At the Annual General Meeting on Sunday 27 October, Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort recognised two long-serving members for their exceptional service and commitment. Judy Kruger and Vin Slattery were each awarded Life Membership, acknowledging decades of dedication to the Club and to the Yarrawonga Mulwala community.

Judy Kruger, nominated by Karen Droop and Sharyn Wilson, has been a member since 1985 and has played a major role in shaping the women’s golf program over the past four decades. She has served as Women’s Captain and Vice-Captain, Club Vice-Captain and Board Member, and was instrumental in the introduction of the R&A’s Women in Golf Charter and the Australian Junior Girls Scholarship Foundation, helping to increase participation and support for young female golfers.

A decorated player in her own right, Judy is a nine-time Women’s Club Champion, three-time North East Champion of Champions, five-time Victorian Senior State Champion, two-time Victorian Open Sandgreen Champion, and has been Runner-Up at the Australian Seniors Championship.

In her acceptance speech, Judy described the honour as “extremely humbling” and expressed deep appreciation to those who nominated and supported her. “This Club has been my world for 40 years – and will continue to be,” she said. “Whatever I’ve done here, it’s always been with total commitment to a Club that means the world to me.”

Judy also acknowledged the support of her husband, Bob, noting that his encouragement had been vital throughout her journey. “His astuteness and love I couldn’t have done without,” she said. “His own passion shines through in Dad’s Army, and I’m sure future generations of golfers will benefit from his knowledge.”

Nominated by Andrew Shell and Stephen Buckley, Vin has been a member of the Club since 1960, marking an extraordinary 65 consecutive years as a financial member. During that time, he has served as Club Captain, Vice-Captain and Board Member, contributing eight years to the Club’s leadership. He was instrumental in introducing cart paths on the Lake and Executive Courses, appointing Chris Burgess as Head Superintendent, and leading the rebranding from Yarrawonga & Border Golf Club to Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort. He also oversaw the installation of the Club’s fire detection system prior to legislative requirements being introduced.

Vin first represented the Club in Pennant at the age of 17 and has remained a passionate advocate for golf and the broader community ever since. His contribution beyond the course has been widely recognised – he received the Australian Sports Medal in 2000 for his service to sport, was named Mulwala Citizen of the Year in 2013, and served as Captain of Mulwala Fire & Rescue NSW for 38 years. He is also a Life Member of the Mulwala Football Netball Club.

Reflecting on his long involvement, Vin shared how his connection with the Club began as a teenager. “I used to ride my bike up to the corner and hop over the fence for a hit with some old hickory sticks that belonged to my brother,” he said. “One day the Club Champion, Alan Zotti, came along and played a hole with me – I birdied it, my first ever birdie. That’s what made me go home, do some work, save up and pay my membership. I’ve been member number 503 ever since.”

Both recipients received warm applause from fellow members at the AGM, with their Life Memberships recognising a lifetime of valuable contribution and leadership to Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort.