Golf resort’s profits swing higher

The club’s chief executive officer Peter Savy was pleased with the financial year’s results with nearly $20 million in total revenue.

“Total revenue reached $19,265,729 representing a 10.94 per cent increase on the previous year, despite expenses rising by 10.97 per cent,” Mr Savy told the 183 attendees at the Annual General Meeting held on Sunday, October 26.

“Despite facing challenges with uncontrollable increases in operating expenses, we achieved encouraging growth across several key areas.”

•Bar revenue up by $257,285 (8.56%)

•Catering revenue up by $350,116 (10.06%)

•Accommodation revenue up by $433,111 (15.3%)

•Gaming revenue up by $458,294 (12.98%)

Mr Savy also said that more than $1.64 million was invested in capital works during 2024/25. The projects included:

•Full refurbishment of 11 Grevillea Unit rooms

•Entrance foyer refurbishment

•Back-of-house bistro kitchen renovations

•Installation of two 5,000L grease traps to meet Federation Council requirements

•Installation of a new golf simulator

•New LED signage on Gulai Road

•Development of an additional 19th hole

•Ongoing course upgrades

“Our building committee has been working closely with the Robert Luxmoore Group to finalise plans for the new maintenance facility sheds and compound. These plans have now been submitted to Federation Council for development approval.”

He added that four council planning staff visited the club last Friday for on-site inspections and were suitably impressed with the plans.

Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort President Andrew Shell said that while the industry faces challenges in hospitality and tourism, the club remains in a stable position.

“We remain on a sound financial footing, allowing us to plan for future improvements with confidence. However costs continue to increase at a rapid rate particularly insurance, power and wages,” the president said.

The bunker upgrade programme of the 18-hole Lake Course of Australia’s largest public access (46 holes) course and the concrete path installation on the 9-hole Executive Course have now been completed.

Mr Shell said the club has also continued to strengthen its hospitality offering.

“The clubhouse facilities, dining and entertainment have been well-patronised, contributing strongly to overall member satisfaction and financial stability,” he said.

“Our events, particularly weddings, have doubled in the past few years. Accommodation figures continue to grow with 100 per cent occupancy on most weekends, and gaming is also up on the previous year.

“Membership remains strong, with positive retention and new member interest.

“The club has also continued to support our local community, through charity golf days, and by providing a venue for social and sporting gatherings.

“This community focus is a proud tradition that we will continue to uphold.” Some 40 local organisations benefitted from YMGCR donations worth a combined total of $101,574.

New vice president and directors

Following the resignation of vice-president Jason Williams, director Peter Crothers beat club member Tony Rice for the vacancy.

“Jason has been a fantastic member of our club for many, many years, a director for three years and vice-president for the last 12 month – he’s been great support to me. He’s had a lot of achievements – all the water we got in recent times through the government was all due to Jason’s work,” Mr Shell said.

Director Andrew Watson was up for re-election and with the elevation of Mr Crothers, there were two vacancies for which four persons applied. Retired Warrant Officer Class 1 with the Australian Army Mick Spring returns to the board. Retired registered nurse and 11-time lady club champion Judy Langford was elected. Missing out were Mr Watson and bowls president Kerry Kinnane. Mr Shell thanked Mr Watson for his “fantastic service”.

All resolutions passed

All eight board resolutions were endorsed by members during the 70-minute meeting.

Key resolutions included:

•Granting two new life memberships, bringing the total to 31

•Reducing the quorum for general meetings from 100 to 75 eligible members

The board said the change “strikes a fair balance between maintaining broad member representation and ensuring the club’s business can be conducted in a timely and effective manner.”

The club’s constitution was also amended to define “Ordinary Member” to include “Six-Day Members” (after “Full Members”). Six-day members will now enjoy the same rights as full members (except for playing rights) including eligibility to stand for election and vote on constitutional amendments.

Course improvements praised

Before the meeting, nine holers captain John Mason described the concrete paths on the Executive Course as “the best thing since sliced bread”.

“They’ve improved the course and the access to tees and greens, a great step forward for carts, also for pedestrians,” he told the Yarrawonga Chronicle.

Remembering Life Members

In their reports last Sunday, both president and CEO paid tribute to two Life Members.

Mr Shell called for a minute’s silence in respect of former club professional and Pro Shop manager Phillip Droop who passed away in March 2025 at age 79 and Bill Monahan who passed away in June 2025 at age 99.

“Having served this great club for 37 years, I always valued the opportunity to catch up with these gentlemen and share conversations about the club’s progress over the years,” Mr Savy said.