GOLF VICTORIA PROPOSED DISTRICT AMALGAMATIONS NOT TO PROCEED IN CURRENT FORMAT:

Recently GV forwarded a proposal that would have seen 15 country districts amalgamate into 6. Under the plan, East, West & South Gippsland was to merge to become one ‘Gippsland District’

GEG Executive had many concerns over the proposal, not least the lack of consultation and the lack of time that was given for us to canvas all GEG Clubs for their view prior to this being determined at the GV AGM on the 11th November.

All GEG clubs were spoken to by a member of the GEG Executive and information forwarded to clubs so that they could make an informed decision on the future of our District. All 16 clubs responded that GEG was to reject the merger proposal.

As you could imagine, the majority of other Country Districts were also disturbed by the lack of consultation and the impact this would have of their Districts and Country Golf in particular.

A meeting of Country Districts was held and an amended resolution was put forwarded from GV. The unanimous decision from the Country Districts was to reject the new resolution as it did not allay the concerns held. A motion was then put forward by Golf Central (Bendigo):

"That Golf Victoria, in consultation with impacted parties, conduct a review and investigation into the current Victorian Golf League and District boundaries, structures and club alignments, and if such a review proposes changes agreeable to the parties that subsequent amendments to the Golf Victoria Constitution and other necessary actions to enable the changes be undertaken".

This new motion was accepted by the majority of the Country Districts and subsequently presented to the GV Board.

Today we were advised that this new motion was accepted by the GV Board and as such there will be no vote at the coming GV AGM

The GEG Executive are aware that some Country Districts are struggling and we accept that a review could achieve benefits across the board. We now hope that with proper consultation with all 15 Country Districts and Golf Victoria, a resolution can be achieved that will satisfy and benefit all parties.

2024 Women’s Country Week Team has been announced.

Playing in Division 2, our team will play at Clifton Springs, Curlewis and The Sands Golf Clubs, from the 30th September to the 2nd October.

Congratulations to

Joanne Ballinger Sale GC

Robyn Walker Newry GC

Sue Wood Bairnsdale GC

Christine Fisher Bairnsdale GC

Nadine Martin Bairnsdale GC

Fiona Grey Bairnsdale GC

Lucy Haussegger South Pines GC

Tania Holmes South Pines GC

Celia Wallace South Pines GC

Orbost GC was the host of the 2024 Golf East Gippsland Men’s Championship on Sunday, 1st September. Huge thank you to Orbost for hosting the event. Despite the very gusty conditions, the day was a great success, with Dale Reynolds (Maffra GC) defeating Blake Robinson (Orbost GC) after a playoff hole was required.

Results:

GEG Champion: Dale Reynolds (Maffra GC) 115

A grade Runner Up: Blake Robinson (Orbost GC) 115

A grade 18 nett: Alf Jessup (Newry GC) 74

A grade 9 nett: Luke Endley (Orbost GC) 37 c/b

B grade Champion: Steve Robinson (Orbost GC) 123

B grade Runner Up: Merv Lowing (Orbost GC) 133

B grade 18 nett Jacob Farley (Orbost GC) 75

B grade 9 nett: Peter Nicholas (Orbost GC) 35.5

Overall 27 nett: Steve Robinson (Orbost GC) 105 nett (Fred Morecroft Trophy)

Seniors 27 gross: Alf Jessup (Newry GC) 120

Junior Champion: Blake Robinson (Orbost GC) 115 - H.H. Fox Trophy

NTP’s - 2nd: Peter Nicholas, 8th Steve Robinson, 10th Barry Brand, 12th Alf Jessup

GEG Men will play in Plate Section (Division 2) from the 30th September to the 2nd October.

Courses played will be Clifton Springs, Curlewis and The Sands as South West District host the event.

2024 team:

Noah Patterson - Bairnsdale GC

Kody McCormick - Bairnsdale GC

Ashley Bayliss - Bairnsdale GC

Cooper Rimington - Maffra GC

Alf Jessup - Newry GC

John Simic - Sale GC

Carl Turner - Sale GC

Stuart Yeates - Lakes Entrance GC

Congratulations to all those players selected.

LEGC is holding a qualifying round for the Victorian 4BBB Championship.

Qualifying round will be held in conjunction with the first day of the LEGC Spring Tournament, Wednesday, 16th October.

If you wish to enter the 4BBB Championship, please register by contacting Lakes Entrance Golf Club on (03) 5155 2832

See the link to access details on the GolfVic 4BBB Qualifier, conditions of entry, cost and finals venues

Are you wanting to get into Golf?🙋‍♀️

South Pines GC is offering a free golf clinic for women/girls that is suitable for beginners, new players or previous golfers that wish to reconnect with the game.

A 6 week instructional series will commence on Sunday 13th October from 1pm. Clinics are two hours in duration. Clubs can will be supplied, but if you have your own, please bring them. All other equipment is supplied 🤩 You must registered your interest with Wayne Thomas, who is a well renowned PGA instructor. There are limited spaces and preference will be given to those who can commit to the full 6 week program.

WAIT THERE’S MORE:

Not only is there the 6 week program, attendees will be afforded the opportunity to practice their new skills with FREE access to the South Pines Golf Club over the summer period. 😍 You can play to your hearts content while enjoying all golf has to offer.🏌️‍♀️

NOW THE STEAK KNIVES:

Not only do you get the 6 week clinic & free golf over summer you also get: 4 more clinics commencing 9th February just to polish up on that game. So register your interest now and let’s see you on the course.

SEE VIEW DETAILS TAB FOR INFORMATION AND CONTACT DETAILS

57th National Left Handed Golf Championships will be held on the Bellarine Peninsula from the 10th -15th November.

The event is held over 72 holes and will be played on the Lonsdale Links and Queenscliffe Golf Clubs.

Open to both Men and Women there are a number of events including the National Championship.

Travelling with a Righty? The event has a dedicated Right handed section for those who persist on standing on the wrong side of the ball

Full cost is only $380 that includes 4 rounds of golf, welcome function, presentation dinner and registration pack

See download for entry form and information about the event

Further information can be obtained by contacting Brian Lynch on 0419 110 794 or brian.lynch@bigpond.com

The Australian Tax Department requires not-for-profit (NFP) organisations, including sports clubs, to regularly self-review their tax status to ensure compliance with taxation laws and maintain their tax concessions.

What’s Required

On 11 May 2021, the Australian Government announced changes to the administration of NFP entities that self-assess as income tax exempt. This was announced as part of the 2021–22 Federal Budget. The changes require non-charitable NFPs with an active Australian business number (ABN) to lodge an annual NFP self-review return to self-assess their eligibility for income tax exemption.

The annual reporting requirement came into effect from 1 July 2023 and is designed to enhance transparency and integrity in the system, by ensuring only eligible NFPs access income tax exemption.

Further details available: https://www.golf.org.au/not-for-profit-self-review

It has come to notice that some clubs are receiving Land Tax Invoices from the State Government. Not for profit, sporting clubs, are exempt from Land Tax. Should your club receive a Land Tax Invoice, where it has previously not, it is recommended you contact your club Accountant to query the invoice.

Finals were played at the Lakes Entrance Golf Club on a beautiful autumn day.

2024 Division 1 - Sale defeated Bairnsdale 3/2

Division 2 - Orbost defeated Sale 3/2 - Orbost to be promoted to Div 1 in 2025.

Division 3 EAST - Lakes Entrance defeated South Pines 4/1

Division 3 WEST - Yarram defeated Maffra 3/2 with the deciding match going to the 21st hole.

GEG is offering grants up to $2,000 to increase participation of juniors or women at clubs.

The program is to attract new golfers or encourage previous golfers to return to the sport.

Applications to be received by the 4th June, 2024. Criteria is under the view details tab.

2024 Pennant draw has been released.

There are 5 teams in Div 1 with Bairnsdale being promoted from Div 2 and South Pines relegated.

Div 2 has 6 teams

Div 3 West has 5 teams

Div 3 East has 6 teams.

Any changes to teams must by conveyed immediately to GEG Men’s Captain, Neill Tacey.

ALL RESULTS TO BE FORWARDED TO NEILL TACEY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AT THE END OF THE DAYS COMPETITION SO RESULTS CAN BE PUBLISHED

See Pennant tab for draw, venues, rules and result sheets.