FoVGC focus
Engagement with SGBCC via the VGC Working Group
GoFundMe & Legal advice
Members’ Statement for AGM
Voting – two Vice Presidents (prior to AGM)
Golf NSW
Good news for Golfers
Closing the club and course on 26th August has had a variety of impacts, including:
Loss of community amenity – restaurant and bar, pokies, trivia and poker night, music venue (e.g. open mic & Irish music group), meeting space that was used by community groups;
Curtailment of Men’s, Women’s and Vets golf programmes and championships;
Loss of all Vincentia golf activities, just after paying the annual golf subscription;
Cancellation of memorial days for past members; and
Loss of activity and social connection for many.
This is heartbreaking for many community and club members, particularly as the closure was total and abrupt.
FoVGC focus
FoVGC currently has two focus points:
1. To see the Club and course re-opened; and
2. To stop any breaking up or selling of VGC.
Engagement with SGBCC via the VGC Working Group
FoVGC fully supports engagement with the Country Club to seek a win-win outcome. The Vincentia Golf Club (VGC) Working Group that was formed in August is engaging with CC Management and the Board to find a way forward to re-open the Club and course. This group has representatives from FoVGC, golf sub-clubs, residents, Vincentia Ratepayers & Residents Association (VRRA), and Vincentia Matters (VM). VRRA, as the Shoalhaven Council’s Community Consultative Body, is leading this group.
For those interested in visibility of the Working Group’s activities:
6 members met with the Board, CEO and Assistant Manager on 4th September.
The CEO and Board raised the prospect of another vote for an altered Oakstand development (“V2”), with some identified changes such as an enlarged clubhouse on core land, and reduction in number of dwellings.
The Working Group was challenged to go back to our communities and determine what would be required to get that vote over the line.
The Board refused suggestions to re-open the golf course until such time as a revised Vote is successful, and re-opening the Clubhouse was not discussed.
The Working Group tabled FoVGC’s Alternate Scenarios document, as an option to consider to move forward. (Available on our website & FB page.)
On the 16th of September, the CEO advised that the Board expects a concept to be developed that focuses on the long-term outcomes for the Club and golf course, and that the date of the 1st of December allows ample time for that proposal to be prepared and pitched to the Board.
We are awaiting clarification on 2 points from that email.
The Working Group is meeting weekly, ready to discuss ways ahead. Currently awaiting advice from the Board Meeting held 26th September on whether de-amalgamation and an alternate plan are options on the table.
·Meanwhile, CC Management has advised that the FoVGC’s Alternate Scenarios document is unsubstantiated without a business case. The Working Group is keen to expand on this, especially because any option forward could keep the Clubhouse open with improved profitability in the short term, while longer term plans are carried out.
GoFundMe & Legal advice
Meanwhile, as a backup to constructive engagement, a Go Fund Me campaign was commenced to raise funds for legal advice on FoVGC’s two focus points. The community’s response to this campaign has been amazing. A legal firm has been engaged and briefed. When we receive the initial advice, we’ll have an idea of the costs associated with any actions.
Members’ Statement for AGM
A new Members’ Statement was drafted for presentation at the AGM on 13th October, stating that the closure of VGC is not in members’ interests, and calling for re-opening of the Club. 220 signatures were collected in 24hours. Unfortunately, the CC issued the notice for the AGM earlier than usual, so the Members’ Statement did not get included in the Notice of Meeting. It would have cost $5,700 to have it distributed to members, and FoVGC declined to proceed. We will continue to seek signatures leading up the the AGM.
Voting – Two Vice Presidents (prior to AGM)
Note that in the week leading up to the Annual General Meeting (Sat 5th – Sat 12th October), you can vote for 2 Board Directors. The two Vice-Presidents are up for re-election as their 3-year terms expire. As well as the incumbents, there is a current Director who is applying for a VP role, and there are two new faces.
Golf NSW
Golf NSW’s Government Liaison Officer travelled from Sydney and met with the Club’s CEO on 17th September. Golf NSW is constrained by their regulatory systems and the CC is their client, so discussions are confidential. Apparently, the CEO advised that a pathway forward is being developed.
Good news for Golfers
And now for some good news: Vincentia golfers are invited to play at Callala Golf Course!! VGC and Callala have collaborated on a plan to play golf (at a discount) that benefits both Clubs.
Vincentia’s women are welcome to join Callala’s Women’s comp on Wednesdays.
Vincentia’s Vets can either continue the Vincentia Vets programme at Callala on Thursdays, or can join Callala’s Vets comp on Tuesdays, or indeed do both!
Vincentia men and women are invited to join Callala’s Saturday mixed competitions.
Callala offers a special membership until 31st January 2025 for reduced cart hire & social golf fee.
More information available from your Golf Sub-club Captains.
Finally, for all our golfers, members, and community, we hope you stay connected.
If you have suggestions or queries or just want to reach out, please don’t hesitate to contact us via FoVGC’s:
Website https://www.fovgc.net/
Email VGCfriends@outlook.com
or via people you know. There have been terrific suggestions and offers of help, please let us know if we have not responded to you.
Download a copy of this FoVGC Monthly Summary - September 2024 and feel free to share it with family, friends and neighbours.
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