raffles or trivia, play some Keno or if you desire take some quiet time enjoying the facilities of your Club but most of all be at the Club and show your support.

Whatever it takes we as a Club will depend on each other going forward it will not be easy for anyone but we will come out of this a stronger club if we all work together to go forward on the other side of this current situation.

 

I KNOW WE CAN BE BIGGER, BETTER AND STRONGER WITH YOUR SUPPORT.

 

Yours in Golf

Bill MacDonald   



Port Macquarie Golf Club
portmacquariegolf.com.au
Ocean Drive Port Macquarie, NSW

P: (02) 6582 0409
E: admin@portmacquariegolf.com.au

 

facebook  twitter  instagram  youtube