The President’s Report
This is my first report as the Club’s 23rd President.
I have found it rewarding yet challenging as the
Board grapples with an industry which is clearly fast
approaching the crossroads, especially for private
golf clubs. We are determined to ensure that Green
Acres has the strategies and resources in place to
weather the uncertainties and issues facing golf this
decade.
THE YEAR THAT WAS
The Board and Sub-Committees
John Spicer retired as President in November 2013
after 10 years of dedicated and selfless service
to our Club. This report presents me with another
opportunity to thank him and his wife Kim for their
outstanding contribution to all facets of Club life,
but in particular his role and direct involvement
with the Clubhouse rebuild, fit out and opening;
appointment of our new General Manager; and
overall Club profitability. There is no doubt history will
show the Club’s indebtedness to John’s leadership.
Captain, Brian Wasley was a tower of strength to
John and I in all matters pertaining to golf and course
and we will miss his energy and 24/7 commitment
and involvement. Brian is not seeking re-election
after five years on the Board and three years as
Captain. Brian’s role was made less burdensome
due to the untiring efforts of Course Superintendent,
Mat Poultney and his very dedicated staff who
combined with members of the Course SubCommittee, spent time and much effort in ensuring
members enjoyed their course year round. Indeed
the Club received wide communication on the
presentation of the course with high praise for the
greens and fairways through the Spring, Summer
and Autumn months. On behalf of the Board
and members I offer a warm vote of thanks and
appreciation to Brian for your humour and good
natured approach to all matters. Your successor has
big shoes to fill.
6
Throughout the year, the Board created and
endorsed a 2014-2018 Strategic Plan which will
guide and assist the Board as it tackles future
projects. The Plan itself includes a number of
performance indicators that will help the Board
assess its performance. Further details on the
Strategic Plan, and progress made to date, can be
found separately in this Annual Report.
The Board met seven times in the eight months ended
31 March 2014 and worked most harmoniously. We
welcomed Ken Parry as Vice President, and Ray
King and Josee Weel as Directors. I thank them
and their colleagues, James Bayly, Anne Nelson
and Leon Daphne for the time and effort they put
into discharging their duties on behalf of members.
Additionally I pay tribute to Treasurer, Michael Read
for the many ‘behind the scene’ hours he put into
what is a most vital role; we are a very fortunate
Club to have Michael looking after our financial
affairs. James Bayly and Leon Daphne are not
seeking re-election and their wise counsel and
involvement over a range of projects will be hard to
replace. James spent seven years on the Board and
devoted much time and energy to senior and junior
pennant activities and was also heavily involved in
the development of the Clubhouse financial model.
Leon chaired the History Sub-Committee, assisted in
the induction process of new members and acted
as starter at certain major events.
The Ladies Sub-Committee presided over by Jocelyn
Stone with support from Lady Captain Robyn Judd,
other office bearers and committee again played a
significant role in the happy and successful golfing
times experienced by our women members.
Financial Performance
Financially the Club experienced a good year
recording a net profit of $392k for the eight months
ended 31 March 2014. The result was better than
budget and currently puts us in a financial position
that is superior to the Clubhouse Model presented
to members before the construction of the new
Clubhouse. The Club has benefitted from low
interest rates and solid catering income arising from
regular Clubhouse activities. Membership income