The 2018 Maleny Golf Club Management Committee offers a blend of stability, experience and renewal with the election of a number of fresh new faces at the AGM including new Club Captain Doug Johnstone and incoming Treasurer Neil Stenhouse.

Doug takes over the captaincy from former Vice President and Club Captain Margaret Trigger while Neil fills the position of Treasurer vacated by another retiring committee member Darryl Harbottle.

Long-serving President Dr Max Whitten was re-elected unanimously and unopposed at the meeting held in the Maleny RSL Hall on the evening of Wednesday 27 September to lead the Club through yet another exciting year in its ongoing development.

Also re-elected unanimously and unopposed were the club’s new Vice President Liz Mellish and continuing Secretary Roly Nieper.

There were seven nominations for the five additional non-executive positions on the committee, resulting in the re-election via secret ballot of David Killeen and Tom Bertwistle and election of three new faces in Geoff Smith, Jillian Jones and Keith Shortus.

Liz Mellish is the club’s new Vice President

These new members bring fresh perspectives and a diverse range of skills to the committee gained during their careers in a range of professions encompassing banking, local government and business administration, engineering and education.

Dr Whitten thanked outgoing committee members Margaret Trigger, David Edmonds and Darryl Harbottle for their invaluable contribution to the club and also Tom Kennedy who was unsuccessful in his bid for election.

Golf Services Manager Richard Owen departing role

The meeting attended by about 40 members was advised by Dr Whitten that Golf Services Manager Richard Owen was standing down for personal reasons but had offered to continue in the role for an additional period of time until a new Golf Professional with club management credentials was recruited.

Dr Whitten thanked Richard for his efforts over the past two years in managing the golf shop and the volunteer roster and leveraging his public relations and journalistic talents to raise the golf club’s public profile considerably in the absence of any meaningful advertising budget.

Dr Whitten said another significant and exciting year in the club’s development lay ahead including construction of the club’s new maintenance facility and the last six holes to complete Stage 2 of the course.

Strong Financial Position
The 2016-17 accounts presented by David Killeen revealed that the club was in excellent financial shape with adequate funding pathways in place, including grants, to match the current course and facilities development schedules.

Liz Mellish also updated the meeting on plans afoot over coming weeks to obtain the necessary consents required for the club to apply for a temporary liquor permit and foster all-important fellowship at the clubhouse.

Golf Shop Volunteer Sub-committee chairman Tom Bertwistle (left) and President Max Whitten (right) applauded contributions from many volunteers. Secretary Roly Nieper centre.

New Clubhouse Development Sub-committee

A new Clubhouse Development sub-committee chaired by Liz is to be formed and volunteers are being sought to serve on this and all the other various sub-committees with responsibility for the course maintenance, competition golf, business development, finance, golf services and social events.

If you would like to become involved on any of the club subcommittees then please feel welcome to advise any of the Management Committee members.

Volunteer Contribution Applauded
Significant emphasis was placed during presentations by both Dr Whitten and Golf Shop Subcommittee Chairman Tom Bertwistle on the enormous volunteer contribution during the year toward maintenance of the course and equipment, construction of facilities, Golf Shop operations and catering.