The $50 increase will apply to full, intermediate and country members. A $20 increase will apply for bowls, croquet and staff sports members.
The maximum increase is $50. If a member plays golf and bowls, or is a full club member, the most he or she will pay will be an extra $50.
At the club’s General Meeting last Thursday evening, at least 50% + 1 of the members who voted were required to vote in favour of the Ordinary Resolution for it to be passed.
The subject of subscriptions was the sole item on the agenda and attracted a big crowd, with 246 members in attendance and 240 voting.
In favour of the Board of Directors’ recommendation to increase the subscriptions by $50 and $20 were 153; against were 87. The 153 equated to an emphatic 64% favourable vote.
Year 2020’s subscriptions will be subject only to the CPI increase. Club president Gil Cunningham emphasized the point and it was stated accordingly on the white board used in explaining the resolution.
Apart from CPI increases, this year will be the first increase in subscriptions since 2010. From 2004 to 2010, the fees increased $22 plus GST a year for five years with overall fees going up from $100 to $200. Since 2010, the modest increases of CPI only, have taken the base fee to about $250.
Nevertheless, the subject attracted nearly an hour’s debate before the strong vote in favour of the board recommendation.
In welcoming the overflowing Willow Room into the Grand View Room crowd, Mr Cunningham said: “I’m chuffed that so many people are here tonight who love their club.”
Before the vote, he said Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort has the lowest fees of courses along the Murray River and the $50 increase would be $85 lower than the next cheapest club.
“I want it to stay the cheapest but we’re a far bit from the next and expenses are going up year in year out,” Mr Cunningham said.
In also welcoming the $50 and $20 increases, the president said the increases represent about $80,000 a year to meet the ever increasing cost of electricity, golf course maintenance and legislated wage increases, especially following a $640,000 operating loss for 2017/18.
“It will help to meet a challenging position,” Mr Cunningham said. “We’re in a period of consolidation for three years. For example, only essential capital expenditure will be carried out.
“I don’t want the integrity of the golf course come into question. The subscription increases will merely get us a bit closer to where we should be.”
The president expressed the club’s appreciation to acting Chief Executive Officer Peter Savy, assisted by finance manager Sam Macheda over the past four to five months prior to the appointment of new CEO Greg Ferguson who commence duty on Monday.
In conclusion, Mr Cunningham thanked attendees for “caring about the club” and said the board does, and will continue to consider all matters raised by members.
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