Over the past week or so we invited all members to participate in a short survey. The purpose was to ensure the board of management 'was on track' in its initial design to optimise our club house facilities. The response from this survey was fantastic and very well received. We received an overwhelming response from members (1 in 4 members responded).

It was very clear that a significant majority of members wanted improvements to be considered for our clubhouse. The highest responses to the questions were:

Q1 For our existing clubhouse, what do you see as the key strengths or specifics that you want us to retain?

• Outdoor alfresco area
• good views of the course
• The history with the trophies, boards, photos, etc, and the outdoor bar

 

Q2 For our existing clubhouse, what are the key area(s) or facility that you would like us to apply the biggest improvement?

• Outdoor casual dining & bar area overlooking the golf course
• Ambience and better views
• Member's visibility of the golf course from hospitality area
• The main bar is in the wrong position should be overlooking our course, perhaps somewhere near the handicap room 
• More central bar/ More viewing of golf course/ Honour boards and award areas on show/ history of club on display
• A members' bar that takes advantage of views over the course. Better separation of members from events attendees (e.g. Saturday PM often we are closed off in the corner). A restaurant/facility that can be open to the public independent of golf activities.

 

Q3 On a scale of 1 (most important) to 8 (least important), please rate your order of preference for key areas in the clubhouse that you would like the biggest improvement. The result.

1. (5.9) Overall dining facilities (for members and guests)
2. (5.65) Better outdoor dining facility
3. (5.1) Toilet facilities
4. (4.63) Dedicated area for functions/public functions that doesn't interrupt members area
5. (4.55) Member only facilities - dining specific for golfers/members
6. (3.97) Members only parking area
7. (3.21) Members only facilities - lockers
8. (3.16) More buggy storage spaces

 

Last week we had two meetings with the City of Gosnells. Our General Manager, Fiza and I met with the Director of Infrastructure to build on the strong relationship we have with the Council. We are collaborating with the Council and experts from the golf industry to ensure our driving range remains safe and we can continue its operation, long term, in a safe way for all stakeholders. The meeting included discussions to renew our current lease.

Also last week, Fiza and Board member Charlotte Hall met with the City of Gosnells. They met with the Council's communities and grants department seeking a pathway to get government assistance with all aspects of our plans, from development approval to grants and funding.   

Where to from here?

I will meet with our design team this week to ensure all aspects of the survey results are considered in the current plans. Concept plans should be available by the end of the week. On behalf of the board, I will then invite our Life Members for a first viewing. 

It is my intention to post online late next week to all members some of the perspective views of the proposed plans and have printed versions on display by closing day which is Saturday 19 November 2022.

I wish to be very clear that this phase is to design and consider the "potential" of our facilities. In fact, these proposed plans by no means can be considered the final plans. Moving from potential to planning, to member approval, getting development approval, funding/grants from government, then building and construction, to having a finished product could be very far away. None the less, I, with the full board of management have every intention to maximise the potential of our great golf club.

I very much look forward to sharing with you all "the future of our club".