Welcome to Winter. While it looks like being a cold and rainy season, we are at least fortunate now to be able to travel to warmer places and visit family and friends.

For those staying in Yarrawonga Mulwala, our courses are as good as they’ve been. Thank you to all those new and returning visitors who enjoyed our courses at the recent May Tournament. It was another hugely successful event, with over 1000 competition rounds played in beautiful sunshine and a wonderful Tournament dinner and entertainment. I’m sure many are looking forward to the September Tournament, starting on September 12.

Following the May Tournament was our annual Men’s and Ladies Club Championships. With great numbers across both fields, my heartiest congratulations to all our winners and participants, with special mention to our local superstar Jayar Martin clocking up Championship win number 12 – simply an unbelievable effort.

I’m also incredibly proud of our A1 Weekend Bowls team, who chalked up their first-ever weekend pennant final win last month, and fellow members Claire Sanders, Laureen Smith and Anne Miles, who put us in the national spotlight with a gold medal in the Women’s Fours at the Australian Bowls Championships on the Gold Coast.

Thank you to all those who attended our recent General Meeting and the overwhelming support of the 89% that voted in support of increasing our annual subscription fees by $100 per year for the next two years. This decision will go a long way in ensuring we can continue to maintain first-class facilities and build on the excellence of our club for future success.

Our five-year Strategic Plan is well underway, with accommodation refurbishments, new maintenance facilities, and the long-awaited new cart shed progressing through the planning stages.

As I’m sure you know, chronic staff shortages have affected many hospitality businesses. I want to give a big shout-out to all our hard-working staff for their incredible efforts during this time. I’m sure all members appreciate the outstanding service they provide. Please recognise these efforts with a thank you and a smile – and make sure you inform management of those going the extra yard so we can thank, recognise and reward them.

To those travelling interstate or overseas this winter, please stay safe. For members staying in town, I hope you can enjoy some of the great entertainment coming up these next three months, including the Winter Ball: Gatsby Experience on June 18. Book now, and don’t miss out on a fantastic night.

Gil Cunningham
President