Nick Moraitis golf life member

“Nick became a member some 35 years ago in 1987 before he and his beautiful wife Glenda moved permanently here in 1996. In 1998 Pascoe Ellis asked him to consider standing for the board, Nick put his hand up and was duly elected,” Peter said.

“This began a long journey of service to our club initially as a director. Nick agreed to become vice-president working side by side with Stuart Spinks (2017 Life Member). Together these two gentlemen led the club through a particularly tumultuous time in its history.”

In his role as vice-president and chairman of the club’s house committee for eight years, Peter said, Nick had considerable input into the approval and construction of the following projects: including a new club air conditioning system, the beautiful Acacia Units, the Focus Gym building, the Lake and Executive Courses Irrigation Systems.

“This is an indication of Nick’s ability to get things done,” Peter said. “Following Stuart’s retirement in 2011, Nick took the reins and served as president for a five-year period during which time more significant improvements to our facility were made to the benefit of members, visitors and the wider Yarrawonga/Mulwala community.

In referencing just a few, the construction of our Gold Class cinema complex has proven to be a very valuable asset for our club and our towns, and equally, the golf course machinery leasing arrangement entered into with Toro provided our groundstaff with world’s best equipment which has clearly led to a vast improvement in the presentation of our golf courses.

“Nick’s support and overseeing of these important projects was pivotal to their success.”

Nick’s contribution outside of his board commitments, were equally impressive according to the Life Member nominator.

“Quite a few years ago when Bob Castles expressed interest in resurrecting our Junior Pennant team, Nick was among the first to put his hand up to assist by driving the bus and caddying, making sure that our young golfers got the opportunity to meet and compete with other juniors in the North East district,” Peter said. “This commitment continued for six years.

“In 2013, a Mum’s and Dad’s Army volunteer group was established and once again Nick was front and centre. Nick’s support of this program not only got it off the ground, but immediately following his retirement from the presidency in 2016, he rolled up his sleeves and became an invaluable member of this wonderful group. His voluntary contribution for the benefit of our club continues to this day.”

Responding to the Life Membership nomination and acceptance by all 117 members last Sunday, Mr Moraitis said joining the board in 1998 was the start of his commitment to serve our club. “I found that the board members were all hands-on and it was not just one meeting a month. When I joined the board we had 14 board members.

“The NSW government ruled that the maximum number of directors for a club would be nine. We undertook a gradual transition, but the workload never decreased (then or now). I tip my hat to our current and future board members – it’s a rewarding undertaking – but it isn’t easy.

“The progress of our club over the many years has been remarkable. I had the pleasure of working with three CEOs. Each had his own style, and I believe, each made a positive impact and left the club in a stronger position.”

It wasn’t all smooth sailing on the board, Mr Moraitis said. “There were certainly challenges - and some robust discussions, both in and out of the boardroom, but we all worked for the good of the club. It’s that passion and dedication that board members bring to the table that I believe makes a great club – I’m very proud to have played my part.

“I would not have been able to serve over all these years without the support of my late wife Glenda and I am thankful I had her in my corner. It has been a privilege and an honour to serve our club as a director and president.”